Re: [CR] WTB: Park Fork fixture - is it worthwhle?

(Example: History)

From: <CYCLESTORE@aol.com>
Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2005 10:56:56 EST
Subject: Re: [CR] WTB: Park Fork fixture - is it worthwhle?
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org


Hello Mike,

I'll agree the Park Jig is a crude devise but with some good calipers, tube benders, patience and experience one can get excellent results.

I agree most handling problem can be corrected or improved with fork alignment. We have had many poorly handling machines restored to a good state with a bit of time. Now when you polish a turd you end up with a polished turd so it depends on what you start with.

The newer Park Fork Jigs (they new ones may have been discontinued) gauge alignment from the steer tube /fork crown junction. Unicrown style (not flat) fork crown regions require repeated measuring or some shims.

Yours in Cycling,

Gilbert Anderson

North Road Bicycle Company

519 W. North St.

Raleigh, NC 27603

USA

Toll Free Ph: 800-321-5511 Local Ph: 919-828-8999

E-mail: cyclestore@aol.com

In a message dated 1/24/05 1:33:15 AM, classicrendezvous-request@bikelist.org writes:

<< Subject: Re: [CR] WTB: Park Fork fixture - is it worthwhle?

I haven't used the Park fork fixture, but I remember that my quick glance at it years ago left me thinking it was not acceptable for precision work. If I recall, it depends on comparing fork blade position and not by identifying whether or not the axle itself is sitting perpendicular and centered AT SOME POINT to the plane of the frame.

In reality, a fork can have blades that are not in line with one another along their length, yet still is "straight". If you don't believe this, imagine a fork assembled with nothing yet brazed tight. One could twist the assemply at the crown (and at the dropouts along with recentering) and still have the axle exactly where it needs to be relative to the steerer (which is ALL that matters). The fork is straight (heaven help you with installing the brake however) but it looks horible. The park tool if I recall would belch, but all is fine for tracking. Similary, a fork could be OK in Park world, yet really be a tracking dissaster.

Forks need to be extremely straight. Most alignment issues people can feel are those in the fork. I have used a Bringahli fork alignment fixture with great satisfaction over the years. I think the Park tool is just to crude for a pro alignment job. Fine perhaps for utility bikes, but not for a serious rider.

Now I may be wrong on this, and others may have found tricks to make the Park tool work well, but I thought I'd throw in my thoughts.
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