Are there different types of road forks?
 

I posted this in Mechanics and it sunk like a hung of lead. So I figured I would try here.

I busted the fork on my Giant OCR Comp. Giant doesn't stock replacement forks for the OCR so I can't get a Giant replacement. So I just bought an aftermarket fork (Ritchey Comp).

I sized the steerer, installed the nut and re-assembled the fork. I then put on the front brake and mounted the tire.

I have 2 issues. The first is pretty self explanatory, the second however worries me.

1. The OCR line comes with long reach calipers. The new fork brake mount is closer to the wheel so the long reach caliper reaches too far. Fine, no biggie I am going to pick up a new front brake.

2. Since situation #1 exists, the brake itself seems too close for my current set of tires (700x25c). The tire actually contacts the brake itself (not the sides but the top of the brake). Am I right in assuming I just won't be able to run a 25c tire anymore?

I didn't research much, as i figured all road forks were pretty much standard. If I have to run a smaller tire that isn't the end of the world. I was due for some new ones anyhow. It just seemed a little odd since 25c doesn't seem that big.

-D

You didn't get a 650c fork did you?

He wouldn't be able to fit his wheel if that was the case.

Forks come with more measurements than rake and steerer tube length, the key one here is the length of the blades. The old fork gave room for bigger tires and used long reach brakes, this one is shorter by probably 10-15 mm. By using that fork you've changed the geometry of the bike just slightly. Now the head tube and seat tube angles are steeper. It's probably not a huge deal, but you got the wrong fork. If you can return that one without much hassle try and find one that has room for the same tire clearance as your old fork and it will work better.

Unfortunately no as I have already cut the steerer to length. It is a bit frustrating considering I didn't see any fork length measurements for any fork I looked at. Even on the manufacturer's site there is no indication of blade lengths, otherwise I would have taken that into consideration in the first place.

I am assuming the main difference in geometry is that it may make the bike a little more agressive, which isn't necessarily bad. And I was considering smaller tires anyhow.

It just seems odd. I mean do most road bikes have a max tire size of 700x23?

-D