cinelli
contributor
Reged: 01/17/04
Posts: 109
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I'm sure this has been debated several times before, but I need some suggestions:
Just bought a used Tetra Pro that has a 1" steerer. 60cm frame and currently has an Ouzo Pro and does not have the headtube extension. Unfortunately, the steerer is cut to the minimum and I need more height...approxiamtely 30 mm of spacers. I am 175 lbs and don't race, but want a "non-flexy" fork/headset setup. I am going with a new Chris King headset, but need suggestions on the fork: carbon steerer vs. titanium vs. alloy. I have used both Reynolds and Alpha Q in the past (1-1/8") with good results. I want to keep it light, but stability is my main issue. Any input is appreciated. Thanks!
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Dave_Thompson
prophet
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 717
Loc: Spokane, Washington
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At 200#, I had no flex problems with the Alpha Q on my Tetra Pro. It's a very good fork. The issue between 1" and 1-1/8" is a non-issue.
I've had carbon, aluminum and Ti steer tubed forks, and frankly notice no differences. Though I would prefer Ti or Al over carbon just from a longevity standpoint. (Our) Serottas have carbon steerers.
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Steel lover, but then I like Ti with carbon too.
Licensed bike geek.
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bfd
journeyman
Reged: 12/22/03
Posts: 77
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If you need more "height", why not get a riser stem? Yeah, it may not *look* as good as a new fork with a bunch of spacers under it, but it would be "alot" cheaper.
You could get something like a Salsa SUL cro-moly stem (made by Waterford) that's reasonably light and would raise the height of your bars. It has a removable face plate and although its a 1 and 1/8" stem, it comes with a shim for 1" steerers. For more see here (scroll down to cro-moly stem):
http://www.salsacycles.com/comps_stems.html
I use one and I'm alot heavier than you. Being steel, the stem is strong and I sense no flex.
Of course, if you want to spend the $$$$....
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Kevan
journeyman
Reged: 12/22/03
Posts: 70
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How much more rise do you need?
I use the Reynolds Ouzo w/ carbon steerer and it performs perfectly fine for this 190 lbish rider riding a 60cm Luna w/ 1" steerer. I'm using a 2cm spacer.
You might want to check w/ your lbs, Calfee, or Reynolds as to permitable extensions of CF steerer tube. I think concerns start aound 3-4cms above the headset. A Ti steerer might be preferred for longer lengths.
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cinelli
contributor
Reged: 01/17/04
Posts: 109
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I need 3cm of spacers, and hopefully it will not be too excessive for a carbon steerer. I have never tried a straight-bladed Alpha Q before, only their curved version as well as the Reynolds fork. It appears that many Calfee owners opt for the straight blades so, hopefully, I can get their feedback as well.
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Lon
sage
Reged: 12/20/03
Posts: 595
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
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If you have bought a used bike I assume you might want to save some money. If so Nashbar has the Kestrel EMS Pro for 120. It is normally 200. This I believe is last year's decals. The construction is the same. The steerer is chro-mo so you gain a little weight. I figure those grams are not making an huge difference for me.  However they are stiff and handle great. Don't forget that Kestrel was the first carbon fork.
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cinelli
contributor
Reged: 01/17/04
Posts: 109
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I think I will go with either an Alpha Q or a Reynolds since I have some experience with both and I'm now leaning more toward the Alpha Q. Need to decide on straight or curved blades.
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Bruce
contributor
Reged: 12/27/03
Posts: 133
Loc: North of NYC
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I have a 1.125 Alpha Q sub 3. No stiffness issues. I am sure a 1 inch would be fine as well. We are the same weight and have the same frame size.
In the old steel days, forks were curved since it was easier to build one type of straight lug and bend the fork stays to get the desired rake. Now with molded CF, they have more options and designers have decided the remove the extra material the curve represents to deliver a lighter fork. The performance of a curved or straight fork will be the same. Get the rake you want and the steerer tube length you need.
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bfd
journeyman
Reged: 12/22/03
Posts: 77
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Bruce said:
<Now with molded CF, they have more options and designers have decided the remove the extra material the curve represents to deliver a lighter fork.>
Actually, for the AlphaQ fork, there is no difference in weight between a curve or straight fork. For instance, looking at the Sub3 fork, both the 1"/350mm/carbon steerer tube curve and straight 700c forks weigh 295g; 650c fork weighs 285g:
http://www.truetemper.com/performance_tubing/sub3.html
I don't think Reynolds offer a choice of curve or straight as the Ouzo Pro 1" fork weighs 375g.
<The performance of a curved or straight fork will be the same. Get the rake you want and the steerer tube length you need.>
I agree get the one that you think looks the best!
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cinelli
contributor
Reged: 01/17/04
Posts: 109
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Thanks for all the input. It looks like I'll be going with the Alpha Q straight bladed fork.
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