Unbending a Stumpy direct drive fork, late 80s

[wordnumb]

Hello,

A van reversed into my front wheel last week, I thought it was only the wheel that died but it looks as if there is now a slight difference in the curvatures of the fork legs. Wheel still goes round, but it ain't quite right.

It's a late 80s or early 90s Stumpjumper that's only used as a pub bike. I know these forks crop up 2nd hand occasionally but does anyone have an informed opinion whether it's worth trying to unbend them? And if so best method?

Thanks.

 

[velomaniac]

Once metals been stressed by bending it will always be weaker at that point. If it was the frame its less of an issue as the frame is strong through triangulation with other frame tubes. I dont think I'd be happy riding a fork that I know had been bent unless some sort of serious repair had been done. For a pub bike I'd just get a rigid fork of the right size and type, high tensile steel would be fine and fit that, no need for a direct drive one unless your picky.

 

[xerxes]

Seconded.

I'd happily cold set a steel frame if it were knocked out of true, but not creased. However, I think I'd sooner replace bent forks rather than risk it.

You can buy brand new Cro-Mo forks for under £50.00: http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Cycling-/7294 ... mp;_sop=15, or pick up a used set for around a tenner: http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Forks-/177815 ... &rt=nc

 

[wordnumb]

I was hoping for something more like "yeah, fine, no risk at all".

Oh well, that's colour coordination out the window. Thanks for your thoughts gents.

 

[xerxes]

What size/type of headset forks do you need?

I have a set of forks you can have for the cost of postage, it's the blue pair you can see here: http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewto ... p;t=263780, postage for the yellow pair was about £8.50, so these should be the same.

 

[WD Pro]

I would be inclined to find out how much they are bent before condemning them

WD

 

[velomaniac]

Is a less bent fork some how more safe ?????

 

[wordnumb]

Is a less bent fork some how more safe ?????

Precisely what I was wondering, as it's only very slightly out.

I have a set of forks you can have for the cost of postage...so these should be the same.

Tempting, thank you, they're in far better nik than any of the DD forks I've looked at. I'll see how it rides as is, check size etc. Might get back to you. But, as said, it's the pub bike and as such doesn't have a hard life.

 

[lewisfoto]

I had a professional frame builder straighten a fork for me, took about 15 minutes and it was very inexpensive. While I agree with the above comments about creating a weak spot, high quality steel can be bent back into shape and still be safe. But I would take it to a pro...

 

[WD Pro]

Is a less bent fork some how more safe ?????

In my opinion I would say yes, maybe …

There is a whole world of difference between a slight misalignment and a big bend, an evenly distributed bend or a bend concentrated at one point, no visible kinks or creases v big kinks and creases, even the direction of the bend could be influential i.e. is the fork bent forward / backward or is it now out of line compared with the back wheel ?

Hence the interest of seeing the picture.

It may be very easy to condemn them from viewing the picture :-(

Other people may then chime in – “Mine were worse than that and X respected frame builder fixed them for X £’s” etc – see comment above ;-)

WD