High Roller: Is this donor fork suitable?

Joined
Jun 27, 2015
Messages
11
Location
Michigan
It's been years since I purchased my High Roller plans, but I think I'm ready to build. I have two donor bikes, but they both have a front fork that is a little different from the one shown in the plans. The forks don't curve in at the top to be welded to the steering tube. Instead, they look like the photo.


Will I be able to use this donor fork for the back wheel? If so, are there any changes or other concerns I should be aware of?

Thanks.

David in Michigan
 
Joined
Oct 19, 2012
Messages
2,384
Location
Wakefield, UK
That type is called "lugged". The smaller tube is brazed into the larger lug. Usually the fork itself may be quite thin on such a set-up. I'd suggest it's likely to be weaker than a fully welded one off a mountain bike and would look for such a one for the job, particularly if you're less than svelte.
 
Joined
Jun 27, 2015
Messages
11
Location
Michigan
Thanks for your reply. I'll see what I can find. So, the term for the other kind is "fully welded"? Does it go by any other name?
 

Radical Brad

Garage Hacker!
Staff member
Joined
Mar 13, 1999
Messages
6,077
Location
Kakabeka Falls, Ontario, Canada
You will want the type of forks that have the round welded to the stem as shown here...


Since the vintage set you have are brazed, welding may weaken or separate them. The fork legs are just pressed into the crown and brazed. The other parts on that frame are the same such as the headtube and bottom bracket. That 1970's oldie may be better of as a retro restore!

Brad
 
Joined
Jun 27, 2015
Messages
11
Location
Michigan
Brad, thanks for the explanation and the link to the tutorial. It's a little frustrating, finally getting this close and then discovering my donor bike is not suitable, but I'm sure I'll find what I need. I wanted to use 26" wheels from a road bike, but maybe I'll rethink that depending on what's available.

Thanks again.
 
Joined
Jun 27, 2015
Messages
11
Location
Michigan
Just to complete the thread, I found suitable donor bikes on Craigslist. Now, time to reread the plans carefully before I start cutting.

Thanks again for the advice.
 
Top