An unleashed dog ran out of the bushes, across the trail, and straight under my tire at 20mph on the Interurban in N Seattle this morning.
My fork is bent back pretty good, and twisted a little to the left. The fork itself seems to have absorbed most of the impact (paint is wrinkled right under the crown). I don't see any signs of stress at the head-tube. Is there a shop that might be able to pull this straight (or is it easy enough to do myself on a bench vise)? Is it safe to do so? I'd estimate it's pushed back a good 1/2-3/4". Bike is a 1969 or 70 Raleigh SuperCourse.
Stanglor
Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 8:03 am
Joined: 28 Jan 2006Posts: 555Location: Wallingford
When you bend metal you get an effect called strain hardening, meaning that where you bent it is now stiffer and more brittle than the surrounding material. when you bend it back you won't be able to just unbend it, you'll be bending it in a new place (making that spot stiffer and more brittle).
This can be done--but I wouldn't do it. I'm rather opposed to my fork snapping underneath me while bombing downhill.
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jeff
Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 8:14 am
SOC pussyJoined: 05 May 2006Posts: 4501
Bent metal = weakened metal.
Hayduke
Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 8:17 am
Joined: 01 Feb 2006Posts: 677Location: Seattle, WA
Gee, I wonder if Aaron and Denny might chime in on this one. Jamie, I can't believe you opened yourself up like this. Let's sit back and watch teh 1337 metallurgy gurus fight it out.
dennyt
Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 8:18 am
rocket mechanicJoined: 02 Aug 2005Posts: 2708
Jamie has an ME degree from Cornell.
Aaron
Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 11:33 pm
Joined: 25 Jul 2005Posts: 4645
You know, they bend forks when they make them, right?
Within reason, any bike part (WITHIN REASON, AND YES THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS, LIKE SEATPOSTS) can be straightened.
Jamie is not a mechanic and I would NOT do anything that would open me up for a liability lawsuit.
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