Stretching Dahon Speed Uno front fork

[Yelodwg]

I have a Dahon Speed Uno to convert. One person so far has said "Oh, no, don't spread the 74mm fork". I'm looking at inserting an 80mm Tongxin into my front fork.

Is there really a danger in spreading the fork to do this?

Tom

 

[Deleted member 4366]

It'll spring that far. No need to stretch.

 

[Yelodwg]

d8veh,

Thanks!

So to get greedy , what about using an 83mm Q85 36V instead of the 80mm Tongxin. That makes it 9mm larger vs the 6mm for the Tongxin. Same thing, the 74mm fork will spring even that far?

Tom

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Should be OK. They're steel forks.

 

[Yelodwg]

Thanks d8veh. I appreciate your reply. I am looking for more assurances than "should be OK". That concerns me.

Tom

 

[jwm]

As d8veh says, you are talking less than 10mm, it will be fine, worse case is to get a replacement fork from Evans (Tern) for a tenner.

John

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Thanks d8veh. I appreciate your reply. I am looking for more assurances than "should be OK". That concerns me.

Tom

In that case forget about converting it and buy a ready-made one.-

 

[Yelodwg]

Thanks John!

Tom

 

[Yelodwg]

d8veh,

I didn't reply to your message as I have been thinking since about what I should do. I have had some people in the know tell me no way should I increase the width of my Speed Uno fork, some that said oh yes, it will work fine, and some are not sure. It just makes me nervous.

So along with others, I decided to take your advice ("forget about converting it and buy a ready-made one"). I put my Speed Uno up for sale and I bought a new cruiser bike. It will be much more comfortable for me (I'm 66), and comes with a 100mm fork. I know you are experienced in motors, etc., so hope when I ask the right question in another thread, you can chime in on my motor questions

Tom

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Probably the best course of action. It's not easy to convert a folder. There's always all sorts of complications.

I think your colleagues were wrong about stretching the forks. I've done loads - aluminium and steel - and it's nothing to worry about. Not only am I a graduate mechanical engineer, who's qualified to comment on stresses and materials, but I also have the practical experience of actually doing it. I wouldn't advise anybody to do anything that I thought would be dodgy.

 

[Yelodwg]

d8veh,

I've been busy finding the right bike to electrify. I bought a Schwinn Aerovane cruiser, very nice. I rode it for awhile, but decided it was way too big and heavy, and besides, I'd have to get an outside bike rack to haul.

So bought a Schwinn Hinge, perfect size for me, and folds to fit in my car. Of course the Speed Uno IS a better bike, but I am VERY satisfied with the Hinge and I can also install the Q100 on the front 100mm axle.

More to come.