The issue of how much a bike and its various components weigh is a popular topic of discussion among the cycling community. A lighter bike will travel faster, and replacing a bike's singular components one at a time is the way many cost-conscious riders slowly shed weight from their machines. Upgrading to a full carbon fork is a way to save some weight.
Bike Fork
A bike's fork is a pivotal component on the bike. It steers and balances the bike and is also responsible for holding the front wheel on. The fork's steerer tube inserts into the bike frame at the headset. Forks are made from a variety of materials, the most common being steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, magnesium, titanium and combinations of these materials.
Aluminum And Steel
The material that a fork is made from will impact the way a bike rides. Keep in mind that many forks are a mixture of materials, such as carbon and aluminum, which will have a different feel from an all carbon fork. This is a cost saving measure because carbon fiber is expensive and is found on many entry level road bikes. Steel forks are generally heavy, yet very solid and durable over time. They are also tend to be cheapest in price. Aluminum is lighter, but tends to have a rougher ride feel than carbon fiber, though it's less expensive.
Carbon Fiber
Nearly all high-end road bikes are equipped with carbon fiber forks. Carbon fiber is known for its light weight and its ability to absorb road vibrations. It makes for a smoother overall ride. This material is a more expensive option and, despite its lightness, carbon fiber is still able to safely support heavier riders and bumpy riding conditions.
Overall Weight Savings
The weight of a fork depends on what materials it's composed of. Mixes of steel and aluminum will add weight to a fork that has carbon fiber blades, but will also reduce the price of the fork. Several studies have been done to find the exact time savings that result from removing weight from a bike. Typically, for every five pounds added to a rider ascending the same challenging 20 minute climb, it took 30 seconds longer to reach the top. According to Bill McGann of Torelli Bicycles, this means that for every pound shed from a bike, the rider gains six seconds over a 20 minute climb. A typical fork upgrade saves a pound or less, depending on the materials.
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