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Question for the bike mechanics out there (road)

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yojimbo
Posts: 3631 - Karma: 27
so i tweaked my fork a little bit, the front right fork end is bent out just a hair making it not set right on the axle, therefore its not straight and sketchy as fuck to ride. It's a steel fork so i'm wondering if its possible to just bend the end back a little bit to straiten it out? i don't think the rest of the fork is warped at all, i could however be wrong. it seems to sit find otherwise except for that one little bent end. Anyways, is it worth it to take off the fork and attempt to bend it or is there no possible way i'll be able to get it perfect again? should i just bring it into my local shop and have them take a look or should I attempt to fix it myself? i went at it with a wrench without removing it and got it a little closer to normal but i'd really ahve to take the fork off to get it right i think. opinons or help much appreciated. I can post pictures if neccessary.
Oct 18 2010 1:11PM
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teleNH
Posts: 5 - Karma: 10
you will probably be able to get it to be almost perfect if you tale it off. If you are doing long rides however you might want to get it fixed at a shop because any imperfection will take away from the bikes efficiency over time.
Oct 18 2010 1:20PM
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Ski_the_east01
Posts: 5203 - Karma: 2,306
any pics?

It's most likely compromised..the strength and structure of the metal is going to be significantly less sound even if you bend it back
Oct 18 2010 1:23PM
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blong131
Posts: 2193 - Karma: 59
i personally wouldnt fuck with a bent fork...you can likely get a new fork on craigslist for alot less than putting yourself back together if you end up with catastrophic failure.
Oct 18 2010 1:23PM
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camlax
Posts: 148 - Karma: 10
Well, It is usually possible to bend steel back, however it is VERY difficult to line the dropouts up perfectly. Its hard to imagine how far out it is without pictures or seeing it in person but the fact that you describe it as sketchy to ride means a lot. Your best bet is to bring it to a GOOD LBS and have them take a look. Bring them some beer too for their time!
Where are you located? If you're in Salt Lake, I'd be happy to take a look in person for you.


Oct 18 2010 1:23PM
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yojimbo
Posts: 3631 - Karma: 27
not too concerned about overall efficiency. i commute about 15 miles round trip and then the rest of the time i pretty much just ride for pleasure. if i took i to a shop could they fix my existing fork or would they just throw a new one in there do you think?
Oct 18 2010 1:23PM
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camlax
Posts: 148 - Karma: 10
I forgot to mention two things.
First, if they do bend it back, it will weaken the metal a bit. Not a lot initially, but just imagine when you bend a paperclip back and forth.
Second, any good shop has a stockpile of old steel forks in back. If you are serious about riding, just replace the fork.
Oct 18 2010 1:25PM
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yojimbo
Posts: 3631 - Karma: 27
i'll get some pics up, unfortunatley i'm not in salt lake i'm in portland maine but theres plenty of really good LBS here, and one i know would definitley be able to help me out i just dont want to bug them if i can do something myself. anyways i'll be back with pictures in a bit.
Oct 18 2010 1:25PM
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yojimbo
Posts: 3631 - Karma: 27
word
Oct 18 2010 1:26PM
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nkmo.
Posts: 3994 - Karma: 285
Minor thread jack here, but where in SLC do you work? I got into an accident a couple months ago and put my bike down pretty hard. Now either my crank or chainring is bent and I can't really tell which one. Im sure its doing wonders for my chain, and I can't put it up into my second chainring without it rubbing the derailleur.
Oct 18 2010 1:30PM
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Cthulhu
Posts: 528 - Karma: 21
i havent worked on bikes for a couple years but i would go fucking around with your fork, my father bent his chainstay and it fucked the entire rear of his bike, wheels became un-tru, and his bike just felt crooked to ride, i would just buy a new fork if your a serious rider, you dont want to get the ripple effect and have to replace more than just a fork
Oct 18 2010 2:03PM
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