Bicycle Mechanics - Too twitchy

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Oldfatrider
03-16-04, 10:46 AM
I have a Colnago CT1 with a Force fork that I have been riding since October. My only complaint is that the bike is a bit twitchy. I thought I would get used to it (used to ride a Ciocc San Cristobal - which was pretty nimble), but I still can't corner or descend like I once could (with confidence). Even holding a good line in a pace line is strenuous (and I do have a bit of skill). I believe the fork rake is 43mm. Would changing to a fork with more rake help? If so any specific fork recommendations? I'd be delighted to hear any solutions short of buying a new bike (I really like this bike too much - despite the twitch!).
Thanks!
A similar complaint was broached by Chris Boardman in last Months Pro cycling Mag on this occasion he was test riding a Guru and found the front end to twitchy for his taste owing to the steep angle of the forks.
He claims this is a common occurance to American manufactured cycles, so much prefers a European less declinity to their fork angles.
But of course that does not quite ring true if your new Steed is a Colnago, or perhaps the fork is a U.S. made one fitted to the Colnago....dunno..
Retro Grouch
03-17-04, 10:13 AM
I have a Colnago CT1 with a Force fork that I have been riding since October. My only complaint is that the bike is a bit twitchy. I thought I would get used to it (used to ride a Ciocc San Cristobal - which was pretty nimble), but I still can't corner or descend like I once could (with confidence). Even holding a good line in a pace line is strenuous (and I do have a bit of skill). I believe the fork rake is 43mm. Would changing to a fork with more rake help? If so any specific fork recommendations? I'd be delighted to hear any solutions short of buying a new bike (I really like this bike too much - despite the twitch!).
Thanks!
If anything, you'd want a straighter fork. That'll move the contct patch farther back from an imaginary line extended from the steerer tube. Before doing anything though, how tight is the headset? A headset that is a little too tight can make a bike downright unmanageable.
AndrewP
03-17-04, 01:49 PM
You want less rake to give increased trail
AndrewP
03-18-04, 01:28 PM
If you can handle the extra reach, a longer stem should make it less twitchy
Unfortunately, new road bikes tend to be twitchy and race-oriented. I'll keep my classics. :)
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