I’m looking for a new bicycle to replace my stolen gravel bike, and one of the options I have is a 12,6kg full CrMo steel framed gravel / trekking bike that seems cheap and robust enough. My only concern is that my previous bike was 9-10 kilos, with an aluminium body and carbon fork, and it rode really well, so i’m a bit worried it might not be as fun on longer rides.

So that got me thinking: how much weight could I reduce by switching from a steel fork to a carbon fork, and how easy is it to do it myself? Would it be worth it?

  • kahjtheundedicated@lemmy.world
    4·
    3 days ago

    A carbon fork can save around a kilo, which is both a lot and not that much depending on perspective. Personally I prefer the ride characteristics of a carbon fork over a steel fork, so that’s also something to consider. I find steel forks to either be too noodley, or too harsh, or kinda both. Carbon forks more often feel stiff without feeling harsh.

    A fork swap isn’t hard to do, but I would be surprised if the cost of that bike plus a carbon fork isn’t more than just buying a bike that already has a carbon fork. Also finding a compatible fork may or may not be difficult. For example if it’s a straight 1-1/8” steerer with disc brakes your options are pretty limited. Also need to keep the forks axle-to-crown height and rake in mind.

      • kahjtheundedicated@lemmy.world
        3·
        3 days ago

        And it would be another €400+ for a carbon fork from a reputable brand, unless you can find a used one that will work. I would not trust cheap aliexpress forks.

        What bike are you looking at specifically? In that price range I’d rather get hydraulic brakes and at least an 11 speed groupset than a carbon fork. Unless that bike is just a killer deal and already has that stuff

        • 666dollarfootlong@lemmy.worldOP
          2·
          3 days ago

          https://activebikes.com/product/2022-active-sirocco-gravel-360-silver/

          I’m just looking for a do-it-all bike, one that I can take on a train, ride in cities, roads and on gravel roads. 50% commuting, 50% leisure. My old bike was 2x10, I thought it was good enough but a bit hard going uphills

          Edit:

          I feel like 450€ for this would be pretty good, I could afford to put on some nice tyres and invest in a proper saddle and somehow bags as well.

            • simbico@lemmy.zip
              1·
              1 day ago

              Juin tech is also a great option for hybrid brakes. If you go down this route you must install compressionless brake hoses (eg from jagwire)

            • 666dollarfootlong@lemmy.worldOP
              1·
              1 day ago

              I’ll have to see how the brakes are before committing, but yea enough people have recommended hydraulics so I think eventually i’ll have to get them haha

          • kahjtheundedicated@lemmy.world
            2·
            3 days ago

            Yeah €450 isn’t bad. For a casual bike it will be fine, but I don’t think it would be worth changing the fork.

            I don’t know what the Finnish used market is like, but I would be surprised if you can’t find at least a 2x10 gravel bike for a similar price. But if 9 speed is fine for you, yeah it looks like a good quality bike.