Bike Setup: Custom made steel frame. 650C tires. If you live in the bay area, call Dale Saso in San Jose for the best deal on a custom made steel frame. You'll be shocked at the value!
Summary: The Kestrel EMS fork dampens vibration nicely during long descents. Given that I have a 650 C wheel setup, I don't believe you get the dampening you would with a conventional 700C tire. It didn't lighten the bike significantly nor change the handling. I read about all these folks who found religion riding carbon fiber forks - it cures back aches, neck aches, arm aches, blindness, whatever. But it didn't do that for me. It was a very subtle changes.
Strengths: Great price. It dampens a little better than my steel fork.
Weaknesses: Not a significant increase in comfort or performance.
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Bike Setup: Steel Ciocc, full ultegra grouppo, cosmic wheels.
Summary: I bought this fork as an up grade on my old school steel Ciocc. Although I did not feel much of a difference in the weight, I do feel a lot more comfortable on rides. It carves corners with laser like precision, reduces road vibration and does not flex when sprinting in the final 200m or on climbs. As I previously mentioned, although its not the lightest one in the market, theres no real reason to shell out $300+ on a full carbon fork unless your a cat 1 racer.
Strengths: Looks, reduced road vibration, cornering, company knows what its doing!
Weaknesses: not the lightest thing out there
Similar Products Used: steel, aluminium, graphite
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Summary: I had high expectations for this fork when i exchanged it from the generic aluminum that came on my softide. TO be honest there was additional vibration dampening but also a loss if road feel. In addition I didnt think it had the lateral stiffest the kinesis aluminum did. I went back to trusty aluminum and liked it better
Strengths: Nifty looks, good vibration dampening
Weaknesses: Not as latterally stiff, loss of raod feel.
Similar Products Used: Kinesis aluminum
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Summary: I bought this fork to smooth out my ride. And I wasnt disappointed. Before when I returned from a ride with the stock front fork my shoulders, neck and hands were aching and sore. Now I don't Have that problem anymore. The ride is much more enjoyable even on the smoother roads. So I can ride farther and longer with less Fatigue.
Strengths: Appearance
Weaknesses: None
Similar Products Used: Stock Raleigh Fork, Aero Chromoly, 1" alloy.
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