Wattsup

Ok, so my "forever" titanium bike has a tapered carbon fork, 1 1/8" to 1 1/4". I understand it''ll accept a straight 1 1/8" as well. So if one day this plastique fork @SSPlodes after hitting a big pot hole, what are my options for replacement with another tapered fork? I've looked online and have found nothing in the 1/4" taper like the fork I have. According to specs, the fork has room to fit a 48mm tire. I'm using 42mm right now, and I'd like to continue to use 42". Anyone? Anyone?

AnkleWork

The problem with future availability is that it's still in the future. Will you buy a new fork if you find it today? If not, then what are you playing at?

Maybe get a new fork from the same source as the one you have. (Shoppin' ain' easy!)

fietsbob

Buy extras Now?

Wattsup

If I cracked the fork today, I don't think I could find an aftermarket equivalent...I've looked! The future? Maybe I'll be able to go to a "Print-your-Own" kiosk and print one out. Right now, the only place I know I could get one is from the the manufacturer.

Wattsup

Yeah, extra fork or two, extra post-mount brake shoes, a few extra head sets.

AnkleWork

So you're asking for others to shop for something you are not going to buy? That's bizarre.

Wattsup

Well, if that's all that's holding you back, then....I might buy, depending on price. Let me know when you find something in 1 1/4" tapered. Preferably unpainted. Oh, and it ought to be thru-axle. Gotta be able to fit at least a 42 mm wheel. No slave-labor factories either.

Do you need any other information?

Marcus_Ti

You gave less than half the check-items needed to spec the fork. What brake type? What brake mounting? What trail? What axle-crown? What price? rack/fender mounts?

AnkleWork

Oh, I'll get right on it.

Wattsup

Now I think you're being facetious. Just in case, I'll monitor my email...

RocThrower

This one comes with a straight 1 1/8 steerer, which you mentioned your frame can accept. You'd also have to get a flat mount caliper or adapter though.

Wattsup

Wow, you did find one. 45mm offset vs my current 50mm, but it's real close to what I'd need. I appreciate your taking the time to look....I looked for about an hour and couldn't find anything acceptable.

Why would a manufacturer make a bike in 2016 with such a rare spec?? There are 1 1/2" tapers out the wazoo online.

JonathanGennick 

Giant make some models with that 1 1/8 to 1 1/4 taper a few years back. Here's an option I found just now one eBay: https://www.ebay.com/i/352406611389?chn=ps

Nightdiver

Unpainted: HERE
Another option HERE.

Wattsup

Thanks guys, those forks are close in spec to what I have and might be a suitable replacement. An update...I called Salsa to see whether they have replacements available forks for my 2016 Vaya, to see if they make them available for sale. The 2017 and 2018 Vayas use the same carbon fork. Surprisingly, the answer is no! They did say that soon they will be offering their new Waxwing fork for sale as an aftermarket option. It seems right now though there's an issue (not a good issue!) with the new Waxwing fork on the 2019 Warbirds and the 2019 Vaya, so until they figure out the issue, they have suspended sale of the Warbirds and Vayas.

TimothyH

I would be worried about replacing pedals, bottom brackets, wheels, cranks, derailleurs, headsets, shifters and saddle before I worried about the fork.


-Tim-

JonathanGennick 

I wouldn't sweat the Vaya. There will always be someone making a 700c fork. The rise in gravel bikes has only added to the choices that are out there.

Wattsup

Lol, well right now there's not one replacement fork available that matches the specs of my Vaya's fork. You think it's going to get easier to find a replacement? I doubt it. Salsa chose a standard (1 1/8 to 1 1/4 taper) that's gone the way of the Dodo bird.

Wattsup

You forgot the bar tape.

JonathanGennick 

Salsa did that? I thought only Giant had done that. Yeah, I don't see the 1 1/4 taper making a comeback. A straight 1 1/8 fork is probably the solution, if it ever comes to needing a replacement. I don't suppose there's any sort of headset solution that would allow a 1 1/2 taper to work, is there?

RocThrower

My GT Grade had a 1 1/4 taper and Cannondale uses 1 1/4 taper in the Topstone. They also have 3 different size-specific steerers on the carbon Synapse

Tire clearance is not ideal, but this Whiskey fork looks to use a 1 1/4 tapered steerer as well: No. 9 RD Fork

fietsbob

trends come and go, then stay gone .. Race type Bike biz is now subject to that .. at the avant garde end .. things keep changing..

TimothyH

Consumables are a given. I suppose bottom brackets and headsets are consumables.

Either way, I'd worry about the saddle breaking before the fork.

Are you considering buying a spare fork? I'm a melancholic and having a closet full of spares makes me very happy but not sure I would go that far.

-Tim-

Wattsup

But am I your hero?

Wattsup

Well, I'm coming to peace with it. My initial thought was, what good is a "forever" titanium-frame bike if you can't get parts for it? But I could break a frame too, right, just as I might break a fork. Good chance I wouldn't/couldn't get a busted titanium frame fixed. Interesting question though: what is more durable, the titanium frame, or the carbon fork?