darksiderising

I replaced the fork on this repainted Univega Nuovo Sport a while ago, but I am not happy with the clearances it allows me, especially now that I want to use it for a utility/cross bike. The frame is designed for 27 inch wheels, but the wheels and fork I have on there now are 700c. I am trying to determine if I should get a cross fork (probably Surly Crosscheck, and I'll need a threadless headset) and some cantis for extra stopping power, especially if I am going offroad, or if I should just get a 27 inch fork. I will be running 700c wheel either way. I through my cross wheel in the rear and it had clearance for the 34mm width tire and a fender. I'd like the ability to put cross tires on, and I imagine that a 27 inch fork would fit the tire fine.

What do you think?

justinb

A 27" fork (what the frame was designed around) would have something in the neighborhood of a 390mm axle-to-crown length, and most CX forks are somewhere in the 400mm range. This isn't a huge change, but will slow the handling a little bit (or maybe quite a bit, versus the 700c road fork you currently have). This isn't all bad, it could improve the stability, a beneficial characteristic for your intended use.

darksiderising

I was thinking that relaxing the geometry would be beneficial for cross/rugged/town use.

justinb

I agree about relaxing the geometry. It will also aid stability when carrying a load. Beyond getting a longer axle to crown, you can also do this by decreasing the rake.

Your next problem is finding a cross fork that's 1 inch. There is the Cross Check fork, but that will mean a new headset and stem as well, since it's threadless. Tange or Dimension may make an inexpensive chromoly threaded cross/touring fork that fits your needs well.

zzyzx_xyzzy

Increasing the rake makes for faster/less stable handling (because it reduces trail.)

justinb

Right you are. Sorry for adding to the confusion on an already confusing subject.