Road bike forks

A safety component

The fork of a road bike is rigid: it doesn't have any suspension but greatly affects comfort, steering precision, and stability. Carbon, lightweight and capable of filtering vibrations, is found on most road bikes. Aluminium and steel, which are more robust, are common on entry-level bikes and classic models. After a fall, a carbon fork should be carefully checked.

Other suspensions

Suspensions and forks are also available in:

• MTB forks.
• City forks.
• Hybrid forks.
• BMX forks.
• Shock absorbers.
• Accessories.

All suspensions are gathered on the suspensions page.

Steering and wheel

The steerer, which goes through the head tube, can be straight, one and an eighth inch, or conical, wider at the bottom, on most recent frames: it should match the headset. The wheel axle is secured by a nine-millimetre quick release on rim brake bikes, or by a thru-axle of twelve millimetres on disc brake bikes. The length of the steerer varies according to the height of the handlebar setup.

Braking and geometry

A fork for rim brakes has a fitting for the caliper; a fork for disc brakes includes a flat mount attachment. The tyre clearance is also checked, which determines the maximum width, and the offset, which influences steering behaviour: a fork different from the original alters the bike's geometry. Fitting a carbon fork is best left to a workshop.

Good deals

Great bargains can also be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped within 24 hours are prepared and dispatched in 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a stable order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by summer sales and the back-to-school season.

Frequently asked questions

Carbon or aluminium fork for a road bike?

Carbon, lightweight and able to filter vibrations, is found on most road bikes. Aluminium and steel, which are more robust, are found on entry-level and classic bikes, with steel providing a comfort appreciated by riders.

Steerer straight or conical: how to know which one to choose?

You take the format of the head tube of the frame. The conical steerer, wider at the bottom, stiffens the front and is fitted to most recent bikes; the straight steerer of one and an eighth inch, or one inch on older bikes, remains common.

Should I change my carbon fork after a fall?

After a significant impact, check the fork for cracks, chips, or sounds that may require its replacement, as carbon can be damaged without visible signs. If in doubt, have it checked at a workshop.

How to choose a fork for disc or rim brakes?

The fork must match the brake: flat mount or post mount for the disc, central drilling for the caliper on rim brakes. You can't fit a disc brake on a fork designed for rim brakes.

What is the offset of a fork?

The offset is the distance between the steering axis and the wheel axis. Combined with the steering angle, it determines the stability and agility of the bike: you should keep the same offset as the original fork to maintain its handling.