First Fixed Gear Buildup - FORK IDEAS (help)?
 

Hello,

I am currently looking for parts to complete my first fixed gear IRO cycle buildup. I have debated a CF fork, but have decided to refocus on steel and or chrome forks. I'd like to have a fork with the vintage look in that the fork blades are not straight (I believe this means that the fork would have a fair amount of rake, and a flat "crown"?). If you havent guessed already, I am a fairly huge newbie to all of this -- and particularly the jargon.

Some of my research has pointed me in the direction of a custom built fork: $175 from TET cycles, $300 from Moyer Cycles. I'll be powder coating the fork to match the frame, so colour is not currently an issue.

Additionally, I realize that a $300 fork would cost more than the Mark V frameset I got from IRO. I would like a steel fork at its most affordable, but none seem to be on Ebay or the craigslist areas I have searched (save for some that come attached to frames).

If any of you all can impart some vital wisdom, I would greatly appreciate it! (As will the bike, soon to be named Cielo Azul).

Thanks,
- Millen

Uh, the frame comes with a fork...

you can get a soma fork, or something like it. (pake, whatever.) you can look and look on ebay, LBSs, CL forever and hope you get lucky. There is a guy here in FL that is making reasonably priced frames, I'm pretty sure that you can get a fork from him, or any other custom builder, although I can't for the life of me remember who it is. ( he was at Fixed Fight,a and has a myspace account-anyone? anyone?) the Bareknuckle (EAI) forks are also sold seperately.

the bend you are referring to is called rake, and you are looking for a flat/semi flat crown.

Yo will also want to know if you're trying to go threaded or threadless.

This one looks pretty good, and it only costs $60 or so.

http://www.bikecult.com/works/parts/FKgenSB.html

&http://www.spicercycles.com/index.cg...cat_desc=Track

THESE ARE NICE FOR A $100

Where are these available on their own?

Find someone who can order from EAI. They have them listed on their website, but I'm pretty sure you need a dealer to order it.

If you just want to swap out the mark V fork for something that isn't straight blade you will need a 1 1/8" threadless fork.

Here's a cheap and cheerful option, sells in the UK for £30 ~$60, I'm sure you can get something similar if not identical stateside, comes in chrome too. The brand is KF, try Tange too.
http://www.swinnertoncycles.co.uk/im...her06/FF09.jpg

Alternatively, if you have enough money to buy a mark V and a $300 custom fork, a more sensible option might be to look around for a complete bike that already has a nice fork. I personally like the KHS flite 100 and Mercier Kilo TT, there is plenty of info on these if you search.

[edit] Just re-read your post and it seems you have already bought the frame, doh

After this post, why did this thread even continue?

Thank you all for the suggestions! It looks like I've got some great options.

As for the threat progressing, I do not like the straight blade design of the Mark V stock fork, so I am going to change/upgrade it. Tony has been very helpful in agreeing to let me return the stock fork.

Thanks