Bent Fork?

Photos:

I have seen worse before. Same as the Chopper forks

Could likely be from the factory like that but I can't say for sure.

If it rides well with no issues, and your OCD doesn't bother you that it is noticable, then just leave it

My OCD is way to strong to leave something like that.

You can replace the fork if you can find one or have it replaired.

You can have it taken apart by heating and removing the brazing.

Likely some filing, re-aligning hopefully in a fork jig and re-brazed.

Remember, any repair work will require repainting.

What level of work you want from

(1 - cheapest) leaving it alone to

(2 - fairly cheap) replacing it to

(3 - could be costly) repairing it...

is up to you.

Good luck,

P.S.  Jamie's bike swap meet is a fantastic place to look for a replacement fork this coming Sunday June 26th.

Malcolm Munro can repair the fork. He has everything required including the proper fork jig. 416-466-2212

He has done lots of machine shop work for me and has built about 2000 wheels for me.

Hard to tell but in the handlebar shot  crown of fork looks bent but front axle looks to be lined up 

headlight mount is off centre so thats playing tricks on my eyes as well.

I could be wrong but looks like it could be made that way  also can't figure out how it could have gotten bent 

that way and still have the wheel line up that well.

Does the front brake line up and work as it should ?

Anybody else have this bike out there?

Thanks for the replies!

I'm not happy with the look of it so I am planning on replacing it.  I know I have a few Raleigh forks; I'm just hoping I have a locking one.  I'm okay with painting but not so much with trying to straighten it without the proper tools. Thanks for the contacts too.  I'll file them away for when I'm really stuck.

It was really difficult to get a good picture.  The ones posted were taken and cropped.  What amazes me is how well the bike handles.  Brakes, steering, cornering are all excellent and the hub is lined up great too. Hard to believe given the amount of bend. 

It does make me wonder if it didn't come from the factory this way.  I'm thinking that maybe the stem plate for the lock and the fork pin didn't line up during production and the workers at the factory twisted the crown and straigtened the blades to make eveything work.  This bicycle is in truely excellent condition.  I am certain it had one owner who pampered it, so I rather doubt it was bent due to carelessness, neglect or hard use.

Any other thoughts?

Take care,

Daryl

Bernie at International Cycle had an old Raleigh fork that he dug out of his basement the last time I was in the shop. It was a locking fork nut I do not think that he had a key for it. It was an olive green, if I remember correctly. You can give him a call at (780) 477-5605. He does mail things and his prices are reasonable. I am not sure if the header tube length is right for your bike - you would have to check on this.

Good Luck!

John Williamson

Thanks John,  If I don't have one, I get in contact with Bernie.

Cheers, Daryl

Typically, fork crowns do not bend. Both sides of the crown appear to be  in line with each other, indicating it is not a bent crown. Beyond that, it is hard to diagnose from the supplied photos. Based on the overhead shot, the brakes appear to misaligned relative to the crown. The mounting hole may not be perpendicular to the crown, the brake bolt could be bent, the caliper arms could be bent or it could be a combination of two or all three factors. The dropout ends  aren't quite aligned with the arms so there may also be a fore-aft fork blade alignment issue relative to the brakes. The fact that you have to lean to one side suggests a vertical fork blade alignment issue is also present.

If the brake mounting hole is actually perpendicular to the crown, then things should be easily remedied by any LBS with a fork alignment gauge and possibly some brake work. However, if the root cause is the mounting hole, then the solution becomes more involved and you may be better off seeking out a replacement fork. I may know where there are some. How long a steering column do you require? 

Hi fellow enthusiasts...

I was wondering if anyone had a clear PDF version of any CCM logos. I'm especially looking for the one with the beaver and maple leaf, but would be happy for anything I can find. If anyone could be of help, I would really appreciate it. Thanks.

If you do, could you please e-mail it to me at:       s_zagz@yahoo.ca

Thanks again,

Steve

Sorry, let me amend my previous post...it doesn't need to be a PDF, a JPEG would be even more helpful.

Thanks again,
Steve

Steve: I have them for sale, they are period correct water slide decals, not stickers.

How much are you asking, and do you have the decal with the beaver and leaf? Is it black on white? I'm not really looking for stickers or decals, I just need a visual reference to base a project on. 

Thanks, let me know.

It is a well researched copy of the multi colour original; you can see it on this site under my decals for sale post

I should add that it was only used on 1921 to 1925 bikes

I should add that it was only used on 1921 to 1925 bikes

Raleigh Fork Update...

I just wanted to post a few shots of the replacement fork for the bent fork on the Raleigh in the original post.  This fork was from a Superbe with a lock so the match was perfect.  Everything is nice and aligned now.  

I was able to work with a painter to create what I think is a very good match for Raleigh Bronze Green. I learned that there is never "one" perfect match since even original paint colours come in several variations. However, this matched the original paint very well.  The paint will be avaible as a 65ml touch-up (with brush) for $20 plus shipping on my site shortly.  There will be a discount for Forum readers.

Thanks for all your help on this one.

Take care, Daryl

Forget to mention that the entire fork was painted.

I know this is an old post.

I've seen a few of these and suspect someone reefed on the bars with the lock engaged.

I've only seen it on the lock equipped Superbes.