I’ve been disappointed with the ride of many stock aero forks so I quickly want to upgrade to a better one.  The primary problem I have with stock forks is either how rough they ride or how much they weigh.  A good aero fork should be able to reduce the amount of drag created by a standard road fork while also reducing the road impact from expansion joints, potholes and other irregularities all at a reasonable weight.  The benefit of a more aero ride is obvious; the need for a smoother ride is also due to the need for better aerodynamics.

The aero bar, which now seems an all too obvious tool for time trials and triathlons, has only been around for the last 20 years or so.  While aero bars are indisputably more aerodynamic, they also reduce one’s control over the bike as well as the number of muscles and joints capable of absorbing road irregularities. Therefore, a smooth riding fork can make a substantial difference in your safety and comfort.

The Alpha Q TS20 meets all of the requirements of a good aero fork.  It is a 430g carbon fork with NACA airfoil shape and carbon steerer.  Its aerodynamic shape is clearly superior to standard road forks and the equal of all or most every other aero fork.  Moreover, the fork has what is referred to as a true speed coating that is supposed to smooth the airflow in a similar manner as dimpling carbon wheels.  Its overall weight is also very reasonable, particularly when compared to some 500 – 650g forks many manufacturers are using.  Finally, its ride is among the smoothest of any fork I’ve ever used, road or aero.  The company describes the manufacturing process as “Carbon Rooting Technology”. I can only assume that it is some super secret method of making an exceptionally smooth riding fork.

The Alpha Q TS20 offers the complete package – reasonable weight, proper aerodynamic shape, fabulous ride and great looks to boot. The only downside is that it uses an aluminum insert that is glued in place after measuring and cutting the carbon steerer.  While that in and of itself is not an issue, the fact that you cannot subsequently remove the insert and shorten the steerer is.  Of course, if you know your steerer height and don’t plan on selling the fork anytime soon, it is not a problem for you.  I suggest that you leave the steerer slightly long and use spacers both above and below the stem to adjust your bar height based on the length of your race.  For sprint and Olympic distances, go low; for Half Ironman and Ironman distances, move the bar a little higher for increased comfort.

If you’re not sure whether the sharp impacts you feel in the aerobars are a result of your stock fork, then see if someone will let you swap out forks for a short training ride.  Forks are easy to swap, as long as the steerer isn’t too short, by simply removing and replacing the stem and front brake caliper (takes about 10 - 15 minutes).  Trying a different fork (as well as different wheels and tires) can be an eye opening experience.  If you already know you need a new aero fork, I highly recommend the Alpha Q.

Detailed description:

Alpha-Q Time Trial Series TS20 Fork

NACA air/oil fork legs provide the lowest drag possible that meets UCI specifications.

Carbon steerer

True Speed coating to reduce wind resistance

Carbon Rooting Technology (CRT) designed to optimize the stiffness to weight ratio and vibration damping characteristics of the fork

Includes alloy glue in insert with integrated star nut to add stiffness and strength

Steerer Tube Length: 300.0 mm
Fork Rake: 43 mm
Axle to Crown Length: 372 mm
Crown Race: 30.0
Front Axle Type: 9x1
Wheel Size: 700c
Front Hub Spacing: 100 mm
Brake Usage F/R: Front
Material: Carbon
Color: Carbon
Weight: 430.0 g

KDG