Figure 1:
Fork
The fork (Figure 1) holds the front wheel. In addition to the front wheel, the fork interfaces with the front brake, headset, and stem. The headset is the bearing system that allows rotation of the fork so you can steer the bicycle. These instructions explain inspection, lubrication, and adjustment of a fork.
Read the Warning for Mechanics before performing any service work on your bicycle.
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Figure 1: Fork |
Bontrager forks are not compatible with any mechanism which clamps around the fork blade, with the exception of bicycle computer sensors. If you are unsure of what items can be attached to this fork, consult your dealer.
If your fork uses the threadless, or direct-connect, headset and stem system, make sure your fork has the correct spacer configuration:
· At least one 5mm space under the stem. In addition to the bearing cover, there must be a spacer between the stem and the headset. If the stem sits directly against the headset or bearing cover, any fatigue stress may damage the steerer.
· No more than 40mm under the stem. More than 40mm of spacers creates more stress on the steerer, which could cause the steerer to break.
· If your fork has a carbon fiber steerer (the upper tube that extends through the headset and stem), make sure there is at least one 5mm spacer above the stem.
WARNING- Incorrect spacers with a threadless headset system can put extreme stress on the fork, possibly breaking the fork and causing a loss of control.
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Figure 2: Required spacers: |
Before every ride carefully inspect your fork for signs of fatigue. If the fork shows signs of damage or fatigue, consult your dealer or replace the fork before riding the bicycle.
If your fork has any carbon fiber parts, also follow the carbon fiber composite inspection procedures.
Every year, take the fork out of the bicycle and inspect the steerer and crown. Since this requires disassembling the headset bearings, this procedure requires special tools and skills. If you do not have the training, take your bicycle to your dealer for inspection.
1. Remove the fork from the bicycle
2. Thoroughly clean the steerer and fork crown area.
3. Look for signs of fatigue or impact damage.
The aluminum or OCLV carbon fiber composite parts of your fork, like fork blades, crown, or dropouts, are not as ductile as steel. If you attempt to bend or twist an aluminum or carbon fiber part, you may break it. Readjustment of aluminum or OCLV fork alignment is not recommended.
Tolerances for press fits and thread fits are critical. Pressing a part which is too large, or misaligned, may break the fork or part. Applying excessive torque to a threaded fastener may ruin the threads or break the part.
Changing the forks on your bicycle could alter the steering of the bicycle, or create undesirable stress loads on the frame. Never add a suspension fork to a road bicycle. Never change style and/or length of fork. If you must replace the fork on any bicycle, check with your dealer or the Trek technical service department to ensure that the new fork is compatible with the frame. Forks come in different lengths, and a longer fork can create additional, unwanted stress. Never add a suspension fork to a road bicycle. Some models are not compatible with dual-crown, triple-clamp forks.
Warning—An improperly modified fork can cause you to lose control and fall. Never modify your frameset by installing incompatible forks.
A rigid fork does not require lubrication. However, the parts that attach to the fork, such as headset and stem, do require lubrication. See the sections on stems or headsets.
