this post was submitted on 02 Aug 2026
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I'm looking for a new bicycle to replace my stolen gravel bike, and one of the options I have is a 12,6kg full CrMo steel framed gravel / trekking bike that seems cheap and robust enough. My only concern is that my previous bike was 9-10 kilos, with an aluminium body and carbon fork, and it rode really well, so i'm a bit worried it might not be as fun on longer rides.

So that got me thinking: how much weight could I reduce by switching from a steel fork to a carbon fork, and how easy is it to do it myself? Would it be worth it?

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[–] kahjtheundedicated@lemmy.world 4 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (1 children)

A carbon fork can save around a kilo, which is both a lot and not that much depending on perspective. Personally I prefer the ride characteristics of a carbon fork over a steel fork, so that’s also something to consider. I find steel forks to either be too noodley, or too harsh, or kinda both. Carbon forks more often feel stiff without feeling harsh.

A fork swap isn’t hard to do, but I would be surprised if the cost of that bike plus a carbon fork isn’t significantly more than just buying a bike that already has a carbon fork. Also finding a compatible fork may or may not be difficult. For example if it’s a straight 1-1/8” steerer with disc brakes your options are pretty limited. Also need to keep the forks axle-to-crown height and rake in mind.

[–] 666dollarfootlong@lemmy.world 1 points 3 days ago (1 children)

The bike I'm looking at would be 1100€ new, 450€ used, apparently in "good" condition

[–] kahjtheundedicated@lemmy.world 2 points 3 days ago (1 children)

And it would be another €400+ for a carbon fork from a reputable brand, unless you can find a used one that will work. I would not trust cheap aliexpress forks.

What bike are you looking at specifically? In that price range I’d rather get hydraulic brakes and at least an 11 speed groupset than a carbon fork. Unless that bike is just a killer deal and already has that stuff

[–] 666dollarfootlong@lemmy.world 1 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (2 children)

https://activebikes.com/product/2022-active-sirocco-gravel-360-silver/

I'm just looking for a do-it-all bike, one that I can take on a train, ride in cities, roads and on gravel roads. 50% commuting, 50% leisure. My old bike was 2x10, I thought it was good enough but a bit hard going uphills

[–] that_lightnin@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 day ago (2 children)
[–] simbico@lemmy.zip 1 points 1 day ago

Juin tech is also a great option for hybrid brakes. If you go down this route you must install compressionless brake hoses (eg from jagwire)

I'll have to see how the brakes are before committing, but yea enough people have recommended hydraulics so I think eventually i'll have to get them haha

[–] kahjtheundedicated@lemmy.world 1 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Yeah €450 isn’t bad. For a casual bike it will be fine, but I don’t think it would be worth changing the fork.

I don’t know what the Finnish used market is like, but I would be surprised if you can’t find at least a 2x10 gravel bike for a similar price. But if 9 speed is fine for you, yeah it looks like a good quality bike.

[–] that_lightnin@lemmy.ca 1 points 1 day ago

9 speed chains are hella cheaper too