As most of the respondents note, round fork blades are commonly used on track bikes because they are laterall stiffer. They are potentially not as stiff in the vertical and fore-aft directions - this is not an issue on track bikes, but may account for a good ride on a road bike, as noted by one respondent. To add to the list of road bikes with round forks, I have a late 70s Gazelle Champion Mondiale with round blades, but I can't comment on any possible effect because I have not yet had it built up. Most Gazelles I have seen have had oval blades and I have't a clue whether this was standard or an option for my particular frame. Round fork blades might be a good choice for a criterium bike where good cornering and lateral stiffness are more important. Hugh Thornton Cheshire, England
From: Angel Garcia <veronaman@gmail.com> Subject: [CR] Speaking of round fork blades To: "CLASSIC RENDEZVOUS" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Date: Wednesday, 24 June, 2009, 7:50 PM
Does the use of round fork blades fall in the category of "rarely used"? Or, are they more common than that? I gather from Greg's note that Hetchins is known for them. Are there other builders that are regularly identified with round forks?
I know dave moulton used them on his Criterium model.
Angel Garcia Long Valley, NJ
Hi list members. The recent couple of obscure builder information requests reminded me that I have an English frame that I know nothing about. Nor have I been able to discover anything about it on the web. It's a H.R. Daycock frame. The headstock transfer states an address of "Roman Road London E 2". It's built with Nervex pro lugs, and Campy long eyeletted dropouts {the fairly early ones with the extra little hole on the derailleur side}. The number 1312 is faintly stamped on the B.B. shell. It appears to be a nicely built; quite conventional , road frame , The only real departure from normal form is that it uses round fork blades like a Hetchins . I believe it dates from the late 1950's to early 1960's. Can anyone provide any information ?
Thanks!
Greg Lone
Langley B.C.
Canada