How To: Leaf Springer Fork aka "Leafer"
 

does it work? seems like it would be too short for the leaves to be that thick and still flex.

Interesting!

It does! But the spring is a bit overbuilt for the bike. Better that than underbuilt!

Suspension is not really for the comfort of the rider- it's to protect the frame. If I bunny hop on the bike (as much as it's possible), it flexes. The way a leaf spring stack works is that the longest leaf provides the most flex, and then the resistance builds from there, not 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 but more like 1 - 1+2 - 1+2+3 - 1+2+3+4.... if that makes sense. This spring is designed for 2000 lbs, so it's unlikely that the whole thing will flex. The bike and rider probably top out at 500 lbs, and not all of that weight is on the front.

Nice job. I always like the look of leaf spring forks. Keep the picks or videos coming. I went to YouTube so I could see it full size.