Fork Rake
#1
Thread Starter
Newbie

Joined: May 2015
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Bikes: Wilier GTR SL, Wilier Jena Hybrid ebike, Cannondale Scalpel
Fork Rake
I own a Wilier zero 9 that I built up with Campy Chorus 11 components. I am miffed that when riding It won't allow me to take my hands off the bars without it wanting to fidgit from side to side. It has a fork with a forward flare that gives it a significant fork rake and trail. Are there other bikes that have this characteristic? My Robouix will track straight when I lift my hands and am trying to get used to the Wilier.
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 4
From: Above ground, Walnut Creek, Ca
Bikes: 8 ss bikes, 1 5-speed touring bike
IME, hands free riding characteristics vary from bike to bike, assuming they have no alignment or headset problems. sometimes tires can make a big difference. some take a bit more finesse and skill.
#3
Randomhead
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 25,930
Likes: 4,825
From: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
I couldn't readily find the fork numbers, but it looks like a typical 45mm rake. Most bikes have a straight fork that goes to the same place. There is something else wrong, my guess is it's not particularly straight.
#4
Senior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,340
Likes: 496
From: Bristol, R. I.
Bikes: Specialized Secteur, old Peugeot
My bike, when new 4 years ago, behaved in just that way and I found it just as annoying as you do. After mush careful measuring and alignment checking with a lengthwise string, I found the dropouts were not symmetrical so that the wheels were tilted in opposite directions. After much hemming and hawing over several weeks, I took a round file to the dropouts and carefully filed the slot, checking constantly until satisfied the wheels were straight. The bike now tracks well and I can ride no hands for a bit. The best thing is the bike now tracks well around corners. I'm not 100% satisfied but the bike is mush improved.





