3rensho fork steerer extension project
01-29-22, 12:42 PM
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3rensho fork steerer extension project
Last year I purchased an 3rensho built Allez which did not have the original fork. After much searching I came across a NOS 3rensho track fork which I purchased as a replacement. There were only two problems: the steerer was far too short for my 63cm bike and it was not drilled for brakes. Now, the simple (relatively) solution would be to remove the original steerer and have a new proper length tube brazed on. The problem with this approach is that it destroys the paint which was unacceptable to me given the beauty of the fork.
I have been a follower and admirer for some time of Paul Brodie's excellent bike/motorcycle work and, taking a chance, reached out to see if he would be agreeable to extending the steerer and drilling for brake holes. Paul graciously agreed to due the work and the results are outstanding - IMO
. Couldn't resist sharing:
BEFORE: the fork as purchased:
AFTER. Post steerer extension with Paul's 'invisible weld' technique and brake holes:
The weld is actually about 1" or so above the faint purple check mark and not where the darker steel begins; the darker steel was simply not buffed by Paul.
I have been a follower and admirer for some time of Paul Brodie's excellent bike/motorcycle work and, taking a chance, reached out to see if he would be agreeable to extending the steerer and drilling for brake holes. Paul graciously agreed to due the work and the results are outstanding - IMO
. Couldn't resist sharing:BEFORE: the fork as purchased:
AFTER. Post steerer extension with Paul's 'invisible weld' technique and brake holes:
The weld is actually about 1" or so above the faint purple check mark and not where the darker steel begins; the darker steel was simply not buffed by Paul.
Last edited by tendency; 01-30-22 at 04:43 PM.
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01-29-22, 01:28 PM
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Terrific! Paul Brodie's YouTube videos are awesome.
01-29-22, 03:22 PM
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Wow! Looks great. Out of curiosity, what does it look like inside the tube?
01-29-22, 03:54 PM
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What is the frame color? Curious since you chose to keep the great purple fork color.
01-29-22, 04:19 PM
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01-29-22, 04:44 PM
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01-29-22, 05:04 PM
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merziac ha - nope this fits me perfect as im 6' 3". Had been searching about 3 years for either a 63cm 3rensho Super Record Export (not sure they ever made them in 63cm) or the 3R built Allez. It's my 'grail' bike.
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01-29-22, 05:39 PM
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I love his mini belt sander
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01-29-22, 06:32 PM
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Very nice. I'm curious about the use of a track fork. It would have been made for a different set of frame angles and probably has less rake than the original roadgoing fork. Are you worried that the handling will be somehow different than anticipated?
01-29-22, 06:49 PM
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here's Paul's video showing his process: Brodie Steerer Extension
01-30-22, 07:07 AM
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No, not particularly concerned. I've ridden a fair number of vintage bikes with all manner of original & non-original forks and I pretty much have never been able to discern much of a difference.
01-30-22, 10:26 AM
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Fabulous job! I had FrankTheWelder do two forks for me a few years ago and the results were the same. Unless you take the time to notice the Tange stamp on a MAX fork you never know it was extended.
Some guys over on FB got all excited when a few of us mentioned this technique as a way to deal with a short steerer that also had damaged threads. They apparently assumed it was a uber high stress area and would asplode as soon as you rolled out the door or something.
Some guys over on FB got all excited when a few of us mentioned this technique as a way to deal with a short steerer that also had damaged threads. They apparently assumed it was a uber high stress area and would asplode as soon as you rolled out the door or something.
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01-30-22, 10:55 AM
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01-30-22, 02:08 PM
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merziac ha - nope this fits me perfect as im 6' 3". Had been searching about 3 years for either a 63cm 3rensho Super Record Export (not sure they ever made them in 63cm) or the 3R built Allez. It's my 'grail' bike.
I finally pulled the trigger on one last year and at 61? it will be a bit small, lots of chips and dings so it did not move into the queue upon acquisition.
Still cool as heck so we'll see.
01-30-22, 05:47 PM
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01-30-22, 05:56 PM
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Paul press fits a metal shim (I guess that's the term?) about 3 inches long inside the tube to support the weld. You can see it here:
If curious here's Paul's video showing his process: Brodie Steerer Extension
If curious here's Paul's video showing his process: Brodie Steerer Extension
06-04-22, 02:55 PM
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Spoke with a framebuilding acquaintance of mine and he was not surprised. He's found a significant percentage of riders often prefer the ride/handling of a track fork design however low tire clearance and the lessened aerodynamic profile usually means they end up going with more traditional aero fork blades.
Anyhow, I won't be changing this out anytime soon that's for certain.
