STEEL FORKS FOR STEEL BIKES

It’s been rightly said that the frame is the soul of the bicycle.  But a great steel fork, while it is made separately, is actually an integral part of the frame’s design.  Appropriate design choices mean that we must look at the bicycle as a whole, integrating the frame and the fork into the best combination of performance, function, and aesthetics.  I build steel forks with crowns and curved blades because they are aesthetically pleasing and because they work brilliantly.  A steel fork not only provides real ride benefits but sometimes permits optimal changes in rake design that puts the fork in better relation to the frame.  Carbon forks come in limited fork offsets or rakes and lengths and, honestly, many of them are poorly aligned and inaccurately constructed.  I say this from experience: I’ve measured and even sawed in bits many carbon forks!  Further, the selection of those available for normal reach caliper brakes (57mm of “reach”) or cantilevers are very limited.  Why force a compromise on the frame design when a steel fork can provide every custom option and no disadvantages?  An accurately designed and well-constructed steel fork will enhance a bike’s ride in so many ways that the “weight penalty” in comparison to carbon is not worth the trade.  With fixed-rake carbon forks the bike designer often works from the fork to the frame, which is not always optimal and is sometimes “backwards” because the frame---the soul of the bike--- is designed for the fork!   

A note about stems and steerer tubes:  I will be happy to build either threaded or threadless steerer tubes.  You may opt for a pre-made stem or I can make a custom in either design.  The price of custom reflects the time and details you request but one of the advantages of this is to fine-tune the fit.  Stems and steerers effect overall stack height and therefore important considerations such as bar to saddle drop (that is, the amount of difference between saddle height and handlebars).  We can make either method work perfectly and to suit your tastes.

Tubing selection for a road bike is made on the same basis as with other frames: I choose what I deem to be best suited for the rider’s needs considering body weight, style, and purpose.   A frame may be built from tubing of a single manufacturer or several, depending on what is most appropriate.

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