Classic & Vintage - My Dunelt needs a new fork.

My old Raleigh/Dunelt needs a new fork. Can I use a modern fork through the headtube, or is there some bizzaro Raleigh size fork width that I have to look out for? I'd like to be able to use a 100mm wide 700c wheel and the fork on this is only 90mm wide.

Vincent

You can use a modern 1" fork but you'll have to switch the headseat as well, the threading is Whitworth, not BSC. just file the dropouts and spread the blades... unless you're looking to use a tire wider than 28mm or so, that's about as big that will fit under the fender.

Excellent. I don't mind switching the headset as well. I was concerned because the current fork's width is 22.2mm and I wasn't sure if that was a limitation of the current fork or of the headset. (As mentioned in a previous thread, headsets are a bit of a mystery to some people - myself included.)

I'm looking at this fork from nashbar: http://www.nashbar.com/profile_moreimages.cfm?category=86&subcategory=1182&sku=10724&brand= It's a little "futuristic" looking for the classic Dunelt, but I think it'll look cool.

Now I just have to find/make some decals! :)

Vincent

Looks like it'll work fine in terms of fit, i don't think stack height is much of a consideration with a 300 mm threadless fork.

you do know you will have to buy a new stem at the least, as well, one that's going to be uncommon (a "road" stem that has a "mountain" clampinp diameter)? Also, the handlebars on most Raleigh-associated 3-speeds have a 23.8 clamp diameter, whereas the only thing close available now is 25.4. work work work...

and what about that poor orphan fender?

no fender here, actually. I just have the frame and the fork, so I dont have to worry about replacing stems and whatnot. (Actually, it came with a nice nitto quill that I'm going to put on my other bike that has one but it's too short.)

I'm getting a bullhorn from chucksbike, so I have to get a stem for it that matches that.

Anyone looking to get rid of a fork? :)

I'm going to paint it myself.. what's the best way to remove the headbadge? It looks like it's riveted on.

Vincent

i like using a coarse half-round file on the inside of the rivet/headtube

How would I get it back on? Some sort of glue/epoxy?

that's pretty much what i did, silicone adhesive. you can't really remove the nameplate without destroying the rivets one way or another. there are places that do sell rivets; how your install them, i don't know.

Heheh. that's what I thought. Uhg. Money sucks! I'm been having this frame for over a month and it's killing me to have it sit here. I just got it back from the bike shop where they spread the rear triangle for me, before I realised the front fork is too narrow as well. If I would have known I'm sure they would have included it in the price. I really should start the painting process while I'm getting parts for it. Too broke to do so right now! Arg! :)

Vincent

Ok, I'm about to buy the carbon fork from nashbar, and now I'm looking for a headset to match. I'm looking the Canecreek DL threadless: http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=93&subcategory=1191&brand=&sku=8965&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename= This should work huh? (I'm really at a loss when it comes to these things... I'm not even sure how to attach a threadless headset! heheheh)

I have a bunch of stems that someone gave me, but some of these headsets look so short. Is that where the spacers come in?

Also, how do I measure the steerer tube? Do I just hacksaw it off to fit once I get the fork in? It's a 54mm frame, but I'm not sure what the headtube length is. Could I use the old Raleigh fork (threaded) steerer tube as a guide for length, or is threaded/unthreaded different?

Sorry for all the questions, but I want to make sure I order everything I need.

Vincent

Another method for reattaching the nameplate: Newer cars use a heavy, double-faced tape to attach trim pieces to the body. It's gray, about 1 or 2mm thick, and has pretty aggressive adhesive. You can buy it at any auto parts store.