Not sure whether to post this here or over in commuting, but you folks may have more relevant technical know-how. I've got an old Miyata 712 that I've adapted as a commuter - rack, platforms, kickstand, fenders, etc. I love the bike, but the only problem is the familiar one of the front forks being too narrow to accomodate anything wider than a 23c (with fenders). I wouldn't mind something slightly wider and I have an old pair of WoundUp carbon forks that might serve. How hard is it to swap out forks on these old fellas? Will the WoundUps, which are straight, mess up the steering on a frame designed for a certain amount of rake? Would I be better advised to look for a similarly vintaged pair of chro-mo forks? Or should I just forget the whole thing and keep riding the 23s? Thanks in advance,

Bob

No problem. Put the fender on the other one of the front forks

it is width and length both which matter, so the answer is:

if you change to fork the added length will slacken your frame angles and change the ride characteristics. How much will depend on the difference. 1cm will make about a half degree chance in your angles. one inch will really affect things. It's probably going to change the trail also but I would say that you will get used to a slight change in trail pretty quick. increasing trail will increase low speed stability to a point. Decreasing trail will speed up handling. Your wound-up forks might have straight blades, but they still have rake which with either built in at the crown or the drop-outs. Rake is simply the distance of the axle from the centerline of the stear tube. If your wound-ups are road forks I would say try it if the stear tube length is right for the frame.