Cycling UK Forum

What is the truth about alloy forks if you look beyond the knee-jerk opinions of buzz, compliance, and ruining the world economy? I have just bought a pair of NOS Kinesis 1-inch alloy forks to convert my elderly titanium frame to threadless and at the same time lift the front end up to suit my ageing body. The forks are unpainted and will look the part at least but what do you experts think of its ride potential? I was careful about making sure trail was the same as the Ti fork it will replace. For instance, is a well designed high quality alloy fork better than a poorly designed carbon fork? I just had this thing that I wanted to keep at least one bike without carbon (apart from my Thorn tourer and retro 753 bike that is). I value the expert inputs I hope to get and hope my choice will not prove to be derided.

I have a titanium frame which was painted from new. The forks and rh chain stay are still natural however but with a brushed finish. I am thinking of removing the paint and ideally having it polished to give it a new lease of life. Any ideas on what kind of process to follow to get the paint removed....chemical or blasting? And to get it polished?

So my configuration will be 10 speed road shifters (Ultegra), 10 speed compact chain set (Ultegra), 10 speed road cassette (SRAM), and 9 speed long cage rear mech (LX/XT). Presumably a 10 speed chain? And this will all work with a 34 or 36 big cog?

Quick question.....will a 10 speed MTB rear mech work with 105 10 speed shifters and MTB cassette?

Thanks everyone. Our loose plan is to ride as far as Bremerhaven then cut south to Bremen where we get a train to Dusseldorf. From there we follow the Rhine back to Rotterdam. By the way we are getting the boat into Europort from Hull....has anyone used the small ferry across to the Hoek or do you have to ride all the way thru Rotterdam?

Anyone ridden this from Rotterdam up to Grongingen and beyond? What is the surface like and are the directions clear? I have found a gpx file to download so I am assuming it is a popular route? We are going next May so any insight would be very much appreciated.

Or, if you have a spare day, ride up the coast to Helsinor and take the ferry to Helsinborg then back down to Malmo. About 50 miles all in and a lovely easy route.

They refurbed my Colnago about two years ago. A brilliant job and it is indistinguishable from new. Very impressed.

Just about anything made by Colnago with their famous art decor paint finish.....although I suspect few would agree.

But it isnt just replacing a wheel! The wiring is more complex, you need torque brackets which may require drilling the fork, its very bad news when you puncture, and handling is worse. In my opinion (please note!!) mid drive is much more elegant and reliable. But good luck with whatever you choose.

Au contraire....mid drive kits are so much easier to install. I got mine from Electric Bike Conversions in Stevenage. Around £500 inc 14ah battery good for 80km. Four of our older clubmates have the same kit. You just need a 'clean' BB shell.

I fitted a mid drive (bottom bracket) motor to my wife's bike. Dead easy to install and avoids having to change wheels. You have to lose the small chainring but with 350w on tap you wouldnt use it anyway! Pm if you want details. Cost complete was £500.

landsurfer wrote:But a damaged carbon frame ... bin it.
Honestly ... your life is worth more than a carbon frame.

+1

I am putting together a bike for my son. The frame is BB30 but the chainset I have is a 105 triple with external cups. So should I go for the press fit sleeve which converts BB30 to BSA and then fit the current cups or buy press fit external cups compatible with 24mm chainsets? Will I need to buy a tool to press it in, if so which is best?

Now I am a bit confused. I think you are saying that the chain has alternate sized links which mate with the alternate teeth on the chainring. So they have to be aligned so they stay together. But does that mean that cogs need to be even numbers too or am I being really stupid? Please don't answer......