Without getting into the steel vs. carbon debate, I have a question about lateral flex on monocoque vs. 2/3-piece carbon fiber forks and carbon forks with longer steerer tubes for a road bike. Is anyone aware of testing on these and which are better? I'm looking for a data-driven answer moreso than a feel answer.

I currently have a Reynolds Ouzo Pro, which I find flexes a fair bit laterally and under braking forces, much of that driven by the size of my bike/headtube. I'm 6'4", 185lbs and have a 64cm frame, with a headtube of 28cm. I'm debating whether replacing the fork is possible, and then with what. The only other fork I know with a longer steerer is the Alpha Q Z fork, but I don't know if that would flex as much as the Reynolds does. Most seem to have 300mm steerer tubes (Easton EC, Ritchey WCS). Looking to stay under $500, so Storck, etc are not part of the equation.

Thanks for your input.

Gee! A 64 is a really big frame. I'm 6'3" and ride 58, 59 or 60, depending on the bike. I have carbon forks on 2 of my bikes, and like you, I find they flex quite a bit under braking. Laterally they seem all right to me. As far as data supported answers, I'm afraid I can't help you with that. I have heard from "various sources" that one piece forks are "supposedly" stronger because there are no joints, no glue, etc. My forks are also 1 piece. I've had no experience with other CF forks.

The only thing you're going to find that's stiffer/better handling than the Reynolds is something made of steel, and then probably only with Columbus MAX tubes/crown. What's your aversion to steel?

Reynolds has an Ouzo Pro Criterium that is supposely stiffer than the regular Ouzo Pro that you may want to check into. The Criterium weighs @ around 430 grams while the regular Ouzo Pro weighs @ around 380 grams with the same steerer tube lenght so the ~12%+ in mass of the Criterium is definitely designed for a stiffer ride.

I'm a freak; short torso, long legs (58cm top tube, 64cm seat tube). My CX bike is a 60 with more drop, but I can do that for 45min. My road bike is a ti Seven, and for longer rides, I prefer less drop for the long haul, so the frame is larger and damn comfy. I road the full Paris-Roubaix course last June and actually felt good after the 260km and the next day.

I've heard the same on monocoque construction and wanted to see if anyone had seen data to support that (non-manufacturer sourced). Thanks for the comments.

Not so much averse to steel, I have an IF Steel planet X as my fixie/CX singlespeed with the IF steel fork and love it. Part of it is visual, where I like the bladed look of the carbon forks on my road bike, especially with the tube sizes/frame size. The steel fork blades look anorexic on my bike comparatively IMO.

That said, which builders would you use for the Columbus MAX forks?

I'm 6'4", 185lbs and have a 64cm frame, with a headtube of 28cm.

Could you post a picture of your bike? I'm built about the same and want a similar setup.

but here are two photos of the bike with me next to it and on it at the Holy Land.

sweet ride. someday I hope to have a bike that doesn't requre a +25deg stem.

I'm very happy with it other than the flexing fork and the crappy FSA SLK's that deflect a bit. I want SRAM Force too, but that is a desire thing, not a functional issue with the DA. At any rate, regardless of budget, getting fit was a big thing for me; no more sore back and shoulders now that the reach is corrected.