Need some good eyes, paint ridge or crack on this fork?
10-26-13, 01:06 PM
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Need some good eyes, paint ridge or crack on this fork?
You are not my framebuilder, but what to you guys think about this fork https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1983...item3cd789c0e6
I have an 83 Trek 600 with pristine paint that I've set up as a rando/ brevet type rig. It has a lowish trail, and handles quite well with a front load if I don't overload the bag.
I did have half a mind to have a framebuilder braze on some eyelets to mount my Nitto M18 rack without using P-clamps, and additionally to add a bit of rake, like 1cm max from the 55mm it already has.
But, my fork's paint is too nice to mess with, and it handles well already. So, this fork which should have identical specs caught my eye; it could be a relatively low cost experiment. However, it seems to have something funny that the seller describes as a paint ridge. Any opinions?
I have an 83 Trek 600 with pristine paint that I've set up as a rando/ brevet type rig. It has a lowish trail, and handles quite well with a front load if I don't overload the bag.
I did have half a mind to have a framebuilder braze on some eyelets to mount my Nitto M18 rack without using P-clamps, and additionally to add a bit of rake, like 1cm max from the 55mm it already has.
But, my fork's paint is too nice to mess with, and it handles well already. So, this fork which should have identical specs caught my eye; it could be a relatively low cost experiment. However, it seems to have something funny that the seller describes as a paint ridge. Any opinions?
10-26-13, 01:27 PM
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looks like a crack to me...but the seller says paint ridge. Seller also says 14day return policy and shipping is like $10 for a fork. You can always return it if its a crack. Now, the seller, knowing you asked about it, is putting his rating at risk if he's not truthful; so even though it looks to be like a crack, I'll go with the sellers response and say it's a paint ridge.
10-26-13, 01:34 PM
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Very true, the seller appears forthcoming and willing to back it up. I suppose the only way to know for sure would be to sand down the paint and see what is underneath. Would just prefer not to deal with the hassle is all. Still might gamble for the relatively low price.
10-26-13, 02:17 PM
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I'd be OK with it.
10-26-13, 02:24 PM
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Looks like improperly filed flash from the casting process and not a crack to me.
10-26-13, 02:41 PM
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Thanks for your opinions. Still thinking about it. Steerer is likely too long and would need to be cut down, I suppose I could switch to threadless or try to have the threading continued
On the other hand, after getting it reraked/braze ons added/repainted the cost wouldn't be that much lower than having a new custom fork built up, where I could likely use better fork blades than were specced on the '83 Treks.
On the other hand, after getting it reraked/braze ons added/repainted the cost wouldn't be that much lower than having a new custom fork built up, where I could likely use better fork blades than were specced on the '83 Treks.
Last edited by Orrery; 10-26-13 at 02:51 PM.
10-26-13, 04:36 PM
#8
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Nope, nope, nope. Not a paint ridge, not a crack, not a casting flaw. It's a weld seam. Those crowns were not cast (too expensive); they were stamped and welded from flat metal. That weld runs all the way across the bottom of the crown. I worked at a Trek dealer back in the mid 80's and got quite familiar with those crowns.
SP
OC, OR
SP
OC, OR
10-26-13, 08:36 PM
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Nope, nope, nope. Not a paint ridge, not a crack, not a casting flaw. It's a weld seam. Those crowns were not cast (too expensive); they were stamped and welded from flat metal. That weld runs all the way across the bottom of the crown. I worked at a Trek dealer back in the mid 80's and got quite familiar with those crowns.
10-27-13, 10:42 AM
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Nope, nope, nope. Not a paint ridge, not a crack, not a casting flaw. It's a weld seam. Those crowns were not cast (too expensive); they were stamped and welded from flat metal. That weld runs all the way across the bottom of the crown. I worked at a Trek dealer back in the mid 80's and got quite familiar with those crowns.
SP
OC, OR
SP
OC, OR
