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

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From: <gpvb1@comcast.net>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR] WTB: Park Fork fixture - is it worthwhile?
Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2005 16:01:42 +0000


When used carefully, I think the Park tool does a pretty decent job for its modest cost. Two things are critical, though: the tool can't have been bent previously (or it's measurements are worthless), and the user has to be familiar with its use. It doesn't really use fork blade position (when used properly), it uses the steerer, the crown, and the dropouts. Some forks obviously aren't saveable - it depends on the nature and extent of the damage.... Tell me about Joe Bringheli's fixture - is it heavier than the Park was? (I believe the Park tool is no longer produced, correct?). Link to a picture? Greg Parker Dexter, Michigan Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2005 04:56:03 +0000 From: hersefan@comcast.net To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org 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.

Mike Kone in Boulder CO


-------------- Original message --------------


> Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2005 17:13:23 -0600
> From: keith hellon
> To: Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
> Subject: [CR]Fork Straightening and plating
>
> I straighten forks by clamping the steerer tube in a three jaw chuck in
> an 11" x 36" lathe. As close as possible to the crown. A drilled plate
> fits under the bed. A threaded 1/2" rod is passed through the hole and
> nutted. Center threaded rod between fork legs. Put old axle in drop outs.
> Small muffler clamp around axle. Drill 1/2" hole in clamp cross piece.
> Thread rod through and nut. Tighten bottom nut until straight, using
> lathe bed for distsnce. There will be spring-back to allow for.
> Chrome plating forks, I have had Streamwood Plating,Inc.
> rechrome forks, frames and stays for me for the last 15 or so years. They
> have done excellent work in stripping, polishing and replating. They are
> in Streamwood, Illinois, west of Chicago. 630-830-6363. If you are used
> to California prices, you will be pleasantly surprised.
> Keith Hellon, Libertyville, Illinois
>
> Now *that's* a solution to the straightening issue!
>
> This reminds me of a couple things - first, that we used to live in Streamwood,
> IL, but more importantly, that I'm looking for a Park fork straightening fixture
> so I can straighten this bent 1960s Ideor fork that I have. If anyone has one
> (preferably NOS or close to it), please e-mail me off-list....
>
> Greg Parker
> Ann Arbor, Michigan