This is a follow-up on an earlier post of mine concerning the bent fork on my newly acquired '59 (SA hub date) Raleigh Dawn Tourist. I just got back from my local bicycle shop and my feet are getting "chilled" (not cold) about trying to straighten the fork. Remember, earlier one of the mechanics said they would not do such a fix on a bike this old for liability reasons. A second, different mechanic, at the shop said the same thing today. Both of the guys are under 50 years of age and probably don't know as much about the properties of steel as more "seasoned" mechanics. Anyhow, does age of the steel play a significant role in all of this? I don't believe that the reallignment will involve more than a few degrees. They said, why not live with it as it is?

TSapp
(The decals on this bike state "All Steel Bicycle" in one case and "High Tensile Steel" on the other. No mention of Cro-Mo steel.)

Type more than age. I just had a 100+ old year frame straightened, the caveot was " just don't hop any curbs". A straighted frame or fork will always be weaker than before, how much? Since the Tourist will have a cruising speed of less than 10mph, I don't think you'll be doing any wheelies it seems safer than if it was on "go fast" bike. Your other option is live with the the bent fork until you find another or a donor bike.

I'd feel better about doing such straightening on your fork than on a more modern one made of the latest Cr-Mo or Cr-Mn and probably made as thin as possible for weight savings.

But, while I might attempt straightening the fork on my own bike, I wouldn't do it on anyone else's bike and I certainly wouldn't do it if running a bike shop. What does the bike shop have to gain? A few dollars they could charge you for the repair vs. a potential liability that bankrupts them if you later end up getting badly hurt.

How old? well Steel is way more flexible than cast iron, so I guess that's where I'd draw the line on too old.
Let's see a picture of this liability issue and we'll give you some oppinions.

1725. Unless it's been underwater.

I had a bent fork on a good road bike that I took to bike shops. In all instances they would not straighten the fork. It had nothing to do with the age of the bike (one of them works on bikes from the 50s and 60s. It was all about how the fork was bent and the type of fork. A crowned fork is more risky because it's one side of the fork can separate from the crown. Also it depends upon the bend. In my case it wasn't sideways, but a backwards bend of one side. If it had been a unicrown fork or a side bend, it would have been repaired by the first shop I went to.

Steel will last indefinitely if it doesn't get corroded (rusted) or is stressed past its yield point (bent). If the fork is only bent a few millimeters, straightening it will not affect the strength of the steel to any great degree. The brazing holding the old fork together is probably a bigger concern -- especially if the steel is rusted next to the joint. If the forks are out only a few degrees, I'd live with it, and have, to no great misfortune.

I have no problem with old steel as long as it is in decent shape (surface rust only and no signs of previous breaks, bends or overheating). It has an amazing duty cycle compared to many other metals out there. You have 2 choices, straighten it yourself or find a shop that specializes in frame work. Preferably one that has someone that knows what they are doing.

Aaron

My wife rides a 1920ish Mead Ranger with no problems. Roger

And she bent the fork......................?

My regular ride has a bent fork, it's dead even though and the bike rides like a dream so I hadn't even considered fixing it.

The bike does pull to the left if I let go of the handlebars, but it's not like I have problems controlling the bike if both hands are on the handlebars. I like to ride the vintage bikes in my "stable of three". My wife is concerned that when commuting, this "pulling to the left" might become a big safety issue in traffic. She has a point, but having the fork break in traffic might be a bigger issue. It's an easy commute with no major pot holes (hard to believe in NE Ohio) and I definitely do not plan on doing wheelies anytime soon on this or any other bike.

TSapp

I'm considering straightening the (hi-ten) fork on my Lenton Tourist - it's probably 1/4-1/2" off, but it's even and tracks straight. Regardless, I wouldn't have much of a problem. Hell, I got a Raleigh Sprite for my sister, whose fork had been pushed to the side (probably a garage accident). I just stuck it in the pipe vise and yanked on it until it was straight. Threw it on, and took it for a ride. So far, both of us have about 200 miles on it without incident, either of breakage or of having it move on us.

When it's rusted through. Otherwise, try straightening the fork and leave all hope behind

That said, the fork off a '50s Raleigh will not only straighten with no issue, you can probably cold set many more times over than a typical high-ten fork (including the forks off later Raleighs), for they used considerably heavier and stronger steel on these earlier machines.

They're bombproof - just try slamming your knuckles on the top tube of a '70s Sports and a '50s Sports. Granted, your knuckles will hurt either way, but you'll be in a lot more pain after doing so on the '50s machine.

-Kurt

Old steel bikes that have been bent and straightened are still good - as display pieces in sports bars.

Asking a bike shop to straighten a fork is like asking NPR journalists to appear on Fox...

As explained above, that depends alot on the particular steel. Granted, the higher end the bike, the less tolerant its steel will be to "straightening", and the more likely it will be hung up on a wall.

Since you're talking a hi-ten fork (albeit, a "good" hi-ten fork), just pull on it until it's into shape. You'll be fine, trust me.

Enough said! I'm taking the plunge and having it straightened. Thanks to all for their contributions.

TSapp

Cold setting is safer with a high-end fork than with a lower-grade steel fork: compare flexing a watch spring to flexing a paper clip.

Please explain how cold setting is the same as "flexing", as you put it.

Like, one guest appearance on Fox gets them more viewer exposure than they would have in a year and a half on NPR! Maybe TWO years...

Maybe the bike shop just needs some motivation. Like seeing several fresh $20 bills sitting on the table...