WTB - [BNE] - Malvern Star Forks - 30's - 50's vintage

[peteGS]

I'm looking for a set of forks for my '39 Malvern Star 2 Star restoration.

Steerer tube appears to be 25mm (1") diameter and length is about 176mm.

They need to be suitable for 28" wheels with mudguards and they also need to have sufficient rake to clear the head of a little Ducati motor that will be mounted on it.

[utedeej]

I've got a set of malvern star forks that have the star in the fork crown. Will have a look and measure them today to see if they could be of use.

utedeej

[utedeej]

Sorry mate, just checked quickly and the steerer is only a 145mm. Good luck with the chase

[240ZR]

I have a really old set of forks which you have to spread apart to get the front wheel on as the ends (drop outs) are not slotted if you no what I mean, & the steerer is 180mm.

[peteGS]

Sorry mate, just checked quickly and the steerer is only a 145mm. Good luck with the chase

Bugger! But thanks for checking...

[peteGS]

I have a really old set of forks which you have to spread apart to get the front wheel on as the ends (drop outs) are not slotted if you no what I mean, & the steerer is 180mm.

180mm steerer should be fine... can you measure the fork leg lengths and the rake at all?

This is what I have now, and these are for 27" wheels:



I need longer fork legs and a larger rake...

[peteGS]

Bumpity bump... noone has any floating around? My quest continues...

[240ZR]

I have a really old set of forks which you have to spread apart to get the front wheel on as the ends (drop outs) are not slotted if you no what I mean, & the steerer is 180mm.

180mm steerer should be fine... can you measure the fork leg lengths and the rake at all?

This is what I have now, and these are for 27" wheels:



I need longer fork legs and a larger rake...

The measurements on mine are 385mm & 90mm.

Nick.

[240ZR]

I have a really old set of forks which you have to spread apart to get the front wheel on as the ends (drop outs) are not slotted if you no what I mean, & the steerer is 180mm.

180mm steerer should be fine... can you measure the fork leg lengths and the rake at all?

This is what I have now, and these are for 27" wheels:



I need longer fork legs and a larger rake...

The measurements on mine are 385mm & 90mm.

Nick.

[peteGS]

The measurements on mine are 385mm & 90mm.

Nick.

Thanks Nick, they look promising! Can you confirm the rake is measured from the centre of the steerer to the centre of the axle? And the fork leg length is measured vertically from under the shoulder to the centre of the axle? I realise my diagram is pretty crappy and may be misleading so best I double check

[240ZR]

The measurements on mine are 385mm & 90mm.

Nick.

Thanks Nick, they look promising! Can you confirm the rake is measured from the centre of the steerer to the centre of the axle? And the fork leg length is measured vertically from under the shoulder to the centre of the axle? I realise my diagram is pretty crappy and may be misleading so best I double check

Hi Pete, the measurement are 380 & 85mm.

[peteGS]

Sounds like they should be worth a try Nick, will shoot you a PM.

[Dan]

Perhaps too short in the steerer Pete, but did you see these?

(Presuming of course its not you offloading your unsuitable extras)

[peteGS]

Perhaps too short in the steerer Pete, but did you see these?

(Presuming of course its not you offloading your unsuitable extras)

Yup, sure did! Got flagged in my eBay saved search

Steerer is good, but getting confirmation on the rake measurement as the photos are really hard to read them from. The good thing is I could go and pick them up this week as I have a week off work.

Nick's forks look good but not 100% sure on brand as yet, checking that out at the moment too.

Thanks guys!

[peteGS]

After (im)patiently waiting for 2 1/2 weeks I finally got the eBay forks, but unfortunately they're too short. The rake is good but the fork legs aren't long enough.

Here's a comparison with the forks I have now which are tweaked and for 27" wheels:



So I'm still looking for them...

Looks like 380mm or longer for the fork leg and at least 80mm of rake:





It's highly unlikely I'll get a chance to attend the upcoming swap meet unfortunately...

[peteGS]

Bumpity bump... still looking if anyone's got a pair...

[milph1988]

I have some MS forks with a long stem are bent, so if you can straighten them you can have them. It might not be right but it could be worth a try. If i can get them OFF!!

PS you'll have to email me for a pic, i cant seem to work out how to do it

[peteGS]

I have some MS forks with a long stem are bent, so if you can straighten them you can have them. It might not be right but it could be worth a try. If i can get them OFF!!

PS you'll have to email me for a pic, i cant seem to work out how to do it

Thanks for the offer but will definitely pass on some bent ones... on a motorised bicycle I think there's a bit too much risk in them being weakened.

I did end up getting another almost complete bicycle but that means I'm going to end up with two minus one set of forks, so I'm still on the lookout for a pair.

I'm beginning to think I'll restore two... one for the motor and one for me to start getting some exercise again...