Folding Bikes - Fork for Raleigh Twenty

A few months ago, someone had put up a thread and mentioned a specific, non-suspension fork that had a long enough steerer for the Twenty. I can't find it, and I can't remember who posted it. Any help?

On mine, i installed a MTB fork (long steerer) and shorten the legs.

On mine, i installed a MTB fork (long steerer) and shorten the legs.
Someone else had actually purchased a 20" fork that had a long enough steer tube. They even gave a catalog number from a major company.

I would also like to say thank you to you for putting up your web site. Your bike, along with Bill Milams, Chegs, and Sheldon Brown's were inspirations for my own bike. I now have 3,000+ miles on it and am still going strong.

Thanks, Juan

I would also like to say thank you to you for putting up your web site. Your bike, along with Bill Milams, Chegs, and Sheldon Brown's were inspirations for my own bike. I now have 3,000+ miles on it and am still going strong.

Thanks, Juan

I am really happy my Twenty page (http://www.guybouchard.ca/twenty.htm) help others building a wonderful bike. Funny thing: it is my best known achievement on the web.

I am thinking a lot about my folding bike need right now. My Twenty doesn't fold small enough to be an easy solution for me. My new car (new to me) have a short and tall boot. I need to fold rear seat to put it inside. It was not the case with my previous car (1992 Saturn). What is the best solution? My Twenty is perfectly adapted (gearing, position), a Brompton would fit better in the car's boot but stock gearing and reach are not what i prefer. My girlfirend old Dahon Speed is better but i need to remove the handlebar to get the smallest package. Not exactly what i want...... I need to think about it!

From http://www.rhizomes.nl/twenty.html ...


"Front Fork:

Because it seems te be hard to find replacement forks for Twenty's and some people asked me about mine i wrote some on it which i posted on BikeForums.Net. I am including most of the text here below. If anyone reading this really can't find the fork or Bottom Bracket i employed in their country, drop me a line and i'll try to help you out.

'The Replacement fork is not really a 'brand' or model as such, they are made and sold (in bulk via wholesalers only) to Dutch bike stores by a company called Akiru.

The denomination which my bike store gives 'em when he wants one is:

"Universal replacement fork, 20 * 1.75 with the longest threaded stem" (yes, it is threaded, you don't have to have your store do it ).

The price my bike shop charges for the fork is E 22,50. He is not totally sure but he thinks a version is available that is suitable for cantilevers too. He thinks if it is available the price difference is rather minimal.
He does recommend using the fork with a good/decent headset for a smooth/stable ride. The fork is not machined/welded to such precision as forks that cost double or triple of course.

He can also order a totally different 20 inch fork that has good suspension and disk brake mountings but that one costs at least 3 times as much, possibly 5 times."

I'm in the mind now that I shouldn't have sold my stock twenty fork as I can't put it back on the bike now. I liked my cheapo susp fork but it weighs SO much. A lot of people say the stock fork is a 'must replace' item but I'm not so sure - yes - the strange nylon headset isn't great but there must be a way of fitting a more modern headset without chucking away a perfectly serviceble (and elegant let's not forget) fork.
Anyone? Bueller?
;)

I got a great fork from my LBS! It is for a sun recumbent, I forget the number but you can take in the measurement that the steering tube needs to be, and that should be enought to get it. It cost me $50 and had braze ons for the V brakes. Painted black. It is sized for 406's. It really works nice on my R20! I'll see if I can find that replacement part number and let you know.:)

J & B part# 67453 (Sun Bicycles Replacement Fork for 2001-2003 EZ-Sport Recumbent)

I had an LBS order it for me and it worked perfectly in my second '20.

I got a great fork from my LBS! It is for a sun recumbent, I forget the number but you can take in the measurement that the steering tube needs to be, and that should be enought to get it. It cost me $50 and had braze ons for the V brakes. Painted black. It is sized for 406's. It really works nice on my R20! I'll see if I can find that replacement part number and let you know.:)

Does anyone know if 451 wheels "fit" into this fork (I know the brakes won't line up)?

Does anyone have access to this fork and a 451 wheel to test fit it?

I got impatient with my inability to find the answer (bikeforums being down didn't help) and I ordered this fork without knowing...

Even if 451s don't fit I'll probably stay with this fork and go with 406s instead, but I would prefer to use the skinnier wheels...

You're being followed...

a 451 wheel will be 22.5mm higher in the space - which isn't much. I reckon this fork probably has a fair bit of clearance and might well squeeze in a 451 with a skinny tire; if it's no good - I might be interested in it... Let us know how you get on...
:) Huw

Thanks for all the posts, fellow Twenty enthusiasts. I do like having a smoother ride for my Twenty (I have a sprite trl suspension fork) but I am getting into better shape and am trying to make a faster version of my twenty. Losing the suspension fork and my current dual drive drivetrain should save me a few pounds, easy. I am going to look into cheg's fork suggestion and see how it unfolds...pun intended:).
juan162

I'm in the mind now that I shouldn't have sold my stock twenty fork as I can't put it back on the bike now. I liked my cheapo susp fork but it weighs SO much. A lot of people say the stock fork is a 'must replace' item but I'm not so sure - yes - the strange nylon headset isn't great but there must be a way of fitting a more modern headset without chucking away a perfectly serviceble (and elegant let's not forget) fork.
Anyone? Bueller?
;)
I agree with you. I tossed my fork and am now wishing I hadn't, just to have another fork option around, if only for emergencies. Oh well, nothing to do about it now,
Juan