Carbon forks vs Pre-Fab forks on Custom Rigs

[acotts]

Is it counter productive to ask a custom frame builder to build around a certain pre-fab fork?

For example, say I am itching for a steel race frame to be built on an Edge 2.0with a 11 to 13 cm stem (what ever the builder says is works better).

Given that all Edge forks have a 43mm rake, am I creating a significant obstical to myself and the builder to create the best fiting and performing bike possible by imposing this limitation--as opposed to letting the builder fabricate a fork to whatever length he/she feels is best.

[Chance Legstrong]

batten down the hatches

[Curt Goodrich]

Depends on the builder. I'm sure you can find someone to do it. What's your saddle height?

[JackB]

Dave Kirk does a carbon fork on his JKS model. That's how mine going to roll.

[Jonathan]

Why does the edge fork create the best performing bike possible? Is it a weight issue in your mind? I'm not sure I can endure yet another bike weight thread.

[GrantM]

Given that all Edge forks have a 43mm rake.

Are you sure that's true? I'm almost positive the 1.0 has 40,43,45,50 options.
Unless 43mm works for you (ie: 73 head tube angle) then i'd choose a fork with
the proper rake, not by the model. The Reynolds UL fork is cool, and also has
many rake choices. The Edge forks are HAWT, and I see no reason not to
get one, but the rake has to be perfect.

-g

[suspectdevice]

Edge 2.0's are availabe in 4 offsets, 40,43,45 and 50mm. The aero forks are only availble in 43, and the cross fork is only 47mm.

[72gmc]

It's not counter productive if you are open to the builder's opinion, and to considering the builder's alternative. If you can articulate your reasons for wanting this fork I don't see why it wouldn't help the builder create a better bike for you, with this fork or otherwise.

You could buy the builder a beer before you bring it up.

[WFSTEKL]

It's the rake, leg length, head tube length, head angle, front center, rear center, BB drop, setback..........and you're gonna plug in a plastic fork on an otherwise made to measure rig just because?

[KeithNYC]

If the builder doesn't know a hell of a lot better than you what fork works best (prefab or otherwise) for the frame they would design for you... why hire the builder?

[taylorj]

If the builder doesn't know a hell of a lot better than you what fork works best (prefab or otherwise) for the frame they would design for you why hire the builder?

also know as an "ah ha!" moment! I was just thinking the same thing!

[Dave]

some companies would sort it out w/experience. I knwo a few cmopanies that do this with regards to mtbs. Along with that you have some that work around specific forks. IF and Moots use reynolds forks and take into account the fork in the build.

I think there are some companies that are interested in using Edge forks as their stock fork.

Was there a company you had in mind you wanted to work with?

[e-RICHIE]

wars are fought over less important issues atmo.

[acotts]

Yeah, I am sorry I brought it up.

[Jonathan]

Yeah, I am sorry I brought it up.

don't be, this place is entertainment.

but is weight the performance advantage you are seeking?

[acotts]

For the record, the Edge was AN EXAMPLE.

[acotts]

don't be, this place is entertainment.

but is weight the performance advantage you are seeking?

To be honest, its just how I picture a race bike to be set up. Unlike many folks here, I have been cycling for only 5 or 6 years. As such, I am predisposed to different things.

One such thing is Race Bikes have carbon forks. Which I know is silly. But that is just how it is in my head. Its no different than the folks sneering at "plastic bits" on bikes or sti levers.

If I was just going to buy a nice bike to do club rides and solo centuries, I would not even consider a carbon fork. But, I want a bike that will help me dominate some CAT 3s. And until a builder can convince me otherwise, I see that bike being painted black, weighing about 17 pounds, having a long stem, lots of drop on the bars, corners like a squirrel, and has a carbon fuckin' fork.

I dont think I am crazy!

[redturbo]

[e-RICHIE]

war is declared atmo -

[taylorj]

Yeah, I am sorry I brought it up.

Don't be. Questions are good.

And the reality is that you asked if it was counter-productive to ask...I would say that it is not counter-productive to ask your builder for what you want. It would be counter-productive to not listen to what your builder advises you---and indeed he/she may say that the particular fork you want to use isn't the "best" option.

Find the builder you have synergy with and the trust them to know...