As I look at earlier forks I notice they often incorporate a more extreme bend very low on the fork than we see in more recent forks and, finally, we see the often straight forks (stilettos?) that are seen on, say modern Colnagos. The early ones with the extreme bend are more pleasing to my eye. I suppose this is just a matter of personal taste.
I am wondering why the change away from this earlier form? Is there an improvement associated with a lesser fork bend? Perhaps a weight savings? Were these earlier ones a more supple ride than later ones with less of a bend? I have owned a straight fork Colnago and didn't think I had the ride I should have, but am not sure if it was the fork that was responsible. I have not owned one of the bikes with a real extreme fork bend unless it was my late '60s PX 10 30 years ago, and, frankly, I just don't remember and at the time didn't have anything else to compare it to.
I'm sure that there is a tremendous amount of expertise out there on this subject. Perhaps some of the enlightened could share this wisdom with those of us who are not as knowledgeable on this? I have not consulted the archives and am sorry if this was beat to death before I arrived on the scene.
Tom Sanders
Lansing, Mi