changing rake?
07-04-08, 09:58 AM
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changing rake?
Im looking to get a cross fork with disc since i do alot of riding in snow wet etc.
my current alpha q cx has a rake of 47 i think, and the fork im looking at are only 43 mm, namely wound up disc only..
How will this affect my bikes handling, quicker steering, less trailing?
Is it just a bad idea alltogether to change rake? if any ideas where i can get disc fork 47 rake?
I dont think i will mind to much if it felt more like a roadbike since mainly use to commute anyways..
my current alpha q cx has a rake of 47 i think, and the fork im looking at are only 43 mm, namely wound up disc only..
How will this affect my bikes handling, quicker steering, less trailing?
Is it just a bad idea alltogether to change rake? if any ideas where i can get disc fork 47 rake?
I dont think i will mind to much if it felt more like a roadbike since mainly use to commute anyways..
07-04-08, 10:34 AM
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Hi Tuscany,
There is actually a pretty strong misconception about reducing offset (or rake) and its' effect on turning. If you notice, most TT bikes have very small rake..40mm or less. This results in a slow turning bike that is stable at high speed (ie you can take your hands off the bars and it will self correct and not turn). This doesn't mean it corners worth the damn at slow speed!
Do some searches on "trail and fork rake". This should give you a pretty good idea of geometrically why less rake will slow down the turning.
Unfortunately in 'cross, we aren't riding on pavement so there are many more factors to consider. A short trail (larger offset of say 47mm) can result in a more predictable turn on loose surface depending on the rider and bike size. This isn't a "stable" trail as defined by many as how easily you can ride with your hands off the bars.
I would go ahead and get the 43 and give it a shot. A few articles suggest that 1-5mm wouldn't be noticeable by most riders... Check out this article: https://velonews.com/article/7322
There is actually a pretty strong misconception about reducing offset (or rake) and its' effect on turning. If you notice, most TT bikes have very small rake..40mm or less. This results in a slow turning bike that is stable at high speed (ie you can take your hands off the bars and it will self correct and not turn). This doesn't mean it corners worth the damn at slow speed!
Do some searches on "trail and fork rake". This should give you a pretty good idea of geometrically why less rake will slow down the turning.
Unfortunately in 'cross, we aren't riding on pavement so there are many more factors to consider. A short trail (larger offset of say 47mm) can result in a more predictable turn on loose surface depending on the rider and bike size. This isn't a "stable" trail as defined by many as how easily you can ride with your hands off the bars.
I would go ahead and get the 43 and give it a shot. A few articles suggest that 1-5mm wouldn't be noticeable by most riders... Check out this article: https://velonews.com/article/7322
07-04-08, 11:31 AM
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thx for response.
Im trying to understand what u r saying and i think i get it, seem like its not as simple as i would like.. not sure im getting it tho since eng not my native language, *bad excuse*
Im a bike courier so from what i think i gathered its probably a good idea to have a little less rake, right?
Since im not looking for quicker slow speed steering, more looking for stability at speeds, (possibly when cornering) less twitchy is sorta feel.
Anything else one should think about when reducing fork rakes?
Frames by themselves are not made for a specifik rake are they? the manufacturers recomendations r mostly to give u the feel they would like you to have for that certain type of frame, right?
thx
Im trying to understand what u r saying and i think i get it, seem like its not as simple as i would like.. not sure im getting it tho since eng not my native language, *bad excuse*
Im a bike courier so from what i think i gathered its probably a good idea to have a little less rake, right?
Since im not looking for quicker slow speed steering, more looking for stability at speeds, (possibly when cornering) less twitchy is sorta feel.
Anything else one should think about when reducing fork rakes?
Frames by themselves are not made for a specifik rake are they? the manufacturers recomendations r mostly to give u the feel they would like you to have for that certain type of frame, right?
thx
