I am replacing the fork on my bike and the only fork I can find is 5mm shorter (axle to crown) than my original fork. The rake is the same.

Will the replacement fork, being 5mm shorter (axle to crown), make a noticeable difference in the way the bike handles or feels?

Thanks.

Only a very minor change to the steering geometry. I theory a tad (like 1 or 2mm) less trail and a more (maybe 0.1 or 0.2 degree) head angle. Changing the size of the tire has about the same amount of geometry change and people do that all the time without concern.


But the tire clearance loss (max tire size that will fit) and possible fender fitting ate two real considerations as is the possible change to the brake reach and fit.


But since we don't yet know what the bike/fork are we can't really say much specific. Like is this a mountain bike with a suspension fork? Andy.

I agree with Andy, the effect will be a .2º or .3º increase in the headtube angle which will be pretty insignificant. As he further noted, there are other considerations like brake reach and tire clearance.

The seat tube angle will also change (reposition seat rails?) And the bottom bracket will drop about half that amount, or about 2mm.

I assume you're measuring to the top of the crown (crown race) right?

Do you have a sloping top tube? If not, it may start sloping, but you probably won't notice it.

Anyway, I believe there is a lot of tolerance in the bikes, and you may initially feel a slight difference in the bike, but you'll habituate to it quickly.

Thanks for your input. The bike in question is a road bike, without suspension, fenders, racks, or disc brakes.

Yes, I am measuring to the top of the crown race

The top tube does slope back a little, toward the seat tube (so with the new fork I'll probably have an almost horizontal top tube)

Thanks everyone!

Thanks. The manufacturer of the fork claims there is enough clearance for most 28c tires. I use 25c tires, so I should be good.

Fork swap geometry calculator:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...1E&usp=sharing

Great little tool in Excel to save and keep handy. Kudos to these ghuys:

Fork Swap Geometry Calculator | League of Bike Polo

Thank you. That is very helpful.