Crimped steel fork end
08-24-17 | 10:17 AM
#1
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Joined: Dec 2014
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From: Central Virginia
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Crimped steel fork end
I recently got a good deal on a mid 90's Carrera in Columbus EL. It arrived yesterday typically kind of dirty, but otherwise really nice shape. I was unable, however, to get the front wheel on and it turns out the left fork end was too narrow. I couldn't even get it onto the fork mount on my work stand and basically clamped it to the skewer axle.
The left side measured 7.5 mm vs 10 mm on the good side. No signs of any damage, there or anywhere else. I fixed it this morning, after experimenting with a few methods, by putting a vise grip on the forward end, then using a large set of plumbers pliers to get some steady, nervous, torque on it. Luckily, no snaps, and I'm able to get the wheel on and off and everything is aligned well.
I'm baffled as to how this would happen without signs of trauma. Any ideas and now that I cowboyed my way through this, is there an accepted standard for fixing this?
And OK, I know pics are required, so here she is torn down for cleaning. Came with a nice Record 8 speed group.
The left side measured 7.5 mm vs 10 mm on the good side. No signs of any damage, there or anywhere else. I fixed it this morning, after experimenting with a few methods, by putting a vise grip on the forward end, then using a large set of plumbers pliers to get some steady, nervous, torque on it. Luckily, no snaps, and I'm able to get the wheel on and off and everything is aligned well.
I'm baffled as to how this would happen without signs of trauma. Any ideas and now that I cowboyed my way through this, is there an accepted standard for fixing this?
And OK, I know pics are required, so here she is torn down for cleaning. Came with a nice Record 8 speed group.
__________________
N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, ‘81 Masi Gran Criterium, ‘81 Merckx Pro, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, Rivendell Rambouillet, Heron Randonneur, ‘92 Ciöcc Columbus EL
N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, ‘81 Masi Gran Criterium, ‘81 Merckx Pro, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, Rivendell Rambouillet, Heron Randonneur, ‘92 Ciöcc Columbus EL
08-24-17 | 01:28 PM
#2
Ride, Wrench, Swap, Race
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Northern California
Bikes: Cheltenham-Pedersen racer, Boulder F/S Paris-Roubaix, Varsity racer, '52 Christophe, '62 Continental, '92 Merckx, '75 Limongi, '76 Presto, '72 Gitane SC, '71 Schwinn SS, etc.
It's more common for rear dropout slots to get squashed shut since there is more leverage along the longer slots.
I hope that your fork's chrome survived the ordeal, and that the alignment seems right..
I hope that your fork's chrome survived the ordeal, and that the alignment seems right..
08-24-17 | 03:46 PM
#4
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From: Central Virginia
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Yup chrome came through OK, I put a rag on the outer portion to protect it. Alignment checks out OK. The seller gave the bike to a shop to pack and ship and I have to think it must have gotten dinged somehow. All's well that ends well. I cleaned up the bike today and it is amazing how good it's comdition is. I'll post pics when she's built back up. Thinking of putting Campy 10 on it.
__________________
N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, ‘81 Masi Gran Criterium, ‘81 Merckx Pro, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, Rivendell Rambouillet, Heron Randonneur, ‘92 Ciöcc Columbus EL
N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, ‘81 Masi Gran Criterium, ‘81 Merckx Pro, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, Rivendell Rambouillet, Heron Randonneur, ‘92 Ciöcc Columbus EL
08-25-17 | 06:23 AM
#5
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From: Everett, Wa.
Bikes: Cinelli Nuovo SuperCorsa, Cinelli SuperStar, Raseza, Bike Friday, Litespeed Classic, Fondriest X-Status, Trek Checkpoint ALR
I've seen this on a frame or two I've received. Mine were not bent as much as yours as I think. Mine looked fine but the wheel just wouldn't insert on one side. A little bend with the same method you used and good to go. I think yours will be fine.
