are these forks safe for lowriders?

3 months ago by kimchi to c/bicycle_touring

I got this fork used from someone who claimed it was carbon, but I'm thinking it's not(?). A magnet doesn't stick to it, but it sounds lots like when I hit the key on a steel fork.

I'd like to add a lowrider front rack like Blackburn Lowrider , Zefal Touring Raider, or Axiom Journey DLX if it's not carbon.

toofpic 3 points 3 months ago

Looks like aluminium or steel -it's of course lighter than suspension forks, but doesn't look as anything special.
Carbon should sound more or less like plastic, because it is more or less plastic:)

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kimchi 3 points 3 months ago

Thanks!
I have been searching the image, and I think I found it: 2010-ish Scott Speedster 50 with flat handlebars

https://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2010&Brand=Scott&Model=Speedster+S50+flat+bar

That does indeed claim the fork is "carbon/alloy", which explains the previous owner's confusion.

But a review in Cycling Weekly says "The first disappointment to mention is the alloy fork, which gives a harsh ride and passes every bit of road buzz on to the rider." (https://www.cyclingweekly.com/...)

I smell "marketing dept. carbon-fiber" :) If anybody knows where a "carbon/alloy" fork may have used carbon (I can't find a spot that doesn't -ding-), then I'd have some idea how it might fail carrying panniers.

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SaneMartigan 1 point 3 months ago

I don't see any mounts for a front rack.

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