trek oclv fork?

i just got this crank and am not sure if its carbon or not. its a 1" stem and says oclv on the fork but it sounds like its aluminum. there is a scratch and its black under the paint but im not sure. its a 97. how could i tell.

me again i ment to say fork not crank. sorry its late.

OCLV is the abbreviation for something-or-other that TREK used to describe the fabrication process in producing their carbon fiber frames ... and, apparently forks.

However, the shoulder of the fork may be alloy ... and, the steerer may be alloy OR steel (if threaded) ...


If the fork weighs about 400-to-450 grams, then it is probably carbon fiber.

thanks ill look into it. im aware of the process used to make the frame and forks. I own a trek 5000 it came with an aluminum fork. I wanted a little upgrade and hope i didnt waste money on somthing that just has an oclv sitcker.

OCLV-Optimum Compaction, Low Void..which is what every carbon bike thing maker does, has for decades...tightly made, no bubbles(TMNB?)

Oh ...

If you are worried that the fork may be metal [there is NOTHING wrong with a good steel fork, BTW, other than the weight penalty of about a lb.], then (while holding one of the fork's legs) pour some HOT (~120º) or ICE water onto the leg a few inches from your hand ... and, assess the temperature transfer ...

If there is an obvious temperature transfer, then the fork is metal.

If there isn't a signicant (any) temperature transfer, then the fork is carbon fiber (unless you/someone "carved" it out of wood/whatever!, painted it, etc.).

"TMNB" (!?!) probably failed as marketing acronym because it lacked a vowel ...