Originally Posted by
jdfnnl
I can visualize straightening the steer tube being manageable with some carefully placed blocks and a clamp, but the other question I have is about whether the line of the fork blades should be roughly parallel with the steer tube, which in this case seems much more difficult to fix without breaking the weld. The frame shows no sign of any collision trauma.
Yes, the fork blades should start out in line with the steerer, before curving forward about halfway down.
As for straightening the steerer, yours isn't bent badly and can be staightened. The key is to fixture it so you're in control and any bending you do is where and how you want it. Once the steerer is straight, you fixture the fork by the crown, so you can straighten the blades independent of the steerer.
One technique that offers far less control, but can be effective for rough work is to place the fork down resting on fork ends and steerer, then press down on the crown. Observe as you do this to make sure you're getting the desired effect. Once it's closer, then you're ready for measurements and controlled force to get it to new condition.
BITD - it wasn't rare for new bikes whose boxes were dropped on their ends to come out of the box this way. The quick down and dirt method was to assemble the bike stand it up on both wheels and roll it into the wall. This was done until it was close, then checked or test ridden. About half the time, a skilled mechanic could get it back into good condition this way. Of course, this was for lower end bikes, and called for a degree of touch.