Re: [CR]Fork rake/trail still confused

(Example: History:Ted Ernst)

From: "dddd" <dddd@pacbell.net>
To: "Classic Rendezvous" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <b3cfbc27da82cc69071e5f315ebbbcf7@earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [CR]Fork rake/trail still confused
Date: Mon, 7 Nov 2005 15:40:29 -0800
reply-type=response

The reduction of a few mm of rake (offset) will have a very small % effect on wheelbase, but a relatively much larger % effect on the trail.

As always, a smooth and free-turning headset is most crucial to hands-off riding. Many headsets are carefully adjusted with front wheel and bars removed, yet the mechanic doesn't secure a quill in the steerer when performing the adjustment. Result is often binding and quickly brinnelled headset races. Ouch.

David "who trashed a NOS Dura-Ace headset once and still cringes" Snyder

Auburn, CA USA


----- Original Message -----
From: Bianca Pratorius
Subject: [CR]Fork rake/trail still confused



> As you may know I am trying to find a replacement fork for my trashed
> Raliegh fork. It has mid 80's twitchy geometry. The ride I prefer is more
> stable than was popular than the extremes we saw during the last two
> decades. I like the short wheelbase it has, but don't necessarily need the
> cushy ride provided by forks that have lots of rake. I feel that a race
> bike should have just enough steering stability so that you can take your
> hands off the bars and sit up for a bit. I could still do that on my
> Raliegh because the frame was so straight, but the overall effect was that
> a sudden breeze could send you to the pavement. I want a bit more
> stability than that. I have a lovely Italian fork that features more rake,
> but if I am to understand correctly, that a more raked fork will provide
> more cush but less stability. If that is the case than I should go with a
> fork that has less rake and therefore more trail. Will the effect than be
> to provide more stability? That may be the trouble with these specialized
> type bikes: Any less rake could shorten the wheelbase to the point where
> it becomes a problem, and any more could make the handling even more
> twitchy. Is this understanding correct? This is where it pays to choose
> bikes that were designed with what you had in mind in the first place.
>
> Garth Libre in Miami Fl.