Framebuilders - New member, old biker, looking for a front fork 'repair' resource.

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PDA
ARD
08-24-11, 10:43 AM
Hi,

I recently moved, and somehow, the front fork of my 1985 Fisher Competition got bent out of true. There are no outward signs of trauma, the paint is intact, but the dropouts are not aligned and one fork is visually about 1 inch 'behind' the other.

The frame is 531, but the fork has no designation on it.

I am located in Chico, California, which is about 90 miles north of Sacramento.

I would like to find a resource to repair the fork and was hoping someone here may know a trustworthy repair facility, if this is something that can be repaired.

If repair is not an option, are there any know 'replicators' of a front fork from that era?

Thanks for any help, I am feeling like I lost a family member.

Cynikal
08-24-11, 10:57 AM
Steve Rex in Sacramento did a similar alignment for me a couple of years ago. You may want to check in with Paul Components (in Chico), he has built a frame or two and may have the tools but that is probably a long shot.
NukeouT
08-24-11, 11:03 AM
Bent the fork on my 84 Trek when I crashed it on PCH. Several people warned me that it's tensile strength is weakened, and will be even more weakened bending it back into shape. So rather than mess with the possibility of unpredictable failure when im near heavy traffic or coming down a mountain I just bought a replacement fork.

For me it worked out great, because my LBS had a newer aluminum 1994 Giant Cadex ALR1 fork for 25$. I know how you feel, but think of it as an end to a new beginning? Maybe you can take the opportunity to upgrade to a nice carbon one?

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/740392-Totaled-Trek-Tange-Fork?highlight=

Scooper
08-24-11, 12:08 PM
I don't believe cold setting the one fork blade 1" at the dropout or aligning the dropouts (assuming they're not too far out of alignment and that the fork crown, fork blades, and dropouts are steel, not aluminum) will cause a significant reduction in strength due to bending twice beyond the fatigue limit.

Steve Rex could provide a repair or junk it assessment after looking at it.
Live Wire
08-24-11, 01:39 PM
There are a bunch of CA builders on this list http://sandiegocustombicycleshow.com/ any one of them could easily handle your fork prob.

Of course you'd really need to see it in person to make an accurate assessment, but it sounds like your fork can be realigned.