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Newbie fork questions
tumbleweed wrote:
I just bought a frame and need to get a fork for it, (looking at carbon) and have a few questions for the group before I buy. 1. What is 'rake', and how do know how much I need for my frame? http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_r.html#rake 2. Threaded vs. threadless -- are there advantages/disadvantages for each? Not really, except in terms of choices of headset, quill or stem, etc. It really depends if your head tube is threaded or not. 3. What are some considerations I should know about when shopping for headsets? Hmmm, what kind of riding will you do? 4. What does the group think about ebay? I've seen lots of new 'no-name' forks for cheap. (get what you pay for?) Is there much risk in buying a --carefully selected-- used fork? I've put together some dirt cheap bikes using eBay. My only concerns about "no-name" parts would include things like the possibility they're quality-control rejects. Does the seller know who manufactured? Do the forks come with a warranty (unlikely, but possible)? As for used forks, I'd ask the seller for pics taken at every possible angle to make sure there are no noticeable defects. Then you're still taking the seller at his word. One last note about using eBay. Yeah, you can save some money. You can also lose some (especially since you're not quite sure what you need). Don't forget to add shipping in to the mix. 5. Are there any other factors that I should take into consideration? Do you know if your head tube is 1" or 1.25"? Do you know how long your steerer tube needs to be to fit? Are you capable yourself of cutting down a longer one to fit your tube? Have you checked prices at your local bike shops? You may find that to be more to your advantage since (1) you'll know exactly with whom you're dealing, (2) you're right there if you have a problem with the parts, and (3) your local guys can look at your frame and tell you exactly which parts you need. Since you're a newbie, I'd think the third point alone would more than cover any price difference between a LBS and eBay. I'm putting it onto a Trek 54 cm road bike, 700 cc wheels, and I'm looking at a price range around $200 (including headset). That can be done if you know what you need first. Good luck. |
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#2
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Newbie fork questions
On Mon, 21 Jul 2003 22:36:14 GMT, cyclist101 wrote:
tumbleweed wrote: I just bought a frame and need to get a fork for it, (looking at carbon) and have a few questions for the group before I buy. 1. What is 'rake', and how do know how much I need for my frame? http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_r.html#rake 2. Threaded vs. threadless -- are there advantages/disadvantages for each? Not really, except in terms of choices of headset, quill or stem, etc. It really depends if your head tube is threaded or not. He means the fork steerer tube . 3. What are some considerations I should know about when shopping for headsets? Hmmm, what kind of riding will you do? 4. What does the group think about ebay? I've seen lots of new 'no-name' forks for cheap. (get what you pay for?) Is there much risk in buying a --carefully selected-- used fork? I've put together some dirt cheap bikes using eBay. My only concerns about "no-name" parts would include things like the possibility they're quality-control rejects. Does the seller know who manufactured? Do the forks come with a warranty (unlikely, but possible)? As for used forks, I'd ask the seller for pics taken at every possible angle to make sure there are no noticeable defects. Then you're still taking the seller at his word. One last note about using eBay. Yeah, you can save some money. You can also lose some (especially since you're not quite sure what you need). Don't forget to add shipping in to the mix. 5. Are there any other factors that I should take into consideration? Do you know if your head tube is 1" or 1.25"? Do you know how long your steerer tube needs to be to fit? Are you capable yourself of cutting down a longer one to fit your tube? Have you checked prices at your local bike shops? You may find that to be more to your advantage since (1) you'll know exactly with whom you're dealing, (2) you're right there if you have a problem with the parts, and (3) your local guys can look at your frame and tell you exactly which parts you need. Since you're a newbie, I'd think the third point alone would more than cover any price difference between a LBS and eBay. I'm putting it onto a Trek 54 cm road bike, 700 cc wheels, and I'm looking at a price range around $200 (including headset). That can be done if you know what you need first. Good luck. |
