| The interchangeability depends on the year, the fork height and the fork rake.
Up until 2000, there were significant differences between the relatively short height of the steel fork and the taller composite forks. The best match is the Wound-Up composites because it's the shortest composite fork around. Be sure to match the rake (40mm for most 1200 or 2200 sizes, 45mm for sizes below 52cm (700C).
After 2000, Road Racing and Road Sport forks can fit a wide range of composite forks from Reynolds, True Temper and Profile as well as the Waterford steel designs.
With the advent of regular reach (57mm) dual pivot road brakes, a new complication has appeared. Forks designed for this brake, especially those designed to maximize tire/fender clearance, do not work with the widely used short reach (49mm) racing brakes.
What's more, as of this writing (Dec 2003), there are few 57mm brake compatible composite fork offerings. For this reason, the Waterford steel fork remains the best alternative for riders seeking comfort, responsiveness as well as good tire/fender clearance.
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