I am looking to drop some last bit of weight on my Litespeed (http://light-bikes.com/bikegallery/BikeListing.asp?id=474) and I figured the fork was a nice place and I cold get a nicer riding fork possibly.

I am looking at the Easton EC90 SL Columbus Super Muscle or even just the Muscle.

Any opiniosn on either one? The Easton can be had cheap on sale and I get get the Columbus line @ cost, so I am eliminating others for this reason.

Any ther sub 380g fork for sub $375??

Thanks!

Lots of discussion on WW about the Ritchey WCS carbon fork, 320g± for well under $300, not bad if it rides well. I'm on an 2005 Easton SLX/CNT, smooth ride, no complaints but then I don't see mountain descents here in Texas. It's 280g cut to 175mm.

Look in the hot deals forum. Cambriabike.com has a 20% coupon (not currently working, but supposed to be good till 12/15, I think they'll get it going tomorrow). They have EC90SL for $159-20% = $127 for a 350g (uncut) fork. I've got one and I think it's an excellent fork, stiffer than my older EC70. I'm tempted to buy another in case a nice looking frame comes along. ;)

The Super Muscle is an excellent fork. I've had one for three years and am quite pleased. As a larger rider (195# trackie), I have found it to be quite comfortable on chip seal and absolutely predictable when pushed hard into corners. It's not the least bit squishy as are many others I've ridden. It is possible it may be too stiff (jarring) for smaller riders, though. I also like its lack of garish graphics. No experience with the Easton fork, but I'd also recommend looking at an Alpha-Q.

and it sounded like there have been some quality control problems. I think it was delam of the steerer. It is sometimes hard to find things using the search function on this site, but it is worth it to you to try and see if you can find that or other discussions.

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Hi:

I just loaded up my Vortex with that Easton fork and the new Easton carbon stem & handlebars.....and I am about to rip that sh_t (Pat - I'd like to buy a vowel...an "i") off of my bike & throw it in the dungheap! I have a number of bikes and several have the Columbus & Alpha_Q forks on them - all provide a great ride.

The Easton problems....first of all, I had to go to 2 bike shops and deal with 3 mechanics to get the fork/stem assembled properly. The new carbon stem that (EC90) is supposed to be such an innovation...doesn't work that well (Easton should fire their engineers who developed this product!). Both bike shops say that the problem is with the mounting mechanism of the stem – which does not attach to the fork securely. This mounting mechanism may appear to be made for mounting carbon on carbon – but what good is it if the whole thing flexes and moves? Needless to say, this shows up in poor handling (i.e. unstable, flexy front end). Both bike shops suggested that it might be the combination of the Easton fork & stem - just not stiff and strong enough.

In any case, it makes the Vortex ride like a beater.....I was incredibly diappointed in this combination - and the lack of any response from Easton when I emailed them the problem has been equally as disappointing. I will never buy another Easton product!

EasyRider47

- Try contacting Veltec, not Easton.
Those new bolt-less stems are a p.i.t.a., I wouldn't trust just any mechanic with installing the combo. Just my .02 bits, hope it all works out for ya.

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p.i.t.a. = pain in the a**

- Be patient, they'll get to you. Very busy time of year for them, I know first hand.
Personally, I'm a nut-n'-bolt guy. I'd get the all carbon stem they have that still uses a good ol' clamp.

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The Muscle and Super Muscle are heavier although excellent fork. I had a Muscle and really liked it. I'm currently on a 2005 EC90SL straight leg on my Vortex and a 2005 EC90SLX on my Classic and they both have been great forks. The SL came in at 333 grams uncut and the SLX at 295 uncut. I didn't bother to weigh them after I cut them since I had already instaleed the crown race and wasn't going to remove them just to weigh them.

Either way you can't go wrong although the Easton's will be lighter.