So, can it be fixed?
04-06-21, 10:04 PM
#26
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Miyata 512 here, or maybe the Schwinn Traveler here
cause those get you better steel, maybe similar age, style, and size at a (likely-negotiable) price that is about what you’d
1. invest to get a new fork and/or frame
2. and the tools/parts/time or bike shop help and labor to swap everything over.
...Or if you don’t need to get back on a road bike, just wait for your Bianchi :-)
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04-07-21, 10:52 AM
#27
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Technically the fork could probably be bent back into the original position; HOWEVER, I agree with other posts, I would not ride a bike that had a fork bent that much.
Back in the day we would straighten forks on kids bikes that were bent but on adult bakes, if they were bent that severely, we would tell the customer that they need a new fork. Children weigh a lot less and the forks are much shorter so the likelihood of a catastrophic failure is much less....in my opinion. Not so for an adult bike.
I can't think of a worse way to crash than a catastrophic fork failure. ....esh, just makes me cringe.
Just a note: it's not a simple strap the fork straightener on there and pull back in to shape. To do it right, the fork would be removed, the fork crown and tube immobilized and the torque only applied to the bent part not of the crown joints. Stressing the crown joints can really compromise the integrity of the fork.
Back in the day we would straighten forks on kids bikes that were bent but on adult bakes, if they were bent that severely, we would tell the customer that they need a new fork. Children weigh a lot less and the forks are much shorter so the likelihood of a catastrophic failure is much less....in my opinion. Not so for an adult bike.
I can't think of a worse way to crash than a catastrophic fork failure. ....esh, just makes me cringe.
Just a note: it's not a simple strap the fork straightener on there and pull back in to shape. To do it right, the fork would be removed, the fork crown and tube immobilized and the torque only applied to the bent part not of the crown joints. Stressing the crown joints can really compromise the integrity of the fork.
Last edited by drlogik; 04-07-21 at 10:55 AM.
04-07-21, 11:18 AM
#28
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I would be concerned about it too. Can if be fixed? Yeah, I am sure a competent builder could repair the frame, and you can buy a new fork. No question. Would it be worth the cost? No.
04-07-21, 12:16 PM
#29
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The metal is never the same once it's been bent & rebent back to be shape it was once in. Paperclip theory applies to you fork.
What about a top tube & down tube breaking away from the head tube?
Technically the fork could probably be bent back into the original position; HOWEVER, I agree with other posts, I would not ride a bike that had a fork bent that much.
Back in the day we would straighten forks on kids bikes that were bent but on adult bakes, if they were bent that severely, we would tell the customer that they need a new fork. Children weigh a lot less and the forks are much shorter so the likelihood of a catastrophic failure is much less....in my opinion. Not so for an adult bike.
I can't think of a worse way to crash than a catastrophic fork failure. ....esh, just makes me cringe.
Just a note: it's not a simple strap the fork straightener on there and pull back in to shape. To do it right, the fork would be removed, the fork crown and tube immobilized and the torque only applied to the bent part not of the crown joints. Stressing the crown joints can really compromise the integrity of the fork.
Back in the day we would straighten forks on kids bikes that were bent but on adult bakes, if they were bent that severely, we would tell the customer that they need a new fork. Children weigh a lot less and the forks are much shorter so the likelihood of a catastrophic failure is much less....in my opinion. Not so for an adult bike.
I can't think of a worse way to crash than a catastrophic fork failure. ....esh, just makes me cringe.
Just a note: it's not a simple strap the fork straightener on there and pull back in to shape. To do it right, the fork would be removed, the fork crown and tube immobilized and the torque only applied to the bent part not of the crown joints. Stressing the crown joints can really compromise the integrity of the fork.
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04-07-21, 01:16 PM
#30
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The metal is never the same once it's been bent & rebent back to be shape it was once in. Paperclip theory applies to you fork.
Quote:
Originally Posted by drlogik View Post
Technically the fork could probably be bent back into the original position; HOWEVER, I agree with other posts, I would not ride a bike that had a fork bent that much.
Back in the day we would straighten forks on kids bikes that were bent but on adult bakes, if they were bent that severely, we would tell the customer that they need a new fork. Children weigh a lot less and the forks are much shorter so the likelihood of a catastrophic failure is much less....in my opinion. Not so for an adult bike.
