Fork replacement/rake change
08-29-10, 01:02 PM
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Fork replacement/rake change
I'm looking at changing the fork on my cyclocross bike. The current fork has a rake of 43mm, but most of the cross forks I'm finding have rakes of 48mm.
Any ideas on how big an issue, if any, this might be?
Any ideas on how big an issue, if any, this might be?
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"If it first you don't succeed, try, try again. Then quit. There's no use being a damn fool about it." - W.C. Fields
"If it first you don't succeed, try, try again. Then quit. There's no use being a damn fool about it." - W.C. Fields
08-29-10, 02:23 PM
#2
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A 48mm rake would reduce the trail by about 5mm, making the bike steer quicker and that is a large amount. Fork length can also be a factor. Most brands fail to list the axle to crown length and may also fail to explain how the length is measured. Measuring parallel to the steering tube is common, but not universal. A longer fork will slow the steering and a shorter one will quicken the steering.
Easton cross fork has a 45mm rake, but does not list the length.
https://www.eastoncycling.com/road/products/forks/ec90-x
Easton cross fork has a 45mm rake, but does not list the length.
https://www.eastoncycling.com/road/products/forks/ec90-x
08-29-10, 03:45 PM
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Whether or not 5mm difference in trail is "a lot" is personal preference. I have two bikes with about 10 mm difference in trail and, while I can tell the difference in handling if I'm paying attention, it's entirely within the bounds of adaptability. Assuming you use this bike for cyclocross, cornering is going to be at relatively low speeds for you and influenced way more by tire selection and surface condition. And, trail is not the only parameter that influences bike handling, especially at low speeds.
Of course, if you like the existing handling of the bike, it's probably best to try to match it. If steel is an option, the Surly Cross fork has a 44 mm rake. Like DaveSSS wrote, you should measure the axle-to-crown distance and try to match that as well.
Of course, if you like the existing handling of the bike, it's probably best to try to match it. If steel is an option, the Surly Cross fork has a 44 mm rake. Like DaveSSS wrote, you should measure the axle-to-crown distance and try to match that as well.
