Does anybody run an Easton EC90 SLX fork with a traditional (non-integrated) HS/HT

[WeakRider]

So I was looking for a nice carbon fork to run with a traditional headset/head tube, and it doesn't look like there are too many great options out there. But Easton advertises that their EC90 fork is meant for both integrated and non-integrated headsets. Do any of you have any close-up pictures of how a traditional head tube and HS cup sit on an EC90 fork?

Or do you have any suggestions for lightweight carbon forks to run with a traditional headset? Thanks!

[CNY rider]

It looks just like any other fork. :confused:
You can't see the steerer, it's inside the head tube/headset/spacers/stem.

There are lots of options including Serotta and Edge, among others.

[WeakRider]

Well, crowns of integrated forks are normally 43-45mm, while crowns of traditional forks are 38mm. An integrated fork will work just fine with a non-integrated headset, but it will look quite wonky. However, Easton specifically advertises that the EC90 fork is meant for use with integrated and non-integrated headsets. So...

Basically, I want to avoid something like this:

http://img161.imageshack.us/img161/8258/headsetk.jpg

[dave thompson]

A black Sharpie works real well in that case.

[tuscanyswe]

Easton ec90sl

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2707/4406113527_e4dd5f81fc_o.jpg

[Charles M]

http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/tech/parlee/parleefork.jpg

http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/tech/zerog/negcrump.jpg
http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/tech/parlee/parleetisozero.jpg

[happycampyer]

Not as nice a photo as the ones above, but you can make out the difference between the Easton and an Ouzo Pro in the background. As CNY rider mentioned, most forks sold in the aftermarket are designed to work with non-integrated headsets. Iirc, Reynolds used to make different versions of the Ouzo Pro, with different crown widths for use with either integrated or non-integrated headsets. The crown width of the Easton is in between, so that it works OK with either.

[WeakRider]

Thanks, everybody--it doesn't look so bad. However, I still wish that more companies still made forks specifically for traditional headsets. As happycampyer noted, Renolds used to. But it looks like there are very few forks made for traditional headsets these days--Wound Up and the THM Scapula come to mind.

I don't like the gap!

Anyway, a related question: do some headsets make the gap less noticeable than others?

And do any custom framebuilders build bikes with head tubes meant for integrated headsets?

[tuscanyswe]

I had the same thoughts as you did when i bought the easton and im a very anal guy when it comes to bikestuff. I really think it looks good. Maybe better with an old ouzo but im not even sure i think so anymore.

[happycampyer]

The width of the crowns of Edge and Serotta forks are both designed for non-integrated headsets, and they are among the best forks made. Don't forget that different forks have different axle-to-crown heights, or span. Your frame was designed with a certain fork span (and rake) in mind, so you need to take those factors into consideration as well.

Since the King headset cups are round, they tend to stick out more than others, such as Cane Creek.