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Origin8 Carbon Cross Fork |
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Written by Mike Hoover
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Wednesday, 05 December 2007 |
 Tester: Mike Hoover, Team Bikeman.com Rider, Certified Bikeman Product Tester
Conditions: Cyclocross courses across New England.
Review: I decided that it was time to upgrade my cyclocross machine, a 1998 Redline, this fall. My main goal was to try and bring some new excitement to the bike by choosing a few upgrades that would maximize my cost to benefit ratio for these improvements. I knew the brakes didn’t work, so these were the first to go. I also kept looking at the heavy, heavy aluminum fork that came with the bike, and decided to try a new carbon fork, for both weight savings and ride improvement.
What really sparked my interest was Bikeman’s timely feature of the Origin8 CX fork. The item was competitive on weight with the top of the line forks, and only half the price. Given my cost/benefit ratio goal, I decided to go for the new fork. I was originally concerned about the fact that the rake was 43mm, which is two millimeters less than most forks on the market. I talked the issue over with resident CX Guru Big Al, who convinced me that I would not be affected by this steeper rake. With this sage advice, I took the plunge and went for the upgrade.
First item was the install. Couldn’t have been easier for me, as the Bikeman mechanics handled the task effortlessly. When I got the bike, the first thing I noted is the weight, my bike was noticeably lighter! Not like when you put a new part on your bike, or are comparing an old part in one hand and the new in the other, and say to yourself that you can feel the weight difference, but you really can’t. We've all been there before, but are loath to admit it..... No faking here, the bike is ALOT lighter. I was immediately satisfied with the product before I even clipped in.
As for the ride, Big Al was spot on. The rake made no difference. My bike handled extremely well, maintaining the characteristics of the original setup, both stable and nimble. The fork does soak up the bumps nicely, and there’s no chatter when on the brakes (that now work).
Simply put, a great improvement for the steed. Huge weight savings, very reasonable price, and a great ride has convinced me I have obtained my intended goal for the upgrade.
Five stars for this excellent product. Upgrade your machine before they’re all gone!!
Rated:
 | $219.95
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| Origin8 Synergy Pro Carbon Cyclocross Fork: Full carbon 700c cyclocross fork with 43mm rake. 1 1/8'' x 300mm carbon steerer. Includes top cap compression device. Cantilever brake mounts only. 430g w/ uncut steerer... |
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