Fork for a steel framed bike

Ghost Rider

My commuter bike is a singlespeed based on a steel-framed Dawes from the early 80s. Now it seems I may need to get a new fork for it. Does anyone know what should I be looking for in terms of steerer size and such? I know these bikes can be somewhat non-standard in other respects these days...

Also: I'd rather get a steel fork, if possible. Can anyone recommend a not-too-pricey place to get one?

Cheers!

forza_milo

It is probably a 1" threaded steerer. http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_ha-i.html

Golfanatic

ebay, search around i did that for im selling, make sure you get the right amount of length of threads and steerer tube, according to your head tube. if you look around theres load of bankrupt stuff, they dont look particularyly good but there like 10 eur shipped. but be sure to get the right length steerer/thread

Ghost Rider

Yes, I think that's right. There doesn't seem to be much variation among road bikes. Cheers.

forza_milo wrote: »

It is probably a 1" threaded steerer. http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_ha-i.html

ciaranr

I had a similar problem with an old 5 speed Peugeot with 26 1/4" wheels. Unfortunately my LBS couldn't get the right steerer diameter, thread length and wheel clearance together in the one fork.

I pulled a similar bike, but mixte frame, from a skip and thought I was in business, but the mixte's steerer was short about 4 threads to make it.

Got lucky in the end by placing an ad in Buy and Sell looking for "navy blue Peugeot racer". I only got one call, but it was the right bike. It had lain up in a garage for years. I got it for 30e, replaced the fork and now have the rest of a complete bike for spares!

Hope the above may help. I'm sure you'll be ok if you've 700c wheels, but might have trouble if they're 26 1/4.

streacy

One possibility though not the cheapest.
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-Unbranded-700c-1-Inch-Threaded-Cr-Mo-Steel-Touring-Fork--Black-15588.htm

Might be worth trying these guys to see if they have anything suitable.
http://www.rothar.ie/Bikes_Second_hand_parts.html

iverjohnston

Hi there,
I have an old Dawes hanging in the shed. A Dawes Fox, 10 speed if |I remember right. Minus front wheel. €20 for the rest if it suits your purpose. I will have a look at it this evening and you can give me a call on 086 2405792
Cheers,
Nigel

Ghost Rider

Cheers - I might just do that, Nigel. I found out today that the bike may in fact just need a new headset, but I'll know tomorrow.

iverjohnston wrote: »

Hi there,
I have an old Dawes hanging in the shed. A Dawes Fox, 10 speed if |I remember right. Minus front wheel. €20 for the rest if it suits your purpose. I will have a look at it this evening and you can give me a call on 086 2405792
Cheers,
Nigel

Ghost Rider

Two good calls - thanks.

streacy wrote: »

One possibility though not the cheapest.
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-Unbranded-700c-1-Inch-Threaded-Cr-Mo-Steel-Touring-Fork--Black-15588.htm

Might be worth trying these guys to see if they have anything suitable.
http://www.rothar.ie/Bikes_Second_hand_parts.html

Ghost Rider

I suspect the old wheels were 26 1/4 but since I got the conversion done, I'm pretty sure they're 700c. (The rims are Mavic Open Sport.)

ciaranr wrote: »

I had a similar problem with an old 5 speed Peugeot with 26 1/4" wheels. Unfortunately my LBS couldn't get the right steerer diameter, thread length and wheel clearance together in the one fork.

I pulled a similar bike, but mixte frame, from a skip and thought I was in business, but the mixte's steerer was short about 4 threads to make it.

Got lucky in the end by placing an ad in Buy and Sell looking for "navy blue Peugeot racer". I only got one call, but it was the right bike. It had lain up in a garage for years. I got it for 30e, replaced the fork and now have the rest of a complete bike for spares!

Hope the above may help. I'm sure you'll be ok if you've 700c wheels, but might have trouble if they're 26 1/4.

ciaranr

Probably are in that case, that's what I'm doing with another old steel frame at the moment (rebuilding with 700c rims) - it'll make living with it much easier down the line :rolleyes:

Best of luck with the hunt anyway, hope you get back motoring soon!

Ghost Rider wrote: »

I suspect the old wheels were 26 1/4 but since I got the conversion done, I'm pretty sure they're 700c. (The rims are Mavic Open Sport.)