I'm looking to replace a chipped fork (12mm axle / flat mount disc), might as well save some weight while I'm at it.
So far I've been looking at these, any others I should add for consideration?
Lauf JAF: 435g w/ axle Whiskey RD: 440g unknown if with axle Whiskey Straight: 450g unknown if with axle Lynsky: 454g without axle Whiskey CX: 500g unknown if with axle Enve: 520g unknown if with axle Whiskey MCX: 540g unknown if with axle
The lightest (and most expensive) I have seen that has decent clearance for bigger gravel tires is the Open U-turn fork, allegedly 390 grams, which I believe includes a carbon-ti axle. You also don't need an adaptor for a 160mm rotor, so that also shaves a few more grams as well...
That Open fork is interesting, it will fit a 2.1"+ 650B but only fits a 40mm 700C tire. The bike in this picture has 650Bx47 Byways on it and there is gobs of clearance. For 700C it almost looks like clearance to the fork crown would be the limiting factor. My Rodeo Labs Spork (it's ~600g so I didn't recommend it) has the same AC measurement and has clearance for a 55 mm 700C tire.
I don't know if there is any info on compliance, but that would be important to me. Sometimes I get on my old school Gravel Bike (CX actually) and I'm reminded how comfortable forks were before we had disk brakes - you know - back when forks had a J-bend that soaked up a lot of road chatter. My straight blade fork is very precise, but it does nothing to absorb road chatter.
If I'm remembering right, the Whisky RD (RD+?) is a shorter ~380 axle-to-crown road-plus fork. That is a lot shorter than a normal cx/gravel 395-400 fork and will significantly affect the handling of the bike.
I like my Niner RDO, but it is not light and post-mount. I recently picked up a Speeder Cycles carbon adventure fork I will try at some point / on some build. Big tire clearance (700x55, 27.5x2.4"), adjustable offset and dynamo routing make it interesting. Claimed at 510g.
pushstart wrote:If I'm remembering right, the Whisky RD (RD+?) is a shorter ~380 axle-to-crown road-plus fork. That is a lot shorter than a normal cx/gravel 395-400 fork and will significantly affect the handling of the bike.
I like my Niner RDO, but it is not light and post-mount. I recently picked up a Speeder Cycles carbon adventure fork I will try at some point / on some build. Big tire clearance (700x55, 27.5x2.4"), adjustable offset and dynamo routing make it interesting. Claimed at 510g.
I have Specialized FACT carbon fork that has tons of clearance flat mount and 12mm. This picture shows it with a 650x2.2. I am not using it any more. Could work for you.
I'm in a similar search. Don't care about mounts other than for fenders and I want it to be able to clear at least 38's with them on. The weight of the Open fork is appealing, but it looks like you have to user their proprietary fenders and it only clears 35's with them installed. The other options that I've seen are:
Different fork from what OP was chasing, but I tracked down a NOS 3T Luteus at a good price from a private seller. Easily clears a 27.5x2.25, or 29x2.1. 410gm after cut down.
I think this might be exactly what I'm looking for: https://6composites.com/products/gravel-fork. 440 grams with uncut stearer, accepts 45mm without fenders and accepts fenders, looks great, and has a low axle to crown for extra racy handling.
AmericanTemplar wrote:I think this might be exactly what I'm looking for: https://6composites.com/products/gravel-fork. 440 grams with uncut stearer, accepts 45mm without fenders and accepts fenders, looks great, and has a low axle to crown for extra racy handling.
You might be getting "racier" than you bargained for. Not only is it a Road+ fork w/ the 382 a2c, but it's got a 50mm rake.
I'm too lazy to do the math on the effective angle change dropping the frontend 2cm, but just be mindful that 50mm fork offset is working to already make that slacker head angle feel snappier.
Also note the 1.25" crown race diameter. (Should be compatible with many/most?/all? frames that supports 1.5", but probably requires a different headset or some sort of reducer if internal bearings?
You might be getting "racier" than you bargained for. Not only is it a Road+ fork w/ the 382 a2c, but it's got a 50mm rake.
I'm too lazy to do the math on the effective angle change dropping the frontend 2cm, but just be mindful that 50mm fork offset is working to already make that slacker head angle feel snappier.
Also note the 1.25" crown race diameter. (Should be compatible with many/most?/all? frames that supports 1.5", but probably requires a different headset or some sort of reducer if internal bearings?
Thanks! Yeah, I guess you can use a White Industries or Cane Creek headset, but not a Chris King according to my friend. I'm meeting with my frame builder later this afternoon, so I'll see what he thinks.
Thanks! Yeah, I guess you can use a White Industries or Cane Creek headset, but not a Chris King according to my friend. I'm meeting with my frame builder later this afternoon, so I'll see what he thinks.
Oh, if you're having the frame built then ignore those cautions about the shorter a2c. Yeah, sounds like a great fork, though. My next build will be a road+ build.
