Re: [CR]Dave Moulton criterium forks

(Example: Framebuilders:Rene Herse)

Date: Wed, 11 May 2005 20:10:50 -0800
From: "Chuck Schmidt" <chuckschmidt@earthlink.net>
To: "classicrendezvous@bikelist.org" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: Re: [CR]Dave Moulton criterium forks
References: <4.2.0.58.20050512121902.009f0100@mailhost.civag.unimelb.edu.au>


Geoff Duke wrote:
>
> Hi All
> I was reading with interest the Dave Moulton web site the other day
> http://www.prodigalchild.net/Bicycle.htm and the description of the criterium
> model forks has intrigued me.They were apparently round oval round and used
> a track crown.Is it a logical conclusion to assume he used rear fork blades
> and what effect did this produce in terms of handling.Has anyone on the
> list ever ridden one of the 34 that he made.The one pictured on his page
> was built in 1983.Very interested
> Geoff Duke in Melbourne Australia

Geoff,

Here's what little I know of Track Fork Handling Theory (for what it's worth):

In theory a track fork blade is round to resist side force; a round track blade is wider sideways than an oval road fork blade. But an oval road fork blade is wider front to back than a round track fork blade so it can better resist braking force trying to bend fork blade rearwards. Since track bikes don't have brakes the braking issue is moot. In theory a track fork might be great for lots of sudden maneuvering in a criterium but not so good with hard braking in a criterium. Just theory... (also remember all bending in a fork takes place at the fork crown).

Other theories?

A friend had a special PRO CRITERIUM but I never rode it.

Chuck "mine's a special PRO ROAD" Schmidt South Pasadena, CA

.