spead 'em in the front!
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
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Do it really slow and put something in the middle of the fork blades to it spreads from the middle down (a belt or something) and not from the crown, you really dont want the fork blades to crack up in the sockets area.
#3
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From: Melbourne, Oz
Bikes: https://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=152015&p=1404231
Depends on the fork. Prolly not an issue.
Although I'd be inclined to just jam the wheel in every time rather than cold-set the fork, because it's hard to check it for alignment.
Although I'd be inclined to just jam the wheel in every time rather than cold-set the fork, because it's hard to check it for alignment.
#4
Mechanic/Tourist
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Syracuse, NY
Bikes: 2008 Novara Randonee - love it. Previous bikes:Motobecane Mirage, 1972 Moto Grand Jubilee (my fave), Jackson Rake 16, 1983 C'dale ST500.
Moving fork blades is much more difficult than adjusting rear stays. The blades are very stiff, and you need to remove the fork from the fram and secure the fork column without damaging it in order to move them evenly. Also, in my opinion it's not advisable to spread fork blades without dropout alignment afterward due to the greater stress from the blades and the smaller diameter of the front axle. Others may think (or know) that it's not that big a deal, but I believe it's best to remove the fork and take it to a shop for proper resetting.
I would absolutely NOT attempt to bend the blades "from the middle down" - that sounds like a recipe for disaster to me. Again, anyone who is experienced with frame alignment is welcome to chime in.
I would absolutely NOT attempt to bend the blades "from the middle down" - that sounds like a recipe for disaster to me. Again, anyone who is experienced with frame alignment is welcome to chime in.
Last edited by cny-bikeman; 02-01-13 at 07:23 AM.
#5
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From: Ffld Cnty Connecticut
Bikes: Old Steelies I made, Old Cannondales
What type of fork is this ? Could you replace it with a 100mm fork, or is it something special and unique ?
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#7
Si Senior
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Naperville, Illinois
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Ditto +1. I've done it (grab it like superman unbending a steel bar and pull) for slight spreading (4 or 5mm) just to allow an easier squeeze, but forks are dangerous things to compromise. Then next time you're in tuck going down a steep hill at 40mph+, you'll be very worried about front end integrity.
#8
Rides Majestic
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Westfield, MA
Bikes: 1983 Univega Gran Turismo, 1970 Schwinn Super Sport, 2001 Univega Modo Vincere, Self-Built Nashbar Touring, 1974 Peugeot U08, 1974 Atala Grand Prix, 1986 Ross Mt. Hood, 80's Maruishi MT-18
how about modifying a 100mm hub axle? you could cut the axle and change the spacers to make the OLD 90mm. that would be assuming that the hub/axle you have has the appropriate amount of spacers to allow it. some hubs are wider from flange to flange and use no spacers, those type would probably not work.
for all of the hassle involved it might just be easier to get a new fork. based on the 90mm spacing i'm going to assume it's for a 27" wheel and it's nothing special. this may fit the bill, it's spaced for a 100mm hub, and it's cheap: https://www.amazon.com/Sunlite-Thread.../dp/B0014C639K.
amazon doesn't have it, but your LBS can probably get on through QBP or something.
for all of the hassle involved it might just be easier to get a new fork. based on the 90mm spacing i'm going to assume it's for a 27" wheel and it's nothing special. this may fit the bill, it's spaced for a 100mm hub, and it's cheap: https://www.amazon.com/Sunlite-Thread.../dp/B0014C639K.
amazon doesn't have it, but your LBS can probably get on through QBP or something.
#9
Mechanic/Tourist
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Syracuse, NY
Bikes: 2008 Novara Randonee - love it. Previous bikes:Motobecane Mirage, 1972 Moto Grand Jubilee (my fave), Jackson Rake 16, 1983 C'dale ST500.
An inexpensive chrome replacement fork may be a good idea - realignment of your current one may cost as much. I would have slight concern about moving each blade 5 mm out but I think it's doable. The Amazon fork seems to be unavailable and we don't know if the OP needs a 27" or 700C fork, and headset seat compatibility would be another concern.
#10
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From: NW,Oregon Coast
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Or modifying a 74mm wide folding bike hub.
thing abour the job you describe is the fork can be bent in several planes and you can mess up steering,
without the accurate measurement referance to keep it alligned..
thing abour the job you describe is the fork can be bent in several planes and you can mess up steering,
without the accurate measurement referance to keep it alligned..
#11
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2012
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Ditto +1. I've done it (grab it like superman unbending a steel bar and pull) for slight spreading (4 or 5mm) just to allow an easier squeeze, but forks are dangerous things to compromise. Then next time you're in tuck going down a steep hill at 40mph+, you'll be very worried about front end integrity.






