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Project Sports

Questions and answers about sports

Why the backwards fork?

4 min read

Asked by: Marcos Tucando

What is the advantage of a Lefty fork?

Lefty forks: Pros



Compared to a conventional fork of the same travel, the stiffer Lefty should provide more precision, control, and active suppleness in rough terrain, or under hard braking and cornering.

What is a reverse fork?

As the nomenclature suggests, inverted forks (also called upside-down forks or “USD” forks) orient the slider (or fork tube), near the axle, and the outer slider up top, where it clamps into the triple tree. (This is also called a yoke, for our friends across the pond.)

How do I know if my bike fork is backwards?


Quote from video: So a quick way to notice if your fork is on backwards if you have a full or if you have a bike with suspension on the front you're going to notice. This piece of metal right. Here. Should be facing.

How do you flip a fork?

Quote from video: How could you tell the curve if it curves out and it's facing forward that is the right way if it is rotated back and you see that the kerb is facing inward towards the the rear of the bike.

Can you put a Lefty fork on any bike?

The only requirement is that your bike’s headtube fits within the current clamp spacing (137mm for the standard Lefty and 163mm for the XL Lefty).

Are Lefty forks lighter?

Lefty forks are often a wash weight wise when you consider the system as a whole. The front wheel being harder to remove is a disadvantage is you need to transport the bike in a case, in a small car trunk or in a car rack that requires the front axle mount to hold the bike. I.E.

Why are MTB forks upside down?

By inverting the fork so that the lighter stanchions are on the bottom, we reduce the mass of the moving part of the fork so that it will react quicker and easier to the trail. Inverting also anchors the stanchions into the stronger, larger upper tubes and crown-making the overall chassis much stronger and stiffer.

Who invented upside down forks?

Steve Simons

In the late 1970s, Steve Simons invented the anti-cavitation kit, hydraulic bottoming cone, sealed cartridge tubes and, in 1980, the revolutionary upside-down fork. This idea changed motorcycle suspension forever.

Why are USD forks better?

USD front forks are way more expensive than conventional telescopic suspension. However, these more advanced USD forks allow more bump absorption that makes the suspension more prone to damage.

What is an inverted fork on a motorcycle?

Inverted forks generally have more overlap – the amount the stanchion protrudes into the slider – than conventional forks. And the more overlap there is, the more rigid the fork – just like an extending ladder. Inverted forks also have longer slider bushes.

How do you straighten a bike fork?

Quote from video: It's more of a clear visual demonstration. And I'm gonna insert the forks trading device on here back it off a little. You can see it's gonna. Place against the bottom bracket like so.

How much does a Lefty fork weigh?

3.2 pounds

The Lefty Ocho fork is a single-crown version of the single-sided fork that’s been in Cannondale’s lineup for 18 years. With the updated design, Cannondale says the fork is 250 grams lighter than the previous Lefty Carbon. The Ocho Carbon fork’s weight is an impressive 1,446 grams — a little under 3.2 pounds.

Is there a left handed fork?

Parsons ADL 61-0046L Left Handed Fork, Comfort Grip, Utensil, 3 oz.

How do you remove a lefty wheel?

Quote from video: How to remove your front wheel on your Cannondale lefty bike first install your bike upside down. And then unscrew every bolt of your disc brake with an allen key for about two turn counterclockwise.

What is a dual crown fork?

Double crown forks attach both above and below the head tube, hence the name double crown. Single crowns mount only below the headtube, meaning that they can be made far lighter, are more manoeuvrable but are less stiff.

What is fork travel?

Travel: The amount that a suspension fork or suspension frame can compress.

Is 150mm travel too much for a hardtail?

Too much travel can also dull the feedback of your trail bike. We recommend that a trail fork ideally have 34mm stanchions, at 130-140mm, for a 29er – possibly, up to 150mm, for the smaller 27.5in wheel size.

Is 140mm enough for Enduro?

Anything between 120 mm and 140 mm is suitable. Enduro riders can ride any bike with 140 mm to 180 mm of travel, while 140 mm may seem the least incapable in this discipline.