necessary to have fork backwards?

[bokes]

Hi,
I'm considering getting the conversion kit. One concern I've had is the need to turn the fork so it's backwards. I'm guessing that is necessary to add on the derailleur plate. Here's a question, If I were to use an internally geared hub (no derailleur), do I still need to turnthe fork backwards? I would use a torque arm, so not dependent on the type of dropout. I feel a bit uncomfortable asking the fork to do something it wasn't design to do.

 

[Doug Burton]

Hi There,

Turning the fork around serves several purposes:

1. It moves the forlk legs back to allow room for the cassette while expanding the axle clearance from 100 to 135mm,

2. It restores the steering geometry's original rake/trail relationship, keeping the bike stable,

3. And as you observed, it allows proper mounting of the derailleur, or a chain tensioner if you're not using a derailleur.

The change in fork angle is not enough to compromise the strength of the fork in any way, and if it's not reversed, you'll have a negative trail dimension that will make the bike very twitchy, and it will it worse as speed increases.

We've had no difficulties with fork performance on conversions.

Thanks for your questions, and welcome!

Best,

Doug