? about ALL CARBON forks ....

I have used the following all-carbon forks over the years: ITM Milenium, Columbus Muscle, Look HSC 3, Mizuno (Fondriest branded). I have never, ever had any problems with any of them. Not one! Then again, I am careful in the placement of the expander plug and the torque I apply to the stem bolts. Is there a difference between oversize and 1 inch? I've never noticed any huge differences....theoretically, oversize steerers should be stiffer; in real use, I've never noticed a discernible difference between OS and 1 inch. If you're concerned about safety issues because of, for example, cutting your own carbon steerer, and/or overtorqueing stem bolts, then get a fork with an alum. steerer; you can use a star nut, and the column won't be as sensitive to gorilla hands when tightening a stem onto it. Overall, I would say that carbon forks in general, have proven themselves to be quite reliable. That is to say, I haven't heard of lots of failures.

Adam-from-SLO said:

Hello All,

Can someone please dispell what is "safe" to ride, in regards to setting up a ALL CARBON road fork . I have heard several times, that an ALL CARBON fork can/is unsteady at high speeds.... and many pro's do not use ALL carbon on certain stages, esp. cobbles, ..... and would rather prefer a ALL Steel fork in conditions like that. I suppose the stem clamp on the carbon-steerer could weaken over time.

*Would you say there is a weight limit to "all carbon" forks ?
*Would a 1 1/8" All Carbon steerer be a much better way to go , then staying with 1" ..... or I should say, a "SAFER" way to go ?
*In general, IS a Carbon fork w/a Steel or Alum. steerer a more durable set up..... then a ALL Carbon fork ?
*Has anyone here had any problems with a/ALL Carbon fork ?

Cheers,
Adam 😉

Only CF fork I've used is the Reynolds Ouzo Pro and it's been trouble-free.

A carbon steer tube shouldn't make a fork unstable at high speeds, since the bending and twisting in the fork doesn't occur in the steer tube. As long as the fork is stiff enough for the frame size and rider weight, steer tube material shouldn't be an issue.

1. All forks have weight limits. Check with the fork manufacturer.

2. In theory, better clamp up with the 1-1/8, plus lighter and more strength. I'd go 1-1/8 given the choice.

3. Durability should be fine on carbon steer tube if you use the correct plug and follow the manufacturer's install instructions. The Ouzo Pro fork I installed last year came with some caution notes about the type of stems to use (and those to avoid).

4. Haven't had any problems with the Ouzo Pro in 6500 miles. I'm 175 lbs, on a 58 cm frame, and high-speed descents are rock solid and comfortable. When choosing a CF fork, recommend you chose stiffness and strength over the gram-saving lightweights.

thanks to everyone who replyed w/your experiance !!!