Rigid forks and Aluminium frames..

[OrangeRetro]

Why is it more hardcore/uncomfortable to ride a aluminium bike with rigid forks over a steel bike with rigid forks...? :|

 

[kaiser]

Ally frames are stiffer than steel.Theres no give in the material, whereas steel will spring a little.

 

[OrangeRetro]

So the main difference is the flex between the headtube and the top and down tubes?

I'm not sure how this would make it more comfortable?

 

[cherrybomb]

I think it's more down to the fact that a steel frame will absorb more of the shock into the whole frame where as ally tends to transfer it straight through to your ass and wrists. (and then your fillings fall out!).

 

[OrangeRetro]

Ok.. cool, so its more to do with the headtubes ability to disperse the shock rather then anything else.

I still can't see how it would make a major difference is the grand scheme of things. Any rigid bike is gonna shake you're fillings out if the going gets rough!

 

[Huntso]

Would also depend on the fork material.

 

[kaiser]

So the main difference is the flex between the headtube and the top and down tubes?

I'm not sure how this would make it more comfortable?

Flexings probably a bit strong but steel will reduce trail buzz a bit giving a bit more all day comfort rather than discernible 'suspension'.

 

[OrangeRetro]

So the main difference is the flex between the headtube and the top and down tubes?

I'm not sure how this would make it more comfortable?

Flexings probably a bit strong but steel will reduce trail buzz a bit giving a bit more all day comfort rather than discernible 'suspension'.

Cool, so its more to do with 'all day comfort' more then anything else. The reason why I ask is the number of comments regard P2's on a aluminium kona frame - so far I've felt absolutley no difference but the general concensus is that its not really the 'done thing'.

I have to agree that if I was going out for a long all day ride i'd probably dust off my full susser.. but that would go for any bike that doesn't have any suspension.

 

[Russell]

I run both my Zaskar and my Inbred with rigid forks and I can honestly say that the difference is negligible. The 'steel is real' brigade will go on about how uncomfortable ally bikes are in comparison but theres really not much in it. As others have said, fork design/material and frame design itself lend more to the ride comfort than it just being steel or aluminium.

 

[James]

Basically, riding an alu bike with rigid forks is going to be a bit jarring as with any steel rigid, but because of that, you will learn to ride so unbelievably smooth on it to limit the vibrations etc, which of course are overrated to begin with (alu is stiffer but it really wont kill you). when you get back on your other bike(s), the smooth riding style you will have aquired through necessity, providing you use that bike alot will translate into very very fast riding. you will be looking to use everything on the trail to gain speed or limit speed loss where previously you would just roll over unconciously before on ht or fs bikes.

Keep the bike as it is, it looks lovely and will help your riding alot.