Carbon fork on aluminum bike?

[pll]

Hello,

I would like your advice. I have a 2003 Felt F 85 (all aluminum), and, during long rides (50-100 miles), the vibration is very harsh on my hands. Has anyone upgraded an aluminum fork to a carbon fiber fork? Would it be worth the investment in terms of dampening 'road noise' a bit? This bike cost $500 when I bought it; I would like to do more centuries before upgrading the bike (not for a year, at least).

-pll

[Tuckervill]

My Trek 1000 is aluminum and has a carbon fork. I don't really know if it makes a difference or not. I prefer steel, but my steel bike isn't operational at the moment, so I can't test it out.

It can be done, though.

Karen

[pll]

Thanks Karen,

I think I should rephrase my question: has anyone tried an all aluminum bike and an aluminum bike with a carbon fork? comparing both, does a carbon fork make a noticeable difference in terms of vibration / smoothness of ride, or would the upgrade be marginal at best?

My next bike will not be made of aluminum for sure!

Patricia

[KnottedYet]

I have had one aluminum frame bike. It came with a steel fork. I have a feeling that most aluminum bikes have steel forks because alu is just too fragile to make forks out of?

You might want to check yours. Is the fork alu or steel? (kitchen magnet will tell you if it isn't posted somewhere on the fork)

If it's steel, you might be best off just hanging on until you can upgrade the whole bike. From what I've gathered just trading a steel fork for a carbon one won't make that much of a difference to a $500 alu frame bike.

After a year or so I traded my alu bike/steel fork for another full steel bike. Much kinder to my hands, and the rest of my body!

If it were me (and it isn't, but it's what I just did last month!) I'd save the $$ to put toward a new bike, then trade in the alu bike for a full steel.
(I traded up for a Surly Cross Check.)

[ehirsch83]

Another option is to upgrade your handlebars. They can carry a lot or a little vibration. I know when I was building up my new bike I had take off bars from another bike at the shop while waiting for mine to come in. The take off bars were the lowest of the line easton aluminum bars, and after a short 25 mile ride my arms and hands wouldn't stop shaking from all the vibration. Since I got my new carbon bars, I haven't felt one bit of vibration.

Another option is to get dampening bar ends put in(I think bontrager makes a set).

Just a thought, bars will be cheaper than a new fork and they might make a difference.

[pll]

Thank you Knotted and Emily!

Yes, unfortunately the fork is aluminum in this case, 6061 alloy (proudly displayed on each side).

The suggestion about the vibration dampers is really intriguing and, at the price point, very much worth a try. If found the Bontrager parts you mention: "Bzzzkill Harmonic Dampers."

-pll

[Kathi]

How much air are you putting in your tires? I run 85 psi in mine, which is recommended for my weight by the manufacturer of the tires.

What brand of tires are you using? I used to love the Continental 3000 GP but last year my LBS talked me into the Michelin Pro Race. Much smoother ride.

If you are going to spend any money on the bike a good set of wheels will improve the ride. They won't be a waste of money because you can use them on a new bike.

To answer your question, yes, I put an cf fork on an aluminum bike. That was back in 1998 and it cost about $400. Yes, it improved the ride but it was still a stiff, aluminum frame. I wound up buying a full carbon frame.

[pll]

Thanks Kathi,

Great point. I did not think about tire pressure. I have Continental Sport 1000 tires, rated 70 to 120 psi; I keep them close to 120psi. I will play with the pressure. If others are interested, I found a chart reproduced from a magazine in another forum: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=90011 (look half way through for a chart entitled : "Ideal inflation based on load and tire size").

As for new wheels, I will hold off. I need to do a fair amount of research to understand the different options.

-Patricia

[Surlygirl]

Specialized makes a woman's handlebar also that helped with vibration. I have them on my Orbea.

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=25460

I also have Bar Phat tape which is a gel insert that goes under the tape. Just a couple of options. I have a carbon fork and rear triangle on the Dama and that seems to dampen the vibration you get with aluminum, but its not as cushy as steel, on the other hand its much lighter. I think I'd try handlebar and tape before I spent a lot on a fork, which unless you know what you're doing should be installed at a bike shop.

[pll]

Thanks Surlygirl,

I have the Bar Phat tape -- I put that on at the end of last summer, at the same time the stem was changed for a shorter and higher reach and it has made a difference. I have gone from tingling, "screaming" hands for a couple of days after a century, to sore hands for a day. I will ask at my LBS about the Specialized handlebar and maybe the "super bar phat" tape if I swap the handlebar.

[pll]

Just wanted to post an update on the changes and upgrades I did following the advice on this board, instead of upgrading the fork to a carbon fiber one.

I replaced my Salsa Poco with a Specialized Dolce Ergo bar (with "zertz" inserts), used Specialized's "Super Phat Bar" tape and Bontrager "Bzzzkill Harmonic Dampers." Also, I started to inflate my front tire a bit less than before (rated for 70 to 120 psi, I pump it now to 110psi). I'm happy to report that my ride has improved noticeably. It is not plush by any extent of the imagination, but significantly more comfortable for me. There were two unexpected benefits of these changes: (1) The Specialized handlebar has a shorter drop and reach, so it is easier to spend more time in the drops. (2) Also, my bike is less twitchy now and I am able to pedal off the saddle with more confidence. :D

Once again, thanks to all who helped me. I included two pictures of the new cockpit. Below them is the chart regarding tire pressure I referenced in an earlier post in this thread.

[lph]

Resurrecting an old post just to say THANK YOU! to pll for posting that very helpful chart! I've used it several times already, and have re-posted it other places when people have asked about tire pressure.

Us nerdy types just looove being able to read measurements off of a chart rather than a foofy general "try the max pressure and see what it feels like" advice... :D

[Tarbaby]

Yep, that's an interesting graph. Need to remember body weight+gear load but all the same I'm going to reduce the pressure a touch for the commute this week and monitor the ride 'feel'.:)