Bent Forks!!!
- Thread starter 07D675
- Start date
ut::censure::repuke:
Most minibikes are made from 1" 0r .75" mild steel tubing and designed for riders not exceeding 150 pounds. After all, they were originally intended for kids, but more and more adults couldn't stay off them. Coupled with spirtied riding, pot holes, jumping curbs, and the constant flexing and not to mention rust, these mild steel tubes don't have a chance. And the engineering for these forks doesn't really lend itself to distribute the load over a larger area. Actually, the lower tri brace puts an inordinate amount of force on the fork in a very small area, and the welding also weakens the tube considerably. It is what it is.
As for straightening them out, I found a hydralic press and some strategically placed 2x4's will straighten them out in no time. The bad news is that once straightened, it is now weaker than before and it will mostly be prone to bending again. If you are going to use the bike with over capacity riders, the best way is to reinforce the fork with thicker tubes or even chromoly. Good luck.
As for straightening them out, I found a hydralic press and some strategically placed 2x4's will straighten them out in no time. The bad news is that once straightened, it is now weaker than before and it will mostly be prone to bending again. If you are going to use the bike with over capacity riders, the best way is to reinforce the fork with thicker tubes or even chromoly. Good luck.