John DiTomasso

Robert



Last year I updated both of my road bikes with carbon forks.

The first one is a Columbus sl frame and I put a Look HSC full carbon

fork on it. Of course it needs a different headset and stem. The biggest

decision was the stem as far as if you want a rise or not. This makes a

difference on how short you cut your steer tube. You can always cut it

shorter but you can't make it longer. So at first I would recommend

leaving it on the long side and put spacer below and above your stem

until you have the perfect position.

Now for the good stuff!

It turned an aging Italian frame into a modern bike. It is much stiffer

being your stem is attached to your steer tube. More comfortable and

shock absorbing. And about a pound lighter!

I loved it so much I did it to my TREK 5500 which is 6 years old and had

a skinny carbon fork with a steel steer tube.

On that bike I used a Reynolds Ouzo fork. Very nice and I think a little

stiffer than the LOOK but the LOOK looks better on the steel frame.It

has a more classic rake.

Hope this helps.



John

feldmans

I would avoid using a carbon-steerer fork in the 1" diameter; they have

proven too flexible which is why many new road bikes are being made with 1

1/8" head tubes.   Also, what is the tire clearance and brake reach on your

bike? There is now a 1" steel threadless steerer carbon fork with longer

blades and clearance for a 28c tire which would be ideal for bikes needing a

taller fork which many bikes made before about 1985 need. The Columbus SP

is a clue to me as to it's age. Using a fork with shorter than previous

blades would steepen head and seat tube angles; you'd kind of be playing

"geometry roulette" and having to take whatever kind of handling you ended

up with!    What information is missing?

David Feldman

----- Original Message -----

From: "Rob Burkhart" <r_bur-@hotmail.com>

To: <ob-@topica.com>

Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2001 9:00 PM

Subject: [OBRA Chat] Seeking advice on road forks





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Hello,

I was wondering if anyone out there has installed carbon forks on their

steel road frame. I'm considering putting some Time Stiletto forks

(w/carbon steer tube) on my bike. Besides possible changes due to the

rake

 of the fork, what are other things that may be impacted (stiffness, how

safe

 is a carbon steer tube, etc.). (My frame is 60 cm with Columbus SP tubing

and steeper geometry).



Thanks in advance for any input.



-Rob Burkhart

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Rob Burkhart

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone out there has installed carbon forks on their

steel road frame. I'm considering putting some Time Stiletto forks

(w/carbon steer tube) on my bike. Besides possible changes due to the rake

of the fork, what are other things that may be impacted (stiffness, how safe

is a carbon steer tube, etc.). (My frame is 60 cm with Columbus SP tubing

and steeper geometry).



Thanks in advance for any input.



-Rob Burkhart

_________________________________________________________________

Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com