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• #2527
Had a skim read through the latter half of this thread.
Has anyone swapped out their forks for a set up from a different manufacturer to bring the front wheel in a bit closer and shorten the wheelbase?
From reading up the Bianchi Pista (28mm) and Surly Steamroller (38mm) both have a lower rake than the 45mm as standard on 52cm 2008 frame.
I also understand that there is more to it than just slapping on a lower rake fork.
Any advice would be appreciated.
why?
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• #2528
why?
As silly as it sounds purely looks.
I love the aesthetic of close clearance bikes but dont have the money to tackle another build at the moment.
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• #2529
The forks on the fuji classic do leave a huge clearance. I swapped mine for some carbon ones (which I sold when I stopped riding the fuji and now regret as I've built it up again)
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• #2531
The clearances aren't huge if you stick a 28mm tyre in. :)
- full disclaimer * I had Vivalvo forks sprayed, cut, threaded and fitted to a Bob Jackson track frame for vanity. It wasn't worth it.
- full disclaimer * I had Vivalvo forks sprayed, cut, threaded and fitted to a Bob Jackson track frame for vanity. It wasn't worth it.
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• #2532
Thank you Ed and Itc.
I have a carbon fork wanted thread up and those Alpina are spot on for the money.
Wanted to see if anyone had fitted another chromoly/steel fork and tightened up the front end gap, before commiting to carbon.
Thanks
Alex
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• #2533
I even ask Bob Jackson if they could re-raked my fork to bring it closer for that slavery look, thankfully they ignored me.
LowVag, save up a bit and get a Dolan Precursa with track fork instead.
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• #2534
Why? Doesn't make sense to me to buy a whole new frame when all you need is the forks.
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• #2535
Alpine fork is £100 from Dolan (or cheaper elsewhere), and a Precursa frameset with seatpost, headset, clamp and fork is £100 more.
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• #2536
Keeps current frame, saves £100....
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• #2537
Hi all, thought I would add to the conversation a little.
I have been riding a fuji Track 2.1 for about 8 months or so now.
Went with the alu as the smaller size I tried (steel) didn't feel right.
In terms of weight there was really not much in it, but the alu did feel a touch lighter, which considering it was the bigger frame surprised me.
Today I replaced the forks, after an accident (snapped handlebar! ouch!) left my alu ones a little bent. rideable, but I was concerned...
So I went to Brick lane bikes, a shop I have been wary of because of negative reviews, but they were great, very helpful if pricey.
They fitted a AF01 Carbon fork, which I chose as it was the closest rake to the stock fork they had, but also I hoped it would be a touch tighter. It's also ready drilled for a break, which whilst I don't use it that much I find reassuring to know it's there in London traffic.A few things... the spacers... I deliberately didn't cut down the tube for now as I wanted to maintain the same height as previously (in loosing the mud guard clearance, the whole frame is about an inch lower at the front)
The handling of the new fork is infinitely better... just a touch sharper, but not at all skittish at speed. Couldn't be happier about it!
Ride quality feels about the same.
front end is noticeably lighter.all in, I'm happy with it, and even though it's not an integrated headset I think it looks ok!
here's a dodgey camera pic...
next up, new wheels, hopefully V Sprint. then new crankset as funds allow... commuter chic!
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• #2538
ha, looking at that picture I need to sort out my handlebars and seat angles. but then again that bike is damn comfy...
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• #2539
That bike is one size too small as well.
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• #2540
Can't tell if serious...
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• #2541
Well... I'm a tall guy.
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• #2542
Yes you are, and they sold you a bike too small for you.
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• #2543
Frame is on the upgrade list too. :)
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• #2544
Although finding 61cm+ track frames is proving a little tricky. Any suggestions?
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• #2545
That's the 61cm Fuji as pictured? look a lots smaller! headtube is really small for the size.
Surly Steamroller 62cm, EAI Bareknuckle 62cm (biggest headtube), Dolan Precursa 58cm.
IMHO, EAI have the idea geometry for you.
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• #2546
TBH I really can't remember now if it was 58 or 61.
Have looked up the geometry and the Precursa frame seems to have a substantially longer headtube on their 60 than the Fuji's 61.
The Fuji Was my first Fixed, and first bike I had bought for myself, (course I had inherited shitty mountain bikes etc) so all a bit of a learning curve.
The Dolan Frame is attractively priced, might wait on cutting down the fork until I have swapped to the dolan!
The EAI is nice, but a but I think I like the look of fatter tubes more. hip hop bike would be cool :)
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• #2547
Double check the sizing of your Fuji first, if it's indeed a 58cm, then the bigger 61+ frames other manufacturer sell will likely to fit a lots better.
Best to leave the fork for now, especially the Dolan frame-only is £100.
Fuji Track Alu is as heavy as a steel frame, Dolan is only slightly lighter, but still porky.
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• #2548
any ideas on if I can just swap the BB and cranks from the Fuji to the Dolan?
Have measured the Fuji, is indeed a 58! looks like Evans don't even sell the 61... might explain my confusion.
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• #2549
do you know where i could buy a used single speed for cheap? i'm in london for 2 months and am craving to bike but don't want to spend a fortune….would really appreciate if you have any advice :)
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• #2550
Gumtree, or buy this;
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/norco/heart-2014-singlespeed-bike-ec053808
Not really worth it IMHO, it'll slower the steering noticeably, despite better stability.