March 18th, 2009 by

thien

Fork: WCS UD Carbon Road

MSRP: $400
Claimed weight: 298 grams. Actual weight: 297 grams uncut, 345mm steerer tube
Available in 43mm (tested) and 45mm rake
One piece all carbon construction
Alloy dropouts
Easy to install compression plug
Wide, 45mm width

The stock fork on the Cervelo was the excellent True Temper Sub-3. I honestly had very low expectations with the new Ritchey fork. The one disappointment with the Sub-3 is inordinately heavy at 375 grams. This is because it requires epoxying of the star-fangled nut mechanism–and the nut itself is heavy. The Ritchey reduced this by 78 grams. And looks-wise, the wide, 45mm “shoulders” of the fork mate perfectly with the stout head tube of the Cervelo.

This WCS fork turned out to be an absolute revelation; the handling is superb. The fork has an amazing dampening quality; it smooths out bumps. But at the same time provides continuous feedback. You can really feel the road but it is not fatiguing. And, as stated, I am a conservative descender. On the maiden voyage, I ended up in a huge group ride of over 50 people. I was petrified as we all descended our local highway 84 out to coast at mach speeds. But the fork (and handlebars) provided a new found confidence with the incredible feedback–and comfort. For the first time in a while, I actually enjoyed the descent. On the way back, we dropped down Kings Mountain road. And for the first time in 10+ years, I was able to hang on my buddies wheel. Typically my friends have to wait for me post-descent.

This is by far the best fork I’ve ever used and the most impressive upgrade in this whole project.

Conclusions -

Seatpost: Ritchey Superlogic Carbon One-bolt