Classic & Vintage - Fork flex on steel Trek 520 frame=normal?

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Aging Rider
04-19-04, 06:43 AM
I have a 25.5" 1987 Trek 520 (Reynolds 531) with untold 1000's of miles on it. When I brake my riding companions remark about the front fork moving in about 2"! I have just become aware of this & I was wondering if this is a sign of impending failure, it is definitely not headset related, is the fork "soft"? (or is it just something I never noticed) Other than that the frame is straight & good. (Never crashed) Any thoughts would be appreciated-

seely
04-19-04, 06:50 AM
I have a 25.5" 1987 Trek 520 (Reynolds 531) with untold 1000's of miles on it. When I brake my riding companions remark about the front fork moving in about 2"! I have just become aware of this & I was wondering if this is a sign of impending failure, it is definitely not headset related, is the fork "soft"? (or is it just something I never noticed) Other than that the frame is straight & good. (Never crashed) Any thoughts would be appreciated-

2" is a LOT. My old crappy carbon fork doesn't move near that much? How much do you weigh? Rider weight MAY have something to do with it, but it still shouldn't move 2". Its rare for steel to fatigue that much though, althought when steel fatigues it becomes elastic, like that. Just think--it it were Al it would have just broke on you rather than slowly go out.
late
04-19-04, 06:54 AM
Hi,
steel can whip around a long time; but this is not good news.
I would start looking at forks to replace it.