Bending fork legs
11-23-09, 03:32 PM
#1
Wood
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Bending fork legs
I have this Bridgestone 300 in my size, after I get the current project done, I was thinking of converting this to a 3 speed upright city.
The forks bother me. Would it be crazy to bend the legs to more of a curve at the tips, an inch or so further out? I don't know exactly how I would do it, but I have a vise.
The forks bother me. Would it be crazy to bend the legs to more of a curve at the tips, an inch or so further out? I don't know exactly how I would do it, but I have a vise.
11-23-09, 03:54 PM
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The only reason I can thing of he'd be better off is if the job gets botched. I had a CrMo Trek fork bent by a framebuilder to increase trail about 7 years ago, and it is in fine condition today, still aligned and keeping the front wheel under control. And it's far cheaper than building one or buying a new one.
there's a minor issue of raising or lowering the front end, but this won't detract much from the effect of changing rake.
there's a minor issue of raising or lowering the front end, but this won't detract much from the effect of changing rake.
11-23-09, 03:57 PM
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have an expert bend it for you. It should cost around $40, he'll maintain alignment, and if what you want to do in particular is a bad idea, he'll tell you.
11-23-09, 04:03 PM
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Get a replacement fork with the right rake. For that matter, dig up a frameset that was designed for that rake/trail combo.
-Kurt
-Kurt
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11-23-09, 04:05 PM
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I did it using a vice, wooden blocks and a piece of pipe. I needed to increase the rake of a replacement fork for a Raleigh Competition. The original for had a huge curve in it. The only problem I encountered was that the chrome was ruined and I had to grind it off and paint the fork. I didn't mind experimenting with the fork since I got it for $10 at a swap.
I only added about 10 millimeters of rake.
I only added about 10 millimeters of rake.
Last edited by Grand Bois; 11-23-09 at 06:26 PM.
11-23-09, 04:36 PM
#7
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A bike co-op should have a cheap fork with the right rake in it already, for cheaper than a framebuilder's time I would imagine.
11-23-09, 04:56 PM
#8
Wood
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Thanks guys, I'll probably let this one stew for a while, maybe a better frame or fork will show, in time.
Bike co-op? I'm in Texas, I'm not sure they allow co-ops here. Maybe in Austin...
Bike co-op? I'm in Texas, I'm not sure they allow co-ops here. Maybe in Austin...
