Bicycle Mechanics - Fork fixer

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View Full Version : Fork fixer


nellofalltrades
04-06-06, 04:11 PM
Hi. I have a roadmaster mt sport sx that I took down to college with me because I didn't want my good cannondale destroyed by drunks. The roadmaster was given to me by a friend who doesn't ride it anymore. I've never heard of roadmaster before and i'm assuming that it's crap.

A few days ago my front fork decided to bend forward quite a bit. The bike now looks like a motorcycle with the super long front forks stuck way out in front of the bike.

Anywho. Considering the fact that there isn't a bike store anywhere around that I know of, should I try and order a new fork online or just head to walmart and buy a new cheap bike? (Walmart is the only store within 30 miles that would have any kind of bike stuff)

I have the tools to fix it but would it be worth my time and effort and (most importantly) my money? I won't be heading home till the end of the quarter (June) and I need a bike.


barba
04-06-06, 04:16 PM
Athens is my home town. There are two bike shops in town, so you don't have to go to the Wal-Mart if you don't want to. One on West Union and one on East State. If your fork is bent that much, do not ride the thing. I really doubt you can fix it, and I think putting much money into it would be a waste. Spring is here, look for a oldie but goodie at a garage sale.

Mchaz
04-06-06, 04:50 PM
putting much money into it would be a waste. Spring is here, look for a oldie but goodie at a garage sale.

Ditto on that. Roadmasters are the low of the low-end, and not worth fixing, unless you just happen on a similar fork for free. You can find some old but great complete bikes at garage sales, estate sales, good will, flea market, etc for $20 - $50. Usually you can find 80s-early 90s mountain bikes, or 70s-80s road bikes. Also check out Craigslist, deals pop up on there sometimes.


Retro Grouch
04-07-06, 04:19 AM
If you want continue to do jumps, you are going to need a lot stronger bike frame than that Roadmaster.

cousincletus
04-08-06, 10:30 AM
I had a problem with my son's bike (cheap Wally World bike) handlebar gooseneck and couldn't find the correct size replacement part at the local bike shop. The problem was minor as the threaded part that clamps the handlebars was stripped and the bike shop couldn't find one that would fit right. Either too big or small. I ended up drilling and tapping to a standard thread, using a bolt from the hardware store and that fixed the problem until he outgrew the bike. My guess is that you'll run into the same problem if you try to replace the forks.