Bicycle Mechanics - What to look for when replacing a Fork?

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goku7
10-15-07, 12:32 PM
Hi all,
I'm interested in replacing a 1" threaded fork with one I saw on ebay. I haven't taken my bike apart to get specific measurements but it seems like the ebay fork is slightly longer than the one I have right now. My question is do I have to get exact matching measurements?
or is there a range that I can play with?
If I need to get it cut down to size, what does your LBS charge?
What other measurements, geometry or parts do I have to consider?

Thanks!!

other info: I have a quill stem. The reason for replacement is only for appearance, the green fork on my red bike looks like I'm celebrating Christmas year round, though probably deter some thieves...

roadfix
10-15-07, 12:36 PM
Save all the hassle, I would lightly sand the fork and paint it black instead.
oilman_15106
10-15-07, 01:16 PM
This covers alot of ground. Try the search function. Are you going to threadless? How long is the headtube? What is the current fork rake? What bike do you have and how much are you prepared to spend? Is a new fork worth putting on the present frame?

Sheldon Brown
10-15-07, 01:37 PM
Hi all,
I'm interested in replacing a 1" threaded fork with one I saw on ebay. I haven't taken my bike apart to get specific measurements but it seems like the ebay fork is slightly longer than the one I have right now. My question is do I have to get exact matching measurements?
or is there a range that I can play with?
If I need to get it cut down to size, what does your LBS charge?
What other measurements, geometry or parts do I have to consider?Slghtly longer shouldn't be a problem. More than slightly longer, the threading may not extend far enough down the steerer to let you adjust the headset correctly.

You could cut it down, or you could just install extra spacers betwixt the locknut and the threaded race.

There is also the issue of whether the crown/crown race are J.I.S. or ISO size.

See: http://sheldonbrown.com/headsets

If the fork blades are very different in length, you may have tire clearance or brake reach issues.

Sheldon "Phorque" Brown
goku7
10-15-07, 04:24 PM
Thanks guys,
Yeah, hub spacing is correct, wheel size is correct. (700, 100mm... etc) I just currently don't have my specific tube length and threaded length. I guess my question was just if I needed anything else.

Yeah, I thought about painting it too, (for my only reason is just color) I just don't think I have everything to make it a good paint job. I'll do more research on that as well.

Thanks!