Bicycle Fork: Design Features and Varieties

A bicycle fork is one of the main parts of a two-wheeled car. It affects a number of dynamic parameters. Depreciation properties and the quality of the bicycle stroke depend on it. The materials used in the manufacture of the said part determine its wear resistance and the strength of the structure as a whole. Also, the total weight of the product depends on them - the most important indicator for all cyclists. There are a large number of varieties of plugs. Their differences are dictated by the goals for which they are created. How to ensure that the bicycle fork was selected in strict accordance with the tasks of the cyclist?

Cushioning properties

Old models of bicycles were equipped with a fork of rigid construction. With the development of technology, there were amortization mechanisms. Initially, they were developed for mountain bikes, then significantly expanded the scope of their application. Now, there are no special models for amortization forks. For example, track or road bikes. They are usually used on a flat surface where no significant depreciation is required. The main difference lies in the rigid attachment of parts. This feature allows you to not lose energy during the ride on the swing. When making them, various materials can be used: steel, carbon, aluminum, titanium. The shock-absorbing bicycle fork, on the other hand, has a movable connection of the parts, which allows smoothly passing uneven terrain. The cyclist better feels the contact of the wheels with the surface, so that control is not lost on the bumps and bumps.

Fork structure

The shock-absorbing bicycle fork consists of two main parts. The first is a movable outer structure with a fastening for the wheel axle. AT It is common for cyclists to be called 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 damping properties. Depending on its design, the following types of forks are distinguished:

• Spring-oil;
• Air-oil;
• Spring-elastomeric.

Let us consider them in more detail.

Spring-oil forks

Amortization here is achieved through the built-in spring. The damper is an oil filled cartridge. Due to the features of the working system, such plugs allow the user to perform a number of specific settings. In this case, they are considered to be sufficiently 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 function was assumed by the air enclosed in sealed chambers. Stiffness of depreciation depends on the pressure inside the chambers. The air can be pumped by a special pump. As an example, you can name the very popular in the market of sporting goods bicycle forks Fox.

Spring-elastomeric

The mechanism of this type of plug consists of a spring and a polymer rod, which serves as a damper. The weight of all equipment is up to 2 kg. The ease of maintenance and the absence of a complicated mechanism of adjustment is what distinguishes a spring-elastomeric bicycle fork. Zoom is one of the most famous manufacturers of elastomers. The price for this product is usually not too high, which makes it affordable for a wide range of consumers.