QA

How To Measure A Bicycle Fork

The length of the fork is usually measured parallel to the steerer tube from the bottom of the lower bearing race to the center of the front wheel axle. A 1996 survey of 13 700c road forks found a maximum length of 374.7 mm and a minimum of 363.5 mm.

How do you measure for a replacement fork?

Measure from the fork crown race to where the lower pressed race would enter the head tube. Next, measure the upper stack from where the upper pressed race would enter the head tube to the top of the adjusting race. Add any spacers and add the height of the stem. Add all these numbers together.

How do you measure front fork length?

Although some references differ, most agree fork length is measured parallel to the steerer, from the base of the crown race seat to the center of the axle.

How do I know if my fork will fit my road bike?

The main thing you need to look for is the steerer size. Most Mtb headtube is 1.1/8″, a few are 1.5″ or the combo of the two, tapered steerer. So as long as the fork is 1.1/8″ you are good to go.

How do you measure fork on a mountain bike?

Use a zip tie around the stanchion to make the measurement. Push the zip tie down to the wiper seal and then compress the fork all the way. This is your total travel. Then fill the fork to your regular pressure, push the zip tie back down to the wiper, and go ride your favorite trail.

Are bike forks interchangeable?

Yes. All that matters on a fork is that it’s the right axle size and spacing for the wheel, the steerer size, the axle-to-crown length, the offset, and the brake mounting type. So long as these match your requirements then the fork is usable, whether it comes from a road bike, track bike, mountain bike, or whatever.

Do all forks fit all bikes?

Will any fork fit my bike? No. When replacing forks it’s key to know your head tube diameter as you will need to pick a fork with a matching steerer tube.

How do you measure fork on a road bike?

Fork length is usually measured from the bottom of the crown to the center of the axle or where the wheel connects to the blade. This length can be anywhere from 363.5mm to 374.7 mm. A longer fork length will raise up the front end of the bike. A shorter fork length will lower it.

What is the length of a fork?

The dinner fork measures about 7 inches in length. It is used to eat the main course at all formal and informal meals.

What is the width of a fork?

Fork Width – Fork width is commonly 4-inches for Class II, 5-inches for Class III, and 6-inches for Class IV. This keeps them within their capacity limits for their classes. Of course, some people will need narrower forks or wider forks depending on the application.

Are suspension forks worth it?

If you’re sensitive to vibration and you want to cruise in comfort, it’s worth considering a suspension fork. Riding on cobblestones in cities, crossing tram or train tracks, single trail and gravel, you can take advantage of a front shock. It definitely feels good not feeling every single bump shaking your arms.

What size is a dinner fork?

Dinner forks measure between 6 and 9 inches long, with 7 inches being a common length in many collections. The dinner fork uses long tapered tines designed to spear pieces of solid food.

Where do you measure fork travel?

If you want to check go for a ride and make sure the fork gets a proper workout. Normally a little layer of dust forms on the stanchion. Now measure from this line to the seal and it should give a fairly accurate measurement.

How do you measure shocks on a bike?

The most accurate method for shock measurement: Measure the eye to eye length. Attach a shock pump and slowly remove all the air from the shock. Compress the shock fully and measure the eye to eye length again. Subtract this measurement from the initial eye to eye length to find the usable stroke. (ie. 185 – 132.5 = 52.5).

How do you measure front suspension?

Start with the vehicle at ride height. Droop the wheel ~4” below ride height (measured vertically), record the exact droop. Measure and record the distance between the shock mounts. Raise the wheel to ~4” above ride height (measured vertically), record the exact compression.

How do I choose a rigid fork?

Rigid forks for mountain bikes: Size. A final consideration with your choice of rigid fork, is its size. Although rigid forks don’t compress and alter size, like suspension forks do, their fixed axle-to-crown height is important.

How do I know my fork offset?

Fork offset is the measured distance from the steering axis (straight down the headtube) to the mounting point of the front wheel.

Are all tapered forks the same?

As far as I know every fork with a tapered steer tube available aftermarket and built in the last few years uses the same standard.

Are 27.5 and 29 forks the same?

Condensed Answer: If the bike and the wheelset are designed for disc brakes, a 27.5” wheel will fit on a 29” frame and fork. Since 27.5” wheels are smaller, their diameter will change the geometry of the bicycle in a manner that the rider may not appreciate.

What is a 27.5 fork?

The idea behind having the longer rake on the 27.5″ fork is to account for the extra 1/2″ the 27.5″ wheel lifts the axle off the ground. This extra rake keeps the bikes handling characteristics close to as if it where a 26″.

Can I use 27.5 fork on a 26 frame?

Condensed answer: A 26-inch wheel can be easily installed on a 27.5 fork if both are disc brake ready. If the fork uses rim brakes, however, the braze-ons would be a bit higher, and the calipers won’t catch the rim.

What is a lockout fork on mountain bike?

WHAT IS A LOCKOUT SUSPENSION ON A MOUNTAIN/HYBRID BICYCLE (MTB) FORK? A Lockout is a small switch placed atop the front right stanchion of your MTB/Hybrid Bicycle’s suspension which when engaged decreases the low speed compression rate of the front fork, adjustable to the point of being fully rigid.

Can I put longer travel forks on my bike?

In general, bikes will happily accept forks that are up to 20mm larger than their designers intended. Feel free to go beyond that if you must, but be prepared for a bike that the manufacturer didn’t really intend to create. That doesn’t mean it will suck, but it’s just something to be aware of.

When should I lock my front fork?

Usually the only times you would lock out your rear shock (or front fork) would be when on a long non-technical climb, or other long distance ride. Mountain bike suspension often features multiple modes, to better set up the bike to climb or descend, and one of these common features is the lock out.