A bicycle fork is one of the main parts of a two-wheeled car. It affects a number of dynamic parameters. Depreciation properties and quality of the bike ride depend on it. The materials used in the manufacture of the said part determine its wear resistance and structural strength as a whole. The total weight of the product also depends on them - the most important indicator for all lovers of cycling. There are many varieties of forks. Their differences are dictated by the goals for which they are created. How to ensure that the bicycle fork is selected in strict accordance with the tasks of the cyclist?
Cushioning properties
Old models of bicycles were completed with a fork of a rigid design. With the development of technology, depreciation mechanisms have appeared. Initially, they were developed for mountain bicycles, then they significantly expanded the scope of their application. Now there are no depreciation forks, only some special models. For example, track or road bikes. They are usually used on a flat surface where significant depreciation is not required. Their main difference is the rigid fastening of parts. This feature allows you to not lose energy while swinging while riding. In the manufacture of them can be used in various materials: steel, carbon, aluminum, titanium. The shock-absorbing bicycle fork, on the contrary, has a movable connection of parts, which allows you to smoothly pass uneven terrain. The cyclist feels better the contact of the wheels with the surface, so that control on the bumps and bumps is not lost.
Fork structure
The shock-absorbing bicycle fork consists of two main parts. The first is a movable external structure with a mount for the wheel axis. AT
Among cyclists it is customary to call it pants. The second part is motionless. It is formed by a rod and two tubes inserted into the "pants". Inside the fork is a mechanism that provides shock absorbing properties. Depending on its design, the following types of forks are distinguished:
- spring oil;
- air-oil;
- spring-elastomeric.
Let's consider them in more detail.
Spring oil forks
Depreciation is achieved due to the integrated spring. The damper is an oil-filled cartridge. Due to the characteristics of the working system, such forks make it possible to carry out a number of specific settings. Moreover, they are considered quite durable. The minus of the mentioned mechanism is a large weight, which can reach up to three kilograms.
Air oil
Unlike the previous model, there is no spring in these forks. Its functions were taken over by the air enclosed in sealed cells. The damping stiffness depends on the pressure inside the chambers. Air can be pumped with a special pump. An example of this is the Fox bicycle fork, which is very common on the sporting goods market.
Spring elastomeric
The mechanism of this type of forks consists of a spring and a polymer rod, which serves as a damper here. The weight of all equipment reaches 2 kg. Ease of maintenance and the lack of a complex adjustment mechanism is what distinguishes a spring-elastomeric bicycle fork. Zoom is one of the most famous manufacturers of elastomers. The price of this product is usually not too high, which makes it affordable for a wide range of consumers.