Easton EC30

Price Paid:  $67.00 at nashbar

Favorite Ride:
my east-west loop

Bike Setup:
colnago VIP2000 with campy vento wheelset, daytona, chorus and record carbon components

Summary:
nashbar had a deal i couldn't pass up on this fork, so i replaced my straight-bladed aluminum threaded fork with the ec30. installation was a breeze. i can definitely tell a difference in ride quality due to the carbon and 43mm forward offset. this isn't the lightest carbon fork, but it fit my budget and needs. if weight is not your overall concern, the ec30 would be an excellent choice. i did notice some wobble in the front after i first installed the fork but could find nothing wrong. after the first few weeks it seemed to go away - i haven't felt it since. once i built my confidence back up after the change (we all know that feeling), i can climb, corner and ride as hard as i could before.

Strengths:
lighter than aluminum or steel forks, high easton quality and dependability

Weaknesses:
heavier than most carbon forks

Similar Products Used:
colnago aluminum

Price Paid:  $150.00 at LBS

Bike Setup:
GT ZR1.0, Mavic SSC SL, Easton EA70 handlebars with EA50 stem (soon upgraded with EA70), Easton EC30 fork, Fisik Dolomiti Saddle, VDO HC12.6 Computer, Dura-Ace Shifter and Derailleur, All other 105, (all to be upgraded with Dura-Ace 10speed)

Summary:
This is my second carbon fork, since I've sold my Kestrel 200EMS years and years ago. I find this fork fairly comfortable, but it tends to oscillate at cobblestone roads. The fork cannot eat up all vibrations. Also I notice some movement during heavy breaking. But I'm really please with price/performance of this fork, and you can't go wrong with Easton quality. In the end I'm VERY pleased with the allround performance.

Strengths:
Comfort, Price, Looks, Manufacturing Quality (What can I say, I'm an Easton fan!)

Weaknesses:
Seems to be a little flex during heavy (HEAVY) braking. Oscillates during rides on cobblestone sections (yes we do have them here in the Flanders.

Similar Products Used:
Kestrel EMS200, but found the ride rather harsh but those were the early 90s. A lot has been changed since then...

Price Paid:  $110.00 at LBS

Bike Setup:
Trek 2100, Shimano Dura-Ace drivetrain, Campy wheels.

Summary:
Incredibly light, stiff fork that's also great at absorbing surface-induced vibration. Mine comes with 1" carbon steerer which makes it an amazing buy at $110. Fork, uncut, weighed about 350g.

Strengths:
Light, stiff, cuts air like a knife (the blades are slim and way cool!).

Weaknesses:
None.

Similar Products Used:
Look LDS3