I don't think it is really about weight but more about ride quality. I think it is worth it. STEEL RENEGADE Side note SRAM 1 by systems are pretty cool. Snappy
this post was submitted on 02 Aug 2026
5 points (100.0% liked)
Bicycles
6165 readers
10 users here now
Welcome to !bicycles@lemmy.ca
A place to share our love of all things with two wheels and pedals. This is an inclusive, non-judgemental community. All types of cyclists are accepted here; whether you're a commuter, a roadie, a MTB enthusiast, a fixie freak, a crusty xbiking hoarder, in the middle of an epic across-the-world bicycle tour, or any other type of cyclist!
Community Rules
-
No bigotry - including racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, or xenophobia.
-
Be respectful. Everyone should feel welcome here.
-
No porn.
-
No ads / spamming.
-
Ride bikes
Other cycling-related communities
founded 3 years ago
MODERATORS
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.
The bike I'm looking at would be 1100€ new, 450€ used, apparently in "good" condition
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
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
just for fun HY/RD
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
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.
9 speed chains are hella cheaper too
My vote is skip it. The potential weight savings is not worth the cost and messing around with.
I feel like the punishment/weight ratio is rather logarythmical, as in it increases with route steepness but not in a linear way - you'll start noticing it on really steep gradients and with tiredness.
If you have a somewhat decent shape and don't ride over too much steep gradients I'll say just keep the steel fork. It's cheaper if you just lose a kilo yourself than in your bike. And depending on the builder, steel frames and forks can feel as flexy if not even more than carbon.
Ride it and see. Depends on your personal frame too 😀.
Like I have fluctuated between 94kg and 83kg, depending on my powerlifting or couch sitting routine, so 3 kg on the bike frame becomes irrelevant