I am putting together a Takara frame into a fixie.
When I received the frame and fork, I was impressed with the weight of the frame proper, but the
fork seemed really tank-like.
The decal on the frame reads Takara special frame fork and stays. There are light blue numbers behind this on the decal that say 1011 with little triangles off the top of the first and last "1"
The quill is 21.1 mm size, which would indicate the larger thicker steerer, and thus the weight.
I have a cheap short stem with almost no extension which will work with this steerer, but I have a large torso and short legs, and usually run a 120 to 130 stem with a 53 cm. top tube. I cannot find extensions like these on available stems for a 21.1 quill.
Question: 1-What can you tell me about this tubing on the frame itself
2-Should I go with a new fork, which would allow a 22.2 quill
3-How difficult is fork repacement for an older frame? My current bikes are a Concorde Aquila circa 1984, lugged Columbus SL-fixed, and a Miyata 1000 with a vintage 151 bcd Shimano track crank, double-fixed Phil Wood hub; both bikes running 700c wheels. I intend to run the same size wheels on the Takara, since I like to swap wheels between bikes ( and thus gears on the fixed back wheels.)
4-If I get a new fork, is a 700c workable?
I am not totally weight fixated, but the frame seems like it may be lively by its weight, but the forks are boat anchors, and the 21.1 quill stems are heavy as well, and no reach. I like to achieve a finished bike in the 20 lb. category if at all possible, with low "Q"
Thanks, Barnaby