My fork is twisted!! Recommendations on replacement?
02-24-14, 03:50 PM
#1
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My fork is twisted!! Recommendations on replacement?
I've had this bike for almost 6 years but only started riding it frequently. Its an '80s Bianchi I converted to SS/FG. Just noticed yesterday the forks are twisted!! Notice the left side is lower than the right (enlarge to see what I mean):
So any recommendations on a steel replacement? I plan to repaint the frame this spring, so a new fork would fit right in.
ETA: Side pic of the type of raked fork I have now:
So any recommendations on a steel replacement? I plan to repaint the frame this spring, so a new fork would fit right in.
ETA: Side pic of the type of raked fork I have now:
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'10 Specialized Hardrock
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Last edited by steve-in-kville; 02-24-14 at 03:58 PM. Reason: added pic
02-24-14, 04:10 PM
#4
Your cog is slipping.
Try.
02-24-14, 04:17 PM
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Dare I ask why??
(not trying to be a jerk.... just curious)
(not trying to be a jerk.... just curious)
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'10 Specialized Hardrock
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02-24-14, 04:25 PM
#6
Your cog is slipping.
Because if your fork is indeed bent or twisted, it will be nearly impossible to ride in no-handed in a straight line.
02-24-14, 04:26 PM
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If it pulls one way then your fork is out of alignment. Are you sure that stem isn't off center or the wheel isn't all the way in the dropout?
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I'm not one for fawning over bicycles, but I do believe that our bikes communicate with us, and what this bike is saying is, "You're an idiot." BikeSnobNYC
I'm not one for fawning over bicycles, but I do believe that our bikes communicate with us, and what this bike is saying is, "You're an idiot." BikeSnobNYC
02-24-14, 04:26 PM
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Okay, I'll give it a whirl down the sidewalk...
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'10 Specialized Hardrock
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02-24-14, 04:33 PM
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Just looked closer... the brake is even canted to the one side... but the tire is square with the stem!!??
I bought this bike used. Who knows what its been through.....
I bought this bike used. Who knows what its been through.....
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02-24-14, 04:53 PM
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Check the fork and head tube for deformation wrinkles and or cracks. If the fork is bent (which it looks like it is) then it probably happened while being on the frame. So the frame was exposed to the force as well.
That means, putting a new fork on a bent frame will be throwing good money after bad.
That means, putting a new fork on a bent frame will be throwing good money after bad.
02-24-14, 05:13 PM
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Good point. I'll give it a look over.
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02-24-14, 07:16 PM
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02-24-14, 07:41 PM
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Based on your photos and what you've said it appears that the left fork leg has more offset (rake) than the right leg, which is what causes the fork crown to be turned to the left when the wheel is tracking straight in the frame. This could have been caused by an initial manufacturing defect or one of the fork legs has been bent. It may be possible to safely bend the fork leg back, but this should be determined and done by a competent bike shop mechanic.
02-24-14, 10:43 PM
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I thought the bars aren't centered and re-aligned them, but hardly made a diff.
Bike's pretty new, fork should be fine. Also haven't taken the wheels off since I got it. Tight headset?
02-24-14, 10:52 PM
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Apologies for going OT but - I just installed a new stem and handlebar. Could ride handsfree forever with my old stem and bars, but now it steers to the left. New stem is considerable shorter, by 50mm. What's wrong?
I thought the bars aren't centered and re-aligned them, but hardly made a diff.
Bike's pretty new, fork should be fine. Also haven't taken the wheels off since I got it. Tight headset?
I thought the bars aren't centered and re-aligned them, but hardly made a diff.
Bike's pretty new, fork should be fine. Also haven't taken the wheels off since I got it. Tight headset?
02-24-14, 10:57 PM
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Yeah I think it's the stack height, the steerer tube must be *below* the highest spacer/top of the stem right? Need to add a spacer on top if that's the case.
Thanks.
EDIT: btw, is it ok to ride the bike with my current (insufficient) stack height? At least to the bike shop.
Thanks.
EDIT: btw, is it ok to ride the bike with my current (insufficient) stack height? At least to the bike shop.
Last edited by kitteh; 02-24-14 at 11:01 PM.
02-24-14, 11:26 PM
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Yeah, you want 2-3 mm above the steerer, so the top cap can pull up the steerer into the bearing races.
I wouldn't ride it, bike shops are open tomorrow and spacers are cheap.
I wouldn't ride it, bike shops are open tomorrow and spacers are cheap.
02-24-14, 11:41 PM
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Oh they're already open, magic of timezones.
Thanks for the help.
Thanks for the help.
Last edited by kitteh; 02-24-14 at 11:49 PM. Reason: words
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