I can't think of a worse way to crash than a catastrophic fork failure. ....esh, just makes me cringe.
Just a note: it's not a simple strap the fork straightener on there and pull back in to shape. To do it right, the fork would be removed, the fork crown and tube immobilized and the torque only applied to the bent part not of the crown joints. Stressing the crown joints can really compromise the integrity of the fork.
What about a top tube & down tube breaking away from the head tube?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by drlogik View Post
Technically the fork could probably be bent back into the original position; HOWEVER, I agree with other posts, I would not ride a bike that had a fork bent that much.
Back in the day we would straighten forks on kids bikes that were bent but on adult bakes, if they were bent that severely, we would tell the customer that they need a new fork. Children weigh a lot less and the forks are much shorter so the likelihood of a catastrophic failure is much less....in my opinion. Not so for an adult bike.
I can't think of a worse way to crash than a catastrophic fork failure. ....esh, just makes me cringe.
Just a note: it's not a simple strap the fork straightener on there and pull back in to shape. To do it right, the fork would be removed, the fork crown and tube immobilized and the torque only applied to the bent part not of the crown joints. Stressing the crown joints can really compromise the integrity of the fork.
What about a top tube & down tube breaking away from the head tube?
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04-07-21, 01:21 PM
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Correct the metal is never the same. And, yes, the top tube and down tube could also be adversely effected as could the lugs that attach them to the crown and head tube. The braze joints at the fork drop-outs could also be compromised. Any other corrections, or have we sufficiently flogged this horse?
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04-07-21, 01:28 PM
#32
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The fact you can put a tooth pick in the gap means it's unsafe and your LBS is correct. The head tube is probably off center and most LBS don't have the frame straightening tools anymore. Which means you would have to send this off to a specialist repair shop / framebuilder. The repair would far out cost what the frame is worth. I would keep the parts off the bike you like and go look for a decent used replacement bike.
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04-07-21, 02:24 PM
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Get another frame and fork and transfer your components over to it.
In other words its not worth the fix... Unless... the bike is of sentimental value. In that case remember it is a steel bike and yes IT IS FIXABLE.
In other words its not worth the fix... Unless... the bike is of sentimental value. In that case remember it is a steel bike and yes IT IS FIXABLE.
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04-07-21, 02:40 PM
#34
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No prob...
Y'ouch!!
wsnt correcting, i was giving a glimpse at my past when a head tube left me & the remaining frame behind. Low speeds, but damn did that hurt.
04-07-21, 05:52 PM
#35
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It is an old bike made of cheap steel that has been in at least one significant impact and is being used to haul a child around with one of their parents. Do you really need to say more than that? If I was a parent and this happened I wouldn't want to continue riding that bike. If it were something of value maybe I would give it a close inspection but a dime a dozen gas-pipe frame not at all. If I had special attachment to it I would use it as decoration like a wall hanger but I wouldn't want to carry myself much less my child.
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04-08-21, 01:05 PM
#36
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Thank you all for satisfying my curiosity. I am going to strip the bike, scrap the frame, and maybe keep the fork for the memories.
This was my first "grown up" bike after almost 10 years not riding and I had it for 12 years, 3 cities, and many memories.
Old Wobbly, you will be missed.
This was my first "grown up" bike after almost 10 years not riding and I had it for 12 years, 3 cities, and many memories.
Old Wobbly, you will be missed.
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04-08-21, 02:12 PM
#37
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and maybe keep the fork for the memories.
Clamp it in a vise. If you drill holes into the blades near the crown you can insert small bolts to use as a truing guide. Give it a snazzy paint job and you're good to go. And, it will be a memory that can still be utilitarian and useful!
I used a homemade truing stand at home made from a fork for many years until I got a Park Pro.
--
Last edited by drlogik; 04-08-21 at 02:24 PM.
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04-08-21, 03:11 PM
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Thank you all for satisfying my curiosity. I am going to strip the bike, scrap the frame, and maybe keep the fork for the memories.
This was my first "grown up" bike after almost 10 years not riding and I had it for 12 years, 3 cities, and many memories.
Old Wobbly, you will be missed.
This was my first "grown up" bike after almost 10 years not riding and I had it for 12 years, 3 cities, and many memories.
Old Wobbly, you will be missed.
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