Fork rake

cavasta

I'm running a Trek 2.3 (2010 model) and need to replace the (damaged) forks. The bike has a 73.5 degree headtube and Bontrager Race forks with 40mm rake. I've seen a nice pair of Ritcheys but they have 45mm rake. If I do a straight swap and fit the Ritcheys, will the difference in rake make a big difference in the bike's handling?

Monty Dog

The 45mm rake will decrease trail which has the effect of quickening steering slightly:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_fork

cavasta

Thanks for that.

neeb

This site is useful:

http://yojimg.net/bike/web_tools/trailcalc.php

You'll go from 58 to 53mm trail, which you should certainly notice. The bike could feel a bit twitchy, but it's a personal thing whether you will get on with it or not.

cavasta

Thanks neeb, interesting tool. Having trawled around the internet for information on how rake, trail, headtube angle, etc all influence a bike's feel and handling, I'm starting to feel a little apprehensive about going from 40mm rake to 45mm rake. I'm now tending towards maybe 43mm... The current forks I have, with 40mm rake, provide a pretty stable and assured ride - perhaps a little too steady sometimes. I'd like to liven things up a bit but I think 45mm rake might be a bit much. Hmm...