Re: [CR] Speaking of round fork blades

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Campagnolo)

Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:07:12 +0000
From: "Hugh Thornton" <hughwthornton@yahoo.co.uk>
To: CLASSIC RENDEZVOUS <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: Re: [CR] Speaking of round fork blades


As most of the respondents note, round fork blades are commonly used on track bikes because they are laterall stiffer.  They are potentially not as stiff in the vertical and fore-aft directions - this is not an issue on track bikes, but may account for a good ride on a road bike, as noted by one respondent.  To add to the list of road bikes with round forks, I have a late 70s Gazelle Champion Mondiale with round blades, but I can't comment on any possible effect because I have not yet had it built up.  Most Gazelles I have seen have had oval blades and I have't a clue whether this was standard or an option for my particular frame.  Round fork blades might be a good choice for a criterium bike where good cornering and lateral stiffness are more important. Hugh Thornton Cheshire, England


--- On Wed, 24/6/09, Angel Garcia wrote:


From: Angel Garcia <veronaman@gmail.com> Subject: [CR] Speaking of round fork blades To: "CLASSIC RENDEZVOUS" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Date: Wednesday, 24 June, 2009, 7:50 PM

Does the use of round fork blades fall in the category of "rarely used"? Or, are they more common than that? I gather from Greg's note that Hetchins is known for them. Are there other builders that are regularly identified with round forks?

I know dave moulton used them on his Criterium model.

Angel Garcia Long Valley, NJ

Hi list members. The recent couple of obscure builder information requests reminded me that I have an English frame that I know nothing about. Nor have I been able to discover anything about it on the web. It's a H.R. Daycock frame. The headstock transfer states an address of "Roman Road London E 2". It's built with Nervex pro lugs, and Campy long eyeletted dropouts {the fairly early ones with the extra little hole on the derailleur side}. The number 1312 is faintly stamped on the B.B. shell.  It appears to be a nicely built; quite conventional , road frame , The only real departure from normal form is that it uses round fork blades like a Hetchins . I believe it dates from the late 1950's to early 1960's. Can anyone  provide any information ?

Thanks!
Greg Lone
Langley B.C.
Canada