Need replacement fork
 

The main choice i see is the Soma lugged track fork. looks like a nice fork and its not outrageously priced. Google searching isn't proving to be the most helpful. I would like to not buy it simply because it's the only one i saw, but it seems like that may be my only option thus far.


I'm open to getting a used fork as well, but I am not the most fond of Ebay. And i dont know any one locally that might have something like this. any BF members local to Orange County CA that might have a fork i can buy?

forgot to mention my bike!


its for a late 70's Raleigh Competition

In case a suitable replacement Raleigh fork pops up, what's the length of your current steerer tube? Frame size?

53cm frame, I wanna say it was 160mm steerer

thank you

Electra has a cheap fork too.

yes the electra fork has been suggested to me. but it was also pointed out that there is much more of a bend in that fork, usually better paired with a relaxed head tube angle. also it is a cut to length steerer that appears to be chromed as well, which could also be a problem for getting the threads cut. aside from those reasons though I do actually really like that fork, especially the sale price.

Did a search for "Reynolds 531 fork" on the bay, and came up with this (though the 531 decal looks odd):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Reynolds-531...item3cd155a602

You could also have a new steerer brazed on from a frame builder.

yes i saw that one as well. And i was also unsure the 531 decal, havent seen that one. plus the fork looks a little thickish for my frame i think.

http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/v...psccd18293.jpg

Why do you need a fork? Did you check you LBSs? With a 53cm frame it is a good bet they have a decent used for in stock.

Bike nashbar should have something.

The suggestion of having a new steerer brazed in and/or having the fork checked out by a framebuilder is a good one. I had Chris Kvale in the Twin Cities build up the crown race seat on my Raleigh RRA fork over the winter. That ran around $70 plus shipping. I did not have him paint it, but did so myself and it matched pretty well and so far is holding up just fine. The fork crown lug and part way down the blades needed repainting from this, which I would think would be a similar level of paint damage to what you need to have done. There is always the chance that once it is looked at by someone qualified, it might be deemed fine.

^From the OP's previous thread:

I still think a new steerer (and maybe an oxalic acid bath for the blades) is the best option, but to each his own.

tange prestige (Soma) all the way:thumb:

LOL well i guess i'm getting the Soma fork. I appreciate the other suggestions, and i always can have this fork repaired at some point. too bad no one else has really heard of some good brands that produce a similar fork.

If this is a recessed brake mount, will it be a problem to run my older style calipers? could i just use a normal nut and washer?

just use a large washer(s) that covers the recess hole and you should be fine...worst case you might have to trim the edge(s) of the washer to get both coverage and clearance, I have done this with vise grips (important to keep a grip!) on a bench grinder. Wear eye protection.

what about the surly pacer?

This spacer from Riv or your local hardware store does an excellent job of taking up the space.

http://www.rivbike.com/product-p/brz2.htm

i only see 1 1/8 threadless, and they say SURLY down the forks...

i looked at the Rivbike site and saw the spacer you speak of, looks perfect. I'll have to go down to the hardware store and see if i can find a match when my fork comes in.

I would use an old recessed nut and ream the inside out and use it as a bushing. It is unlikely but possible that just using something to cover the hole could allow the mounting bolt to move at the wrong time.

i like the idea of the old recessed nut. might be able to score one for next to nothing, its pretty much what it was designed for too. any one want to have pity on someone who just probably paid waay too much for a fork and send me an old recessed brake nut? :P

See? That's why they pays you the big bucks! Attention to detail...it really pays, (so I've heard). ;)
I'll dig around and if I have a spare nut (!) I'll mail it to you, RALEIGH_COMP. double ;) ;)

haha I appreciate anyone letting me use one of their nuts(!);) punny business aside, thank you for checking.

These get used a lot around here:

[h=1]Sunlite 27" x 1-1/4" Econo Fork Threaded length 3-15/16", 1" OD, Chrome, Non-Canti[/h]
If you scroll down the linked Amazon page, you'll see a buncha other
Sunlite forks in various configurations and sizes. They are not as good
as a lot of the original equipment, but they are pretty good forks for the price.

Mostly, I think it's probably a little heavier than your original fork.

I forget if your bike was set up for 27 or 700c, but I think they make both.

Here's the Cromolly version:

http://www.amazon.com/Sunlite-LW-CrM...s=sunlite+fork

wow those are really cheap! A forum member has told me that getting some one to thread a chrome steerer can be difficult. I would likely need it to be shortened, as i am only seeing it in the 200mm length. but still even with some labor fees, this fork is way less $$$ than the soma. I am curious about the soma though, supposed to be pretty good. and i ride my bike quite a bit so I wanted something on the nicer side. I'm sure the sunlites are not bad either, but i just wanted a lil' somehtin' more. hope its lighter/ stiffer etc., no more eyelets, but i can live with that.