#3
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Newbie fork questions
"cyclist101" wrote in message ... tumbleweed wrote: I just bought a frame and need to get a fork for it, (looking at carbon) and have a few questions for the group before I buy. 1. What is 'rake', and how do know how much I need for my frame? http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_r.html#rake 2. Threaded vs. threadless -- are there advantages/disadvantages for each? Not really, except in terms of choices of headset, quill or stem, etc. It really depends if your head tube is threaded or not. 'scuse me if I break in here. When's the last time you saw a "threaded head tube?" Threaded fork maybe, but never a threaded head tube! If you're going with a new carbon fork, chances are it'll have a threadless steerer tube. Plan accordingly. Head on over to www.chucksbikes.com and check out the Reynolds Ouzo Comp for $110. (1 1/8" only) 3. What are some considerations I should know about when shopping for headsets? For a decent traditional headset, look at a Cane Creek C2. Sealed bearings, not too expensive. If the frame's an integrated style, you're going to have to find the kind that fits your frame. Hmmm, what kind of riding will you do? 4. What does the group think about ebay? I've seen lots of new 'no-name' forks for cheap. (get what you pay for?) Is there much risk in buying a --carefully selected-- used fork? I've put together some dirt cheap bikes using eBay. My only concerns about "no-name" parts would include things like the possibility they're quality-control rejects. Does the seller know who manufactured? Do the forks come with a warranty (unlikely, but possible)? As for used forks, I'd ask the seller for pics taken at every possible angle to make sure there are no noticeable defects. Then you're still taking the seller at his word. One last note about using eBay. Yeah, you can save some money. You can also lose some (especially since you're not quite sure what you need). Don't forget to add shipping in to the mix. 5. Are there any other factors that I should take into consideration? Do you know if your head tube is 1" or 1.25"? Do you know how long your steerer tube needs to be to fit? Are you capable yourself of cutting down a longer one to fit your tube? Have you checked prices at your local bike shops? You may find that to be more to your advantage since (1) you'll know exactly with whom you're dealing, (2) you're right there if you have a problem with the parts, and (3) your local guys can look at your frame and tell you exactly which parts you need. Since you're a newbie, I'd think the third point alone would more than cover any price difference between a LBS and eBay. I'm putting it onto a Trek 54 cm road bike, 700 cc wheels, and I'm looking at a price range around $200 (including headset). That can be done if you know what you need first. Good luck. |
#4
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Newbie fork questions
bobqzzi wrote:
Not really, except in terms of choices of headset, quill or stem, etc. It really depends if your head tube is threaded or not. He means the fork steerer tube . Had too many irons in the fire when I typed that, SORRY. Too bad nobody caught the other mistake (typo, I swear): Do you know if your head tube is 1" or 1.25"? Should be 1" or 1.125" (I hate typing 1 1/8"). snip |
#5
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Newbie fork questions
I just got a Cane Creek C2 headset and Aprebic (?) carbon fork from iCycles
(eBay auction). Fast shipping and good price. The whole shebang was $80 before shipping. I have been eBaying like crazy lately and have had no bad experiences. I bought a Dura Ace equipped GIOS, sold the Dura Ace, bought a campy gruppo, bought the fork and headset, stems, seatpost, etc. Its fun buying and selling stuff. I love LBSes, I used to manage a shop. Its important to balance your eBaying with local shop support. "tumbleweed" wrote in message ... I just bought a frame and need to get a fork for it, (looking at carbon) and have a few questions for the group before I buy. 1. What is 'rake', and how do know how much I need for my frame? 2. Threaded vs. threadless -- are there advantages/disadvantages for each? 3. What are some considerations I should know about when shopping for headsets? 4. What does the group think about ebay? I've seen lots of new 'no-name' forks for cheap. (get what you pay for?) Is there much risk in buying a --carefully selected-- used fork? 5. Are there any other factors that I should take into consideration? I'm putting it onto a Trek 54 cm road bike, 700 cc wheels, and I'm looking at a price range around $200 (including headset). TIA for your help!! Paul |
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