Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 13,501
Likes: 995
From: Boston-ish, MA
Bikes: 72 Peugeot UO-8, 82 Peugeot TH8, 87 Bianchi Brava, 76? Masi Grand Criterium, 74 Motobecane Champion Team, 86 & 77 Gazelle champion mondial, 81? Grandis, 82? Tommasini, 83 Peugeot PF10
I think straight blades are ugly. But nobody asked me, except maybe you did by starting this thread.
From a mechanical standpoint, when the wheel hits a bump it transmits an acceleration-derived force vertically only. In theory the longer the fork length between hub and HT the more material there is to absorb the deflection. Also when part of the blade is nearly perpendicular to the movement it can transmit force only via its bending resistance at that portion of the fork. By these arguments a curved fork should ride softer than a straight one. Whether it also vibrates sympathetically is a different question that involves masses, especially the mass of the wheel.
Most importantly though, it isn't at all clear whether those nominal mechanical differences are enough to be felt by the rider. It would depend on the rider's mass and strength, possibly the riding style, the condition of the roads, the tire size and pressure, etc. Very likely some could feel it and most couldn't.
But since they are so ugly and the effect on ride is probably so slight, why bother?
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Real cyclists use toe clips.
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jimmuller