Probably any frame builder could build me a set of front forks, but I have some specific and non-standard requirements!
I'm looking to convert a BikeE recumbent to dual 20" wheels - originally it was tiny 16" (305) front, 20" (406) rear. Those who have done it says it works very well. The BikeE has a very slack head angle, and a standard pair of 20" forks don't work - the bike is only just rideable but there is so much flop that it is really quite unsafe. I need something pretty radically raked. The original forks are shot (bent - though the frame is sound) so if this machine is to go again I'm going to need to get some built anyway.
I'm not looking for fancy materials, plain gauge steel will be fine, nor am I looking to spend a fortune. Oh, and the BikeE has a 1.5" steerer just to be awkward!
Any suggestions? And any idea how much I might need to spend? Preferably someone who is sympathetic to the wilder shores of cycling...
... Of someone who could build me some front forks?
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andrewjoseph
- Posts: 1420
- Joined: 17 Nov 2009, 10:48am
- Location: near Afan
Re: ... Of someone who could build me some front forks?
Justin burls: burls.co.uk does custom work. Made our bikes.
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Burls Ti Tourer for tarmac
Saracen aluminium full suss for trails.
Burls Ti Tourer for tarmac
Saracen aluminium full suss for trails.
Re: ... Of someone who could build me some front forks?
Thanks for that ... Looking at his work, it's very nice, but several levels above what the BikeE needs!
Re: ... Of someone who could build me some front forks?
I think that most builders will be above what the bike needs, they may be your only option though.
Re: ... Of someone who could build me some front forks?
fossala wrote:I think that most builders will be above what the bike needs, they may be your only option though.
I agree.
Only option is what you originally asked ...... ie for someone to build your forks.
It ain't a cheap option.
Mick F. Cornwall
Re: ... Of someone who could build me some front forks?
Much as I suspected then... 
Sadly it means the rest of the bike is probably out of commission (though of course I could dispose of all the components separately). Those in the US who have done this conversion either have access to off-the-shelf forks from other recumbent manufacturers that are appropriately raked, or have gone the DIY route and modified standard bike forks to fit. I don't have the skills or the tools to do the latter, and the former is also going to be pricey.
Maybe I just need to get a tube bender and try not to mangle a standard pair of 26" forks...! This seems to be an accepted way of modifying forks in the home-built recumbent world.
I can't figure out what's happened to the original front forks - they are 110mm between dropouts instead of 100mm, and the 305-size wheel and tyre from my other BikeE just won't fit, even allowing for the extra dropout width. If they've been crashed, they've deformed in an odd way, splaying apart rather than one or both fork legs being pushed back.
Sadly it means the rest of the bike is probably out of commission (though of course I could dispose of all the components separately). Those in the US who have done this conversion either have access to off-the-shelf forks from other recumbent manufacturers that are appropriately raked, or have gone the DIY route and modified standard bike forks to fit. I don't have the skills or the tools to do the latter, and the former is also going to be pricey.
Maybe I just need to get a tube bender and try not to mangle a standard pair of 26" forks...! This seems to be an accepted way of modifying forks in the home-built recumbent world.
I can't figure out what's happened to the original front forks - they are 110mm between dropouts instead of 100mm, and the 305-size wheel and tyre from my other BikeE just won't fit, even allowing for the extra dropout width. If they've been crashed, they've deformed in an odd way, splaying apart rather than one or both fork legs being pushed back.