Monday, August 8, 2011

Journey of the Boardwalk: Part 10 (Headset & Fork)

Been upgrading the bike yet again! It is never ending, there is always something to zhng. Some people may say that it is a waste of money, and that there is no point. But to me, cycling is my hobby, and so is modifying my bike. As a hobby, what is important is that you enjoy what you are doing. When I upgrade components, it is not to compete with others or to show off, but just a form of expressing my unique-ness through the bike.

It gives me a great sense of achievement and satisfaction when I ride my bike, because I am riding a bike which I have assembled myself. I also like working on my own bike, to understand how everything works a little better.

In this latest upgrade, I changed the fork of the Boardwalk, from the stock chromoly steel fork to an aluminium fork. The weight of the fork has been greatly reduced, from 800g to 440g. This is a big difference that can really be felt, especially when carrying the bike around. Performance wise I guess there is no difference, but at least I don't have to worry about the fork rusting!

Also changed the headset, which I bought from Taiwan but did not have the chance to change.

At MBS, knocking out the original headset that was press-fitted into the frame.

The gold headset and its parts!

New black aluminium fork!

See how the black fork goes well with the black handlepost.

Note the details! Even got gold brake pad cartridge tightening screw.

At this point, I believe that my Boardwalk is the most zhnged Boardwalk in Singapore, and probably the world?? Only the frame is stock, together with the folding latches and kickstand haha.

I also have a major upgrade planned, but this will take a while as I gather all the required components so that I can change it all at one go. From the picture below, can you guess what I have in mind? By the way I got the stuff below from JensonUsa, ordered on thursday night and arrived today, impressive!

27 comments:

  1. hmmm.. bull horns?? cos i want them on my P8 too hahah -Matt Lee

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  2. hi Steve, I've been reading your blog lately, since i got bitten by the poison hehehe, just want to ask where did u buy the aluminum fork? or can you recommend me a good Carbon Fiber fork that will fit on the boardwalk? since I'm planning to minimize the weight.

    Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. I got the fork from Mybikeshop, they may still have spares. I saw the carbon version by PZ Racing before, but it is actually not lighter than the aluminum one.

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  3. Thanks for the reply Steve, I'm very interested in getting the aluminum fork or any fork that will minimize the weight that will fit on the boardwalk, anyways, do you have an FB account or an email add? I would like to have your opinion about my current dilemma something to do with cranks hehehe

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  4. http://www.amazon.com/Control-Tech-F138I-Folding-Black/dp/B00BHRRLDE/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sg_5

    I'm wondering if this is the carbon fiber fork for tern/dahon bikes. But no information on the weight.

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    Replies
    1. Seems like it is for Dahon or Tern bikes, with its 74mm dropout. As for the weight, it is actually not lighter than aluminum forks.

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  5. Hi, coming to this discussion late. I'm intrigued, I'd like to add a disc brake to my Dahon Mu Uno, but alas, no disc brake tabs. Are you aware of any 20" forks that have disc brake tabs? Are these forks (including the ControlTech one sold on the Amazon link, above) cut to the correct size or does one need to cut the steerer tube to proper length? Thank you for any help you can provide. Kind regards.

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    Replies
    1. The Dahon Formula S18 has disc brake tabs on the fork and frame. It is not likely to fit your MU frame as the steerer tube length is different.

      For those online, I'm not sure of the steerer tube length. If it is too long you could cut it down to the required length. Just make sure it is not too short.

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    2. Thank you for your fast reply! May I ask, is the new fork you used the Dahon Slipstream one? 440g seems like a great upgrade. I've been searching the internet and have found a 20" fork (at a good price/steerer tube of 22cm) with disc brake tabs AND a headshok with 30mm travel, but the weight is 1,030g! I've always thought some suspension in the front would be nice, but I'm also a weight-weenie-wanna-be. I've come to the conclusion I want to buy a new mini-velo and am looking at all of my options.

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    3. It is the Dahon Puro U7 fork, think it is the slipstream fork that comes stock on Speed P8 frames.

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  6. Hi! Do u know whether the dahon puro u7 fork will fit tern link c7?
    Is the length 111cm?

    Thanks!
    WL

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    Replies
    1. I think it will fit as someone has tried it before. Most likely you need the 111cm type and not the 123 cm type which is for Dahon Mu frames.

      You will also need to get a headset as you will require the top cover of the headset, for the handlepost to rest on.

      If you join the TernOut@SG facebook group, you can ask Vincent Chiang for the details as he has done it before.

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  7. Hi where can I change to the aluminum fork? And how much is it?
    I wanna to change my stock tern link d8..

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    Replies
    1. This fork is for Dahon only, not compatible with Tern bikes.

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    2. Thanks for the info.
      Any idea where can i change my hi-ten steel fork to aluminium fork for my tern?

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    3. You can check out premiumbikegear.com for Tern stuff.

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  8. what is the feature of sa dahon slipstream fork?

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    Replies
    1. It is aluminium instead of steel, and weighs 400 grams less than the steel fork.

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  9. Hi Steve, may I know where can I buy this fork with 100mm OLD?

    Thanks

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    Replies
    1. The usual Dahon fork has 74mm old. You can try to see if you can get it from Taobao. Search for 大行前叉

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    2. Hi Steve, did you use this 大行前叉 for your dahon in this post?

      I am now looking for my dahon boardwalk replacement due to an accident.

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    3. Should be correct. There is the aluminium and steel type, and different steerer tube lengths for different frames. https://handsonbike.blogspot.com/2015/02/can-i-install-tern-handlepostfork-on_18.html

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  10. Hi Steve, Great Blog ! Do you know what headset use Tern bikes ? the tern d16.
    Thanks !

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    Replies
    1. Most people use Litepro headset. Not sure the exact specifications.

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  11. Hi Steve! Great write up! Very infomative! Although its 10nyears ago, it really helps me when I have doubts doing my bike. I have a question. For tern verge, can I use litepro headset bearing? Im attracted with wide variety of colours they offer. Last I checked is the litepro headset bearing is 44mm.

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    Replies
    1. Yes the Tern bike can use Litepro headset bearings.

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