Along comes another good handling, smooth riding and aerodynamic carbon fork from True Temper Sports, but this one hits the scales at 325g.  That's right, now you can have your cake and eat it too! 

The Alpha Q GS 20 is a NACA Airfoil shaped "road" fork made via Easton's Nanotechnology.  It's a beautiful matte black finished fork without the typical carbon look.  Part of the reason for the low weight is the elimination of the carbon fabric top coat (which looks great, but adds weight).  Nevertheless, I welcome the distinct look.  The fork is also distinguishable from most aero forks due to the leaner look near the head tube.  This is another place where the fork trims some fat.  Importantly, if you compare the front of the GS 20 to the front of Alpha Q's aero forks, the GS 20 has less bulk and appears more aerodynamic.  Whether that transfers into less drag, I can't tell you, but it sure looks like it would.

For those of you unfamiliar with Easton's Nanotechnology, here's a brief explanation. Nanotechnology is the process of adding microscopically small carbon fibers to the resin to reduce the overall amount of resin – the weak link in carbon tubes.  Carbon and wood are similar to the extent that both are fibrous materials held together by a type of glue.  The higher the percentage of fiber or, conversely, the lower the percentage of glue, the harder the wood or stronger the carbon tube.  The glue binding the fibers together has no strength on its own other than its ability to bind the fiber.  It is the fiber that provides the strength.  Nanotechnology is based on the belief that by increasing the density of carbon fiber, you increase the strength of the carbon fiber/resin matrix. I am a firm believer in the technology as it produces a better product. 

Like other Alpha Q forks, the GS 20 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.

The GS 20 has a lively road feel while remaining smooth with outstanding handling.  I am not the best person to test the ultimate stiffness of the fork, but it is certainly stiff enough for use by the majority of us.  I also think it is certainly stiff and aerodynamic enough for use in triathlons.  Therefore, if you're looking for a hyper-light, smooth riding, great handling, good looking carbon fork for either road, TT or triathlon use, this fork's got "use me please" written all over it.  The GS 20 may, in fact, be the best dual purpose fork available.

KDG