Hey all, looking at building a new steel or Ti gravel bike, and most of the options are frame only (or frame plus heavy steel fork), and I'll want a carbon fork. I plan to use this bike on the road a bit as well, and I have loved Enve forks in the past, so I do want to stick with carbon. I like lightweight, and I like ride quality, and am not much concerned with stiffness. I have ridden steel, carbon, suspension (on mtb), QR, TA, straight, tapered, and NEVER noticed a stiffness difference. I think I nay in fact prefer a little give.
So, anyone have any input? I know that Ritchey has billed themselves as the "ride quality" company, which has me interested in their options. I know on the new Outback (which is an option and has a fork) they spec'd a straight steerer, and their normal disc fork comes tapered or straight, so that is a nice option. The Carver Ti Gravel has a 44mm headtube, and I could run that either way.
I have ridden Enve road forks and liked them, but they are the most expensive (by $43... not much), but have never ridden Ritchey or Whiskey.
Take a look at the Soma cross fork. I have 2 of them on 2 gravel bikes and they work real well for 299 option. Somafab.com is the website. 1-1/8 only and I dont think they are available in taper version.
I've been using the TRP disc fork (TA) for the past couple of years and I quite like it. The frame came with a Columbus Mud Disc fork (QR) and I noticed a difference in stiffness and ride quality right away. It's a really nicely made fork and when descending across washboards, it feels surprisingly stable.
One thing to consider (you may already know this, sorry if so) - make sure the fork offset and axel to crown measurements are compatible with the frame's geometry. They can vary among manufacturers and a few mm can impact the feel of the bike. I wasn't aware the offset of the TRP was 2mm more than the Columbus. I was actually a bit disappointed in the handling of the bike with the original fork (it felt slow to turn to me), but the new fork made the handling a bit better for me... Essentially, more offset reduces the "trail" making the steering more "race-like". (this link may be helpful: http://www.bikeraceinfo.com/tech/trail.html) Also, if the axel to crown is increased, the head tube angle will be reduced and make the handling more "stable"... With that said, it is probably best to try to match the recommended fork specs for the frame. But the above link will at least give you some idea of what a change in offset will do. (As an aside, I still have the Columbus fork collecting dust in the shed. Feel free to PM me if you're interested after you figure out which frame you're getting.)
Thanks for the replies all, the forks on my list all have the same (or within a couple mm) A-C and all are 45mm rake, so I should be find on that end. All will also clear 45c tires in 700C.
