Stormy85

Hi everyone

I need your advice on a new Carbon Columbus Fork that i just received after waiting for ages. its going on my old Nishiki steel frame which is getting a major overhaul (My dads old bike so has sentimental value )

Anyways I decided on the Columbus Minimal 1“ because I thought the quality would be good coming from a reputable brand. Although the packaging kept my hopes high the fork itself leaves me torn. Its here i need your advice as I might be somewhat impaired judgement wise.

Now to the concerns:
The fork steerer has long scuff marks all the way on both sides. They dont look too bad but you can certainly feel them with a finger nail.




Around the crown race seat its generally very poorly finished.



The fork ends have a lot of scratches on both sides and for the heck of it the paint masking wasnt done 100%.




To top it all of, the sticker shows its a 1/18“ yet in fact it is a 1“.




I am quite shocked especially when considering the price. Whats your take on it?

HillRider

I don't know where you ordered that fork from but I'd return it if I could. It's either a counterfeit or a "real" Columbus fork that failed QC and was shipped anyway. I realize 1" steerer forks are getting hard to find , particularly in carbon, but I wouldn't pay for this shoddy workmanship. Since the bike is a steel frame, perhaps a steel road fork would be both available, cheaper and better built.

freeranger

I have the same thought as to whether it might be counterfeit-due to the 1-1/8" sticker. Is there a shop close that could take a look? Was also wondering where it was ordered.

jccaclimber

If that QR code is a serial number the claimed OEM might be able to help you track it through shipment/determine validity.

Stormy85

Thanks for the feedback. I bought the fork through bike24.com. Its a large retailer from Germany and I have used them quite a bit. Until now everything has been very good and the customer service was also really good.

The thought that it might be a counterfeit did come to mind. The manufacturing date also seemed off to me. Considering the fork was pretty much sold out everywhere and I had to wait a long time before I was able to get my hands on one, 2016 seems very strange to me.

Although it will suck having to wait another two months perhaps, I will write the company regarding the quality concerns and see what they have to say. Either way I wont be mounting this fork.

HillRider

That's unfortunate as Bike24 has a good reputation and I've dealt with them successfully in the past. I'm sure they will accept a return and give you a full refund.

SoSmellyAir

Are you willing to buy a slightly heavier fork: Ritchey Comp Carbon Road Fork 1" Alloy Steerer - Modern Bike

I also have a "vintage" road bike that takes a 1" fork. I have read somewhere that the 1" carbon steerer of the Columbus Minimal fork is not stiff enough.

SoSmellyAir

I don't disagree that this may be a counterfeit, but I read the date label as [20]21-06-16, i.e., June 16, 2021.

dedhed

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Sluggo

My two cents (.02 CHF) is: a) file marks on the dropouts -- not ideal but I could live with it; b) finish around the crown race -- I am not a CF expert, but that look like the edge of the carbon sheets that make up the fork blades, and any other carbon fork would probably look similar (correct me if I am wrong), c) scuff marks should not have an effect on the function of the fork, but a new premium fork should not have them. This would motivate me to return the fork, or at least seek a discount.

Atlas Shrugged

Looks good to me, mount it and start riding.

easyupbug 

With my experience with Columbus forks (only two carbon) that is a factory second or even failed QC check. he two I have are perfect in every way. I would send it back and demand Columbus quality.

veganbikes

Is the place you bought it from an authorized Columbus dealer? If not see if you can return it for your money back and go to an authorized Columbus dealer and get one from them. If it was an authorized dealer you should return it for a proper fork that isn't damaged but a lot of discount sites might not be actual proper dealers. You can ask Columbus and confirm.

Camilo

Same here. None of this would cause me a second thought. But that's me. I accept minor imperfection and don't even think about it.

FWIW, I've had nothing but excellent before and after sale service with Bike 24 and only authentic parts.

I bought my Columbus Minimal from chainreactioncycles.com. Worth checking out if you are indeed unhappy with this fork.

Jockie

I have the same fork bought from CRC but without your problems.
I don't have the same labelling. Yours says it is MADE IN CHINA. Mine does not specify where it was made. Perhaps that could be the difference?
I would return it.

jccaclimber

I wonder if the seam is cleaned up flash from mold half parting lines.

Mr. 66

Is there a problem with the original steel fork? If not I would just stick the stock item.

Rdmonster69

I have one of these on my 2001 vintage Litespeed. Came perfect and works great. I think its a worthy alternative if you are gonna return the other item.

squirtdad

IMHO classic Nishiki deserves a steel fork

this is not perfect in that it is threadless but gives and idea https://www.jensonusa.com/Dimension-700C-Road-Fork