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Forks

Road forks are almost universally carbon fibre — even on aluminium frames. A carbon fork saves 200-400g over steel and absorbs road vibration. Fork rake (offset) determines steering characteristics: shorter rake gives quicker steering, longer rake is more stable. Thru-axle (12x100mm) is the disc brake standard; quick-release (9x100mm) remains on rim brake forks. Replacement forks need to match your frame's steerer tube diameter (1-1/8" straight, 1-1/8" to 1-1/2" tapered, or 1-1/4") and brake mount standard.

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Buying Guide

Road Fork Buying Guide

Steerer Standards

1-1/8" straight steerer: older and some current frames. 1-1/8" to 1-1/2" tapered: the modern standard — stiffer head tube junction, wider bearing at the bottom. 1-1/4" straight: used by some brands (Trek, Cannondale). The steerer must match your frame's head tube and headset — this isn't adjustable. Steerer length on a new fork is typically long and cut to fit your frame during installation. Used forks have already been cut — verify the steerer is long enough for your frame's stack height plus spacers.

Brake Mount Compatibility

Rim brake forks have a single hole through the fork crown for a bolt-through calliper. Disc brake forks have flat-mount tabs on the back of the fork leg — specific to 140mm or 160mm rotors (adapters can upsize). Some older disc forks use post mount. You cannot add disc mounts to a rim brake fork or vice versa — the fork must match your brake system. Thru-axle forks use a 12x100mm standard with a removable axle; quick-release forks use 9x100mm with a skewer.

Buying Used Forks

Carbon forks are safety-critical — inspect carefully. Check for cracks around the steerer/crown junction (the highest stress point), the dropout areas, and where the brake calliper mounts. Inspect the steerer for damage from headset bearing pressure — look for cracks or deformation at the lower bearing seat. Check the steerer hasn't been scored by a star nut or compression plug installation. Measure the steerer length — too short is useless, and you can't extend a cut steerer. Verify the thru-axle thread condition on disc forks.