Will This Fork Work With My Frame?

[Wolfmac]

Sounds like a huge headache no matter which way I go. Anyone have a cool old fork they want to sell that wont be a PITA to install on this frame?

View attachment 2193187

Heavyweight or middleweight frame?

 

[Jive Turkey]

Heavyweight or middleweight frame?

'55 Schwinn Spitfire:

 

[Wolfmac]

If I’m not mistaken, I remember this frame was offered in both heavy and middleweight versions that year. I think the balloon tire model was the deluxe Hornet.

 

[Jive Turkey]

If I’m not mistaken, I remember this frame was offered in both heavy and middleweight versions that year. I think the balloon tire model was the deluxe Hornet.

I have no idea what the difference is (or that was even was one until a minute ago). How do I tell?

 

[Wolfmac]

Simplest way is to take your open flat hand and slide it between the seat stays just below the fender bridge. If your fingers fit easily between the stays it’s a balloon model. Crude test of course since we’re not all built the same but usually reliable.

 

[Jive Turkey]

Just checked, looks to be a balloon model. Will that matter?

 

[Wolfmac]

Just checked, looks to be a balloon model. Will that matter?

It will when it comes to fork and truss rods. Balloon truss rods are slightly longer than the middleweight rods and obviously the fork is wider. You could run middleweight forks and trusses if you were not intending to use balloon model fenders but it’s probably best to keep the balloon forks with the balloon frame.

 

[Jive Turkey]

It will when it comes to fork and truss rods. Balloon truss rods are slightly longer that the middleweight rods and obviously the fork is wider. You could run middleweight forks and trusses if you were not intending to use balloon model fenders but it’s probably best to keep the balloon forks with the balloon frame.

No, I'm planning to use a narrower front wheel/tire not an S2.

 

[GTs58]

The 1955 Spitfire was a balloon model.

 

[Jive Turkey]

It will when it comes to fork and truss rods. Balloon truss rods are slightly longer than the middleweight rods and obviously the fork is wider. You could run middleweight forks and trusses if you were not intending to use balloon model fenders but it’s probably best to keep the balloon forks with the balloon frame.

Oh yeah, no fenders.