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?