khlee478

I'm planning on building up my 05 S-works E5 and was going to transfer all of my components and fork from my 03 Allez Comp to the new bike. After looking at the Specialized site I noticed that the geomtry of the two bikes were different and the fork offsets were different

03 Allez Comp
Head Angle: 73.5
Fork Offset: 40 mm

05 S-Works E5
Head Angle: 73.0
Fork Offset: 45 mm

What would the ride be like if I put a 40 mm offset for on the S-Works? What about a 43 mm offset (45 offsets seem hard to come by)? Is it close enough to a 45 mm?

Thanks

sydney

Ckeck Sheldon Browns glossary of bike terms.....rake and trail.

darkmother

I wouldn't worry about it too much. All three will work. The one with the most rake will be quicker, the one with the least will be more stable. 5mm isn't a huge difference-it's noticable, but it's not going to make or break the bike.

AndrewP

The smaller offset will not have more trail but the steeper steering angle on the allez will reduce the trail. Also check the length of the forks as a shorter fork will increase the steering angle, however a difference under 1/2" may not be noticable.

Al1943

Actually reducing the offset if all other variables remain the same will increase trail.

https://traylorfwd.home.mindspring.com/geometry_def.html

https://www.kreuzotter.de/english/elenk.htm

When I sold my wife's bike I wound up with an extra 40mm rake Ouzo Pro otherwise identical to the 43mm rake Ouzo Pro in my 5500 Trek. Replaced the 43 with the 40 and immediately felt the change but after a couple of rides I had fully adjusted and I still don't know which fork I like better. It felt twitchy before and it still feels twitchy. I prefer a bike with more trail.
Al