TKJava

I have found there to be a difference in the amount of vibration my hands and forearms experience between CF and Al for sure with just the fork. There's a big difference in vibration between a al bike and a CF bike. I fail to see how anyone could differ but hey what do I know. As far as ash versus alder, OMG the difference is astonishing (just kidding, I have a strat with alder and another with ash and fool people in side by side blind taste tests, they don't answer correctly most of the time.)

John_V 

I'm not claiming to be right, just sharing my personal experience. My first road bike was a 2009 Giant Defy 2. It was aluminum with a carbon fork and aluminum steerer tube. I had that bike for a year, using it on multiple charity rides ranging 50 miles or more/ride. I think I put around 3,000 miles on it that year, The ride, itself, wasn't bad except for the vibration from the handlebars. I sold that bike and purchased a full carbon bike. The difference in the vibration at the handlebar was most definitely noticeable; even with an aluminum handlebar. Much less vibration than the Defy. Had I stayed with the Defy, I probably would have never known that there would be such a difference in vibration. I know the OP doesn't have a road bike and they are entirely different than his Roam, but I also can't see where there would be that much of a difference when staying within the same bike category.

aclinjury

If you don't know what delamination damage is, then you're not very knowledgeable about even the basic of carbon fiber. Turn up the volume and you'll hear the sound of carbon fiber crackling starting around 1200 lbs, that's delamination. The frame has already sustained major delamination damage at about 1200 lbs. You'd be a fool to use such frame.

Kedosto

It’s been awhile since our last steel vs aluminum vs carbon pissing contest. I see we have a few new attendees. I’ve got nothing better to do so I’ll just sit over here quietly and enjoy the show.




-Kedosto

Maelochs

I was not talking about frame material, but specifically fork material---because that is what the OP was discussing. I think all sides have weighed in .... except for the imaginary sides, which are generally well-represented here.

Anyone who wants a low-vibration frame needs to ride bamboo. With a CF fork.

livedarklions

Well, if we're going imaginary....

I suggest finding a frequency that feels like a relaxing vibromassage to the hands and make a giant "tuning fork" set to that vibratory rate.