Straight or Curved Carbon forks?

[Koga]

As Robert says - there is absolutely no reason why a straight fork cannot be built with the same rake as a curved fork.

I agree with that.

 

[fossyant]

No difference between curved and straight forks with regards to rake. Without rake handling would be terrible.

Personally I prefer curved forks. It's just aesthetics, and that the OP has to decide, straight or curved.

 

[Fab Foodie]

It is not, since the curve of the fork provides the rake, wheras on a straight bladed fork, the rake is achieved by having them protrude from the steerer at an angle. Same amount of rake, achieved in different ways.

This ^^^^^
I don't mind forks curved or straight, but must have straight rear stays .... for aesthetics!

 

[HorTs]

If it's only aesthetics then I'll stick with the cheapest with good reviews.

 

[HorTs]

Thanks all.

 

[PpPete]

If you expect that, you will most likely be disappointed. The curve will not act like some kind of leaf spring - it doesn't work like that.

Why not ? (not disagreeing - just a genuine enquiry)
I know (from experience outside of cycling) just how "springy" the titanium alloy is compared with, say, steel or aluminium.
And there are enough manufacturers of titanium frames using curved seat stays for it to be more than fashion or coincidence ?

 

[Dusty Bin]

Why not ? (not disagreeing - just a genuine enquiry)
I know (from experience outside of cycling) just how "springy" the titanium alloy is compared with, say, steel or aluminium.
And there are enough manufacturers of titanium frames using curved seat stays for it to be more than fashion or coincidence ?

Let's put it another way - how much 'flex' do you think curved seatstays would give you? You don't really want 'vertical compliance' on a rigid frame - leave that job to the tyres. I've seen nothing to contradict the view that it really is just an aesthetic differentiator, or a fashionable look...

 

[PpPete]

Let's put it another way - how much 'flex' do you think curved seatstays would give you? You don't really want 'vertical compliance' on a rigid frame - leave that job to the tyres. I've seen nothing to contradict the view that it really is just an aesthetic differentiator, or a fashionable look...

I'm sure I've read of a number of frame manufacturers boasting of vertical compliance (whilst maintaining lateral rigidity).
Bearing in mind the OP was looking to prioritise comfort over speed I'd suggest curved seat stays are not anything to be avoided, even if the effect is minor.

Personal experience (OK anecdata doesn't prove anything) is that my ti frame with curved stays (and curved carbon forks) is massively more comfortable over the occasional potholes that I fail to avoid, compared with the steel frame & forks (531) with straight stays that preceded it - and that's with very similar spec wheels & identical tyres.
I've always taken the "leaf spring" effect of the curved stays to be a part of that, but it could be purely illusory.

 

[Old Plodder]

If the forks are not made for the frames geometry (head angle), you may have problems with your rake being to big (slow heavy steering) or too little (fast twitchy steering).
Whether you have straight or curved blades makes little to no difference, it's the rake that counts.
Rake is measured from a straight line projected through the centre line of your head tube to the ground & a perpendicular line dropped from your wheel axle.
(I think 1.75" is a good compromise.)

 

[Andrew Br]

I have two Ti frames (yes, yes, I know ).
They're both from the same manufacturer (Enigma); one has curved stays, the other straight.
I can't tell any difference in ride quality.
Tyres and pressures make much, much more difference.

IMO, straight look better.

.

 

[choplee]

i'm running straight carbon forks on my Ti frame and it's my first road bike with straight forks ... Not used it much since getting the bike built up ,but they seem to ride well and the bike is very responsive , stiff and quick ,but pretty comfortable