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Changing fork rake ...
 

Changing fork rake on a Caad X

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Offline  tpbiker
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I have recently replaced the carbon fork on my Planet X tempest with a fox tc (which is ace). I subsequently have the old carbon fork going spare*

I also have a Caad X which I occasionally use (mainly in road) that has a heavy alu steerer fork, with a post mount brake. I’d like to upgrade the groupset to full hydro by buying one of those ltwoo group sets, however they are flat mount (rear of Caad X is flat mount). If I fit the old selcof fork that’ll solve the brake issue and also reduces weight

the key issue is the selcof fork has a rake of 45, the Caad X of 55. How will it affect handling. Given I plan to use the Caad X mainly as a spare winter roadie, will it actually improve handling for that purpose?

* ignoring the fact the selcof fork has recently been in the news for snapping in two..

 
Posted : 17/12/2023 7:52 pm
Offline  mick_r
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You have the fork. You have the bike. It wouldn't take many minutes to temporarily fit it without the front brake and take it for a cautious spin around the block.  You'll then know what it does to the handling.

 
Posted : 17/12/2023 8:30 pm
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Offline  dovebiker
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Shortening offset is the same as slackening the headtube angle, increasing trail which will slow down handling a touch - you may notice it the first time you ride it, but will probably get used to it.

 
Posted : 17/12/2023 9:32 pm
Offline  tpbiker
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Ah that’s not so good. The Caad X already has a 71 degree ha, so I want to steepen it, rather than slacken.

 
Posted : 17/12/2023 9:47 pm
Offline  tjagain
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Its not the same as changing head angle - rake is head angle, offset is what you are measuring that has an effect on trail - shorter offset = longer trail = more stability and slower steering

Personally I cannot tell the difference with 44 or 55 mm offset.  maybe just me being an insensitive clod

 
Posted : 17/12/2023 10:23 pm
oldnpastit reacted
Offline  john_l
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Something else to consider is toe overlap - your front wheel will be closer.

 
Posted : 18/12/2023 7:51 am
Offline  kerley
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Personally I cannot tell the difference with 44 or 55 mm offset. maybe just me being an insensitive clod

Doesn't really make any difference to me either. Bike feels a bit different on first ride (probably because I know I have changed it so am looking for differences), after that I have forgotten all about it.

 
Posted : 18/12/2023 9:02 am
Offline  mert
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What's the A-C of each fork?

I've done back to back on a road bike (same model fork available in two different rakes) switched back after a couple of weeks and 500 miles, wasn't fun...

 
Posted : 18/12/2023 9:11 am

Offline  fossy
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Wouldn't worry about it. Three road bikes with different rakes/geometry and can't tell.

 
Posted : 18/12/2023 9:25 am
Offline  boblo
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They (Cannondale) had a recall on the CAADX for the fork a few years ago. Make sure you've been done as (IIRC), the spontaneous failures were quite exciting...

 
Posted : 18/12/2023 9:30 am
Offline  thisisnotaspoon
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They (Cannondale) had a recall on the CAADX for the fork a few years ago. Make sure you’ve been done as (IIRC), the spontaneous failures were quite exciting…

I was going to say that, but that applied to the older post mount framed bikes, not sure it included the newer ones.

Still worth checking though as I got a new carbon fork for mine and I wasn't even the original owner. Just had to send a few photos and serial numbers to my local-ish Cannondale LBS. Only complaint was they re-fitted the original knackered headset, if they'd mentioned it at the time I'd happily have paid for a new one rather than have to prise the rusty crown race off a new set of carbon forks.

 
Posted : 18/12/2023 9:46 am

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