John Thompson wrote:
> Rich Pinder wrote:
>
>> Since we're on a 'Fork' theme today, I wonder if anyone has experience
>> with straightening a fork. I didnt realize it but the Raleigh Pro
>> frame I bought appears to be EVER so slightly bent. It rides ok, and
>> tracks straight, but I did notice it and asked a skilled eye to
>> comment on a side'view picture I sent him - and it appears it is
>> indeed bent.
>>
>> A frame builder (or super expienced shop guy) most likely will be
>> needed to evaluate it. Anyone had such a person help them ? (and if
>> you know of anyone like this in Los Angeles, that would be appreciated).
>>
>> If it's salvageable, would the whole frame be required for a person to
>> straighten it ? (or just the fork ??)
>
>
> You're sure the frame is ok? No dimples under the down tube or anything?
>
> It's possible the fork could be salvaged. Basically, you need a vise to
> clamp the steer tube firmly and some means of levering the blades back
> into alignment.
>
> IIRC, a lot of the Raleigh Pros used those lovely Zeus internally lugged
> crowns. I recall them as being particularly stubborn to cold-set, but
> it's worth a try.
>
That's my concern too. Those Reynolds fork blades are pretty stiff. And the top tube is only .8mm at the butt ends. So when you bend the fork in a front end crash, the top tube and down tube generally bend as well. I've seen several that only had damage to the main triangle, and the fork was fine.
--
Peter Jon White
Peter White Cycles
24 Hall Rd.
Hillsborough, NH 03244
603 478 0900 Phone
603 478 0902 Phax
http://www.PeterWhiteCycles.com