Redbullet

Hello,

I recently had a post regarding the stem digging around 0.1mm in the carbon steerer of a road bike. Recently I also found a circular mark at steerer contact with the upper part of the headset, which reduced the diameter from 28.58mm to around 28.3mm (see pictures). It looks that I might need to consider changing of the fork.

I am wondering how can I find a few reliable suppliers (preferably in Europe, but I can try USA also), for light and reliable carbon forks, similar with the one in the picture, at a decent price?
And furthermore: what are the geometric and other characteristics I should look for? The original fork accommodates normal rim brakes, tire clearance is rated at max 25mm and it is not tapered (I think).

Thanks in advance for advice

HillRider

You should determine exactly what damaged your current fork before buying a new one or the same thing is going to happen.

For a replacement you want to match the A-C (axle to crown race seat) dimension, the rake and the steerer diameter and if it's tapered or not. Also, you need it to accept a qr hub and rim brakes.

I recently had to replace a damaged Easton fork on one bike and I bought an ENVE Carbon Rim Brake road fork. The AC matched my old fork and I bought the 43mm rake version with a 1-1/8"straight steerer. It has worked out very well.

nathand

In Europe you might look for a Columbus dealer; they're based in Italy. https://columbustubi.com/en/carbon-forks-en/

Redbullet

Thanks.
Old "Columbus" and Enve sound Ok. I'll do my homework, to decide whether and how I change it.
With regards to the reasons of the issues (especially the mark at the contact with the headset) - I have no idea and I think I can't find out. I asked 2 mechanics and they can't say. One said it might be expected wear for very light carbon fork, if you have long periods of pressing over the handlebar (e.g.: descents and standing up). I counted around 38000km with this fork. I would add that there were some rides when the headset came loss.

HillRider

I have two very light Easton carbon forks with over 55,000 miles (over 88,000km) each and neither steerer shows the kind of damage yours does and I stand to climb a lot. It's not expected wear. Your comments about the headset coming loose ("loss" is a typo, right?) could easily explain what happened.

BTW, my comment above about having to replace one of these forks was from damage to the legs at the crown. I picked up a flanged nail in the front tire on a ride and the flange was wide enough to hit the interior of both legs. The damage was rather shallow but I took no chances.

Camilo

In the US too. They make a variety of very nice forks.