That's an interesting topic for discussion! For me, it raises the question of what makes for an attractive fork curve. I suspect that the graceful transition from the straight segment to the curve is an essential factor, making it difficult to identify exactly where the curve begins.

While this isn't a bad criteria, I'm not sure I've seen a lot of forks where there really is a distinct point where the curve starts. My bikes are largely similar to the OP's Masi... not a ton of rake, and the curve is distributed over the bottom half.

my '74 Raleigh International:


my '87 Hetchins. I gotta admit that the photo doesn't really show off the fork... it's the best shot I've got, though.


I'd be interested in hearing whether anyone has actually classified fork bends or styles of bends. Is there a French style? An Italian style? Maybe a style unique to the NW USA?

Steve in Peoria