Re: [CR]Fork rake

(Example: Events:Cirque du Cyclisme:2002)

From: "JAMES T. SALZLEIN" <pedaleslyotard@hotmail.com>
To: REClassicBikes@aol.com, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR]Fork rake
Date: Fri, 07 Jun 2002 18:28:57 +0000


Hello all,

Fred DeLong covers this topic well in a book he wrote in 1974 entitled "DeLong's Guide to Bicycles and Bicycling".{} If my memory serves me correctly the book was printed by the Rodale Press.{} The chapter dedicated to rake and trail goes into depth to explain how and why rake and trail affect the riding and handling characteristics of a Bicycle.{} There are quite a few interesting photographs throughout this publication.

Jim Salzlein

Cape May Courthouse, New Jersey

{}From: REClassicBikes@aol.com

{}To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org

{}Subject: [CR]Fork rake

{}Date: Thu, 6 Jun 2002 14:26:36 EDT

{}

{}Does fork rake affect ride.

{}

{}In answer to the, the trail definitely does, no question. The gauge of the

{}steel, definitely. The section of the steel, many people believe so, that why

{}round section forks are often still used on track frames.

{}

{}The big question, the shape of the fork. I look at it this way. If you made a

{}fork that extended 6 foot forward and bent back and forward on its self

{}several times, but ended up giving the usual few inches of trail, would this

{}give a different ride? Well, despite the obvious effect the weight way out

{}front, would it bend in a different way? I think it would, if it does, it

{}must have an effect on the ride. Reducing this back to a slightly bent fork,

{}means to me, an effect, only less.

{}

{}Cannondale make very expensive aluminium frames, no doubt with masses of

{}computer added analysis of its "ride". They use curved seat stays to reduce

{}vibration. Is this a gimmick or does that curve make a difference? If it

{}does, then surely a curve in a steel fork does.

{}

{}Next big question, does that curve improve or detract from things? I think

{}you will al know my thoughts on that one.

{}

{}Regards

{}Martin Coopland, is this summer finally arriving?

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