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I have a heavy voodoo 29er which I was using to commute. It currently has a fairly heavy 80mm travel fork which is undersrung for my weight, so not much good to me. I'm thinking about getting a rigid fork and changing to 1x9 gearing, partly to lose weight and partly for the simplicity. Are the carbon forks worth getting? What advantages? Any disadvantages? How tough?
Thanks in advance and if you have any for sale I am interested.
worth getting? only you can decide that really, carbon forks are more or less as tough as any aluminum forks, and lighter than steel ones, plus they look nice.
bikes are mostly about fun and doing what you want with them, if you think they'll add (in any way, including atheistically) to your life, then get them.
I had the same question recently and got a set of the Exotic carbon forks for a decent price. I havee used them a few times now and think they are great, also look the part.
I have ridden them mainly in the Pentlands so far, lots of roots and some rocky stuff and so far the forks have dealt with it all.
Also considering this myself on my HT, been looking at the syncros Fl carbon forks, not cheap though £400. Assume you're running skinny tyres too?
Edit - assuming your commute is on road.
I rode my mates old skool explosif with carbon forks at ashton court the other night.. Wow is all i can say. Felt much faster on his bike
I text him after asking if he wanted to sell it to me 🙂
It is the Exotic ones I had my eye on and lighter weight, plus asthetics which appeal. I'm currently riding a Boardman comp hybrid to work which is great in this weather, but wont be too good in snow or ice. My plan is to sell the hybrid and go back to a slimmed down and improved voodoo which can also be used off road. Are the carbon forks any more forgiving than alloy ones?
Yes, DEFINITELY. I have Exotic carbon forks on my Global hardtail and I don't miss the suspension forks at all; they are super-light, steer well and you can endo the bike without any fear. You only really notice the lack of compression on big hits like steps and things the size of a brick or kerb.
Sounds good, I quite fancy having a fully rigid bike to use in my local woods.