I've finally begun my Ciocc rehab project, and need some opinions on a replacement fork. I've had no luck sourcing an original fork, so I'm considering a substitution. I've narrowed my selection to either a straight blade steel fork or a threaded carbon fork. The steel fork has 40mm rake. The carbon fork has 43mm rake. Cost is the same for either.

Which would come closest to matching an OEM Ciocc fork in terms of handling?

An OEM Ciocc fork. Contact Pelizoli -the guy who started Ciocc- and he'll build one for you. PELIZZOLI world - Today, the true Italian Craftsman of the past. they do awesome restoration work and still build steel framesets.

Considering those two forks have almost identical rake, I think they would handle more or less the same.

I contacted the Pelizzolis a couple weeks ago. Said they'd check on fork availability and get back to me. No response. Maybe I should follow up.

Yeah. I guess 3mm is not that much. Toss up. I like the chrome look better.

The ride quality of those 2 forks will be considerably different. There's more 2 it than 3mm of rake.

Pics/links to forks?

What size is your frame? There's is a chrome ciocc fork from a 56cm frame right now on eBay. About 65USD.

The steel fork was on eBay, out of NY, but the last one apparently sold, as I can no longer find the listing. It looked like a copy of the Colnago straight bladed forks.

The carbon fork is from Nashbar. Nashbar Carbon 1-in Threaded Road Fork

That's a great deal and I almost bought it, but the steerer tube is listed as 180mm, just short of what I need. This frame is 57cm and the fork that came with it has a 195mm steerer, which just accommodates the 39mm headset stack height. By my reckoning, the typical Campy headset stack heights are too great for this to work. I could try a Tange headset, but it might not work either.

On. Well I would follow-up with Pelizzoli. They are not always quick on the emails. At a minimum you should ask them what rake is correct for the frame.

VGC Ciöcc Chrome Fork Stahlgabel Chrom Verchromt Vintage Rennrad 28" Ciocc | eBay

ciocc fork!!!

The steerer tube is too short (140mm). Same issue with the last one. Thanks anyway!

they can be lengthened, not the most ideal situation but it has been done without ruining the chrome on the lowers, it adds weight though as they have to braze a sleeve in to bridge the added section.

I too am in the market. This seems pretty reasonable to me.. not top end, but... Straight Bladed Road Fork Track Style 1"Threaded 200mm Steerer 26 4 Crown Chrome | eBay

Soma also does a straight blade steel fork but I think they are threadless only.