Fork Identification

[Steve-W]

I wonder if anyone can shed some light on the possible tubing used on these forks . Information I can supply is as follows: Date circa 1998 , Weight 685grms (19.5cm steerer) , Full Sloping crown, no visible lugs, Columbus dropouts , fitted to a Mick Coward hand built Emperor Sport ( U.K ) Frame number stamped on steerer tube ( EMP712 ). I have been led to believe if the weight is under 700grams its possibly 531, but I have wondered if it could be columbus tubing, the frame is Reynolds 853. Many thanks

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[Cycleops]

If unicrown type like these with Colombus drop outs more than likely they will be made from Columbus tube.

 

[Steve-W]

Thank you...the crown on my forks is more angular , I am afraid I am not sure of the term used for this type.
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[Cycleops]

I'm really no expert I think it's just a case of trawling the web until you find something to match.
I found these which look similar which are listed as Columbus SL forks.

 

[Steve-W]

That looks very similar, thank you for your help.
Having looked at a few weights quoted for Columbus SL forks they all seem in the mid 700 grams + ... also there is no Columbus logo (bird) stamped on the steerer tube, (not always present) and also no internal spirals in the steerer tube either ( a columbus feature on SL & SLX I believe ) .
I guess I might never find out lol.

 

[midlife]

Any ridges / fluting on the inside of the steerer tube as seen from the top?

 

[Steve-W]

Any ridges / fluting on the inside of the steerer tube as seen from the top?

View attachment 437044

No, there are no spiral ridges in the steerer.

 

[rogerzilla]

It's an internally-lugged "aero" crown. They used to be very popular although they do create a nasty stress raiser - luckily *one* broken fork blade is not especially dangerous

 

[Ian H]

Thank you...the crown on my forks is more angular , I am afraid I am not sure of the term used for this type.
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The fork crown is internally lugged, so the blades fit over the lugs to give the one-piece appearance.

 

[Deleted member 23692]

From the photos that looks suspiciously like a Raleigh SBDU (Special Bike Developement Unit) crown

more photos/gen https://www.vintagevelo.co.uk/shop/frames/raleigh-sbdu-753-frame/

 

[Steve-W]

From the photos that looks suspiciously like a Raleigh SBDU (Special Bike Developement Unit) crown

View attachment 437528

more photos/gen https://www.vintagevelo.co.uk/shop/frames/raleigh-sbdu-753-frame/

They certainly do look very similar, although those have Campy dropouts, mine has Columbus ones. Its interesting to see the Raleigh ones have a Cinelli crown. I am waiting to hear back from Mick Coward who built the frame and bike, unfortunately his build records were destroyed by flooding some years ago, and its a bit of a tall order expecting him to remember the details after 20 years ....but I live in hope. Thanks for your help

 

[Steve-W]

Well query answered. I have just received a letter from Mick Coward who built the frame/bike, see quote below:

"Hi Steve, the frame was built with Reynolds 853 tubing, including the front forks, the special tube sets always came within a box, unlike the standard 531, one of each Top Tube, Seat Tube, Down Tube, plus two Chain Stays, 2 Seat Stays and 2 Fork Blades, the fork steerer was standard Reynolds Steerer."

I'm happy with that Thank you for all your responses.