mhamilton
new member
Reged: 05/21/08
Posts: 1
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I've decided I should try to replace the Ouzo fork on my Luna Pro with something stiffer.
I don't like the flexibility in the Ouzo, it vibrates when stopping and I don't feel it is good at holding a tight line in the corners.
Craig says changing the fork to something stiffer may not improve the cornering - but I gotta try something.
Any opinions on the best fork to use with the Luna?
Is the Alpha Q or Easton LX preferred? What are the differences in the ride and handling.
Is the 44mm rake on the Alpha vs the 43 on the Easton anyc concern?
Other brands I should think about?
(BTW I'm limited to 1" steering tube so the choices are few)
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Darby
sage
Reged: 08/03/06
Posts: 423
Loc: Orange County California
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Quote:
mhamilton wrote:
I've decided I should try to replace the Ouzo fork on my Luna Pro with something stiffer.
I don't like the flexibility in the Ouzo, it vibrates when stopping and I don't feel it is good at holding a tight line in the corners.
Craig says changing the fork to something stiffer may not improve the cornering - but I gotta try something.
Any opinions on the best fork to use with the Luna?
Is the Alpha Q or Easton LX preferred? What are the differences in the ride and handling.
Is the 44mm rake on the Alpha vs the 43 on the Easton anyc concern?
Other brands I should think about?
(BTW I'm limited to 1" steering tube so the choices are few)
Craig is the expert. He would be my go to guy if I had a question about bike handling. However, if you are looking for a stiff fork, I don't think they come any stiffer than a Wound Up. I am told it is much stiffer than a Alpha Q, Easton or Ouzo Pro.
Wound Up comes in a 1" steer tube.
Bruce
web page
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cccyclist
journeyman
Reged: 09/27/05
Posts: 80
Loc: Central California
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You may want to go to a alloy steerer due to the 1" situation. My Waterford has a 1" steerer. It is my only bike without a carbon steerer, and I think that that is good for me especially since I am a large guy on a 61 cm frame.
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Dave_Thompson
prophet
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 717
Loc: Spokane, Washington
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A problem you are going to run into is "fork span", the distance from the center of the front fork drop out to the fork crown race. This measurement differs between manufacturers. Reynolds forks have a 370MM fork span and if you install a fork with a shorter span the net effect will be to steepen the head tube angle. The reverse would be true if the new fork's span were longer, all of which could change the handling characteristics of your bike. You can buy a new crown race from Chris King that has a 5MM shoulder on it so you could use a fork with a 5MM shorter span, assuming you were using a King head set.
Find out what fork your bike was built to use then find the fork span specs for it so you can make a better decision for a new fork.
I've used Ouzo Pro forks for years and I've not had any concerns about them being flexy or unable to hold a line and I'm a pretty big and powerful guy. I would politely suggest that you thoroughly check your front end; headset, fork and brakes for anything that's out of spec. Make sure your headset isn't too loose or overtightened. Make sure the fork is installed correctly and there are no structural issues with it or the steer tube. Make sure the front brake is securely mounted on the fork and the pads are adjusted properly, often poorly adjusted pads can cause brake chatter which feels like vibration when the brake is applied.
I'd look at other things before chucking your fork.
--------------------
Steel lover, but then I like Ti with carbon too.
Licensed bike geek.
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skuke
captain
Reged: 12/22/03
Posts: 322
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Ditto to everything Dave said (except the parts about being big and powerful  ) Also, make sure your front wheel is true both laterally & radially and that the hubs aren't loose.
With all due respect to your abilities, don't have a "death grip" on the bars when cornering. That "tightness" can and does transfers to that 1" patch of rubber on the road.
This may be reaching a bit, but here are some other things to consider: Does the bike fit you properly? Do you have lots of body weight over the front end (long stem, long torso)? Are you on tri-bars?
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Skuke
95 Carbonframes Tetra Pro
92 Bridgestone MB-1
90 Moser 51.151
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Dave_Thompson
prophet
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 717
Loc: Spokane, Washington
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Quote:
skuke wrote:
Ditto to everything Dave said (except the parts about being big and powerful ) Also, make sure your front wheel is true both laterally & radially and that the hubs aren't loose.
With all due respect to your abilities, don't have a "death grip" on the bars when cornering. That "tightness" can and does transfers to that 1" patch of rubber on the road.
This may be reaching a bit, but here are some other things to consider: Does the bike fit you properly? Do you have lots of body weight over the front end (long stem, long torso)? Are you on tri-bars?
Thanks........friend! 
--------------------
Steel lover, but then I like Ti with carbon too.
Licensed bike geek.
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NateM
new member
Reged: 12/22/03
Posts: 16
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I replaced my original AlphaQ fork which was made in 1998 with the newest version,GS10.The rake went from 41mm to 44mm if you can believe manufacturers specs. The new fork is very precise and laterally stiff in the turns, a good thing,the front end is noticeably faster and less stable with no hands,not my favorite trait in a bike. I am riding a 58cm Tetra with a 2cm headtube extension, so the steerer length on the fork is quite long for a 1" carbon fork. I am 5'10" and weigh around 150 lbs so this factors some in my bikes quick (light) front end. Your comment about vibration when braking brings to mind a worn out Helium rim that developed a cupping around the spokes,it would literally shudder when coming to a stop. You dont mention your frame size,bike and body, but you cant go wrong with an AlphaQ as far as stiffness goes.
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CalfeeJames
new member
Reged: 11/12/07
Posts: 10
Loc: Santa Cruz, CA
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Hi Nate,
In this business, no news is good news, so I'm pretty sure the newly redressed tetra is working out well for you. I'm glad you feel the fork upgrade was the right choice. The change in rake brought reduced trail and that makes the steering feel more precise- your statement confirms it, and that feedback will help me recommend this shift to customers wanting that effect.
Those panels are one of a kind- haven't yet seen another request for that...You should post a pic or two.
peace man.
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