[krisdrum]

So, looking at some new forks for my cross bike. Most cross forks I've seen are between 390-395mm crown to axle with between 45-50mm rake. Assuming the rake is the same, will 5mm more or less crown to axle length make a lick of difference in how the bike handles?

 

[PJ352]

So, looking at some new forks for my cross bike. Most cross forks I've seen are between 390-395mm crown to axle with between 45-50mm rake. Assuming the rake is the same, will 5mm more or less crown to axle length make a lick of difference in how the bike handles?

For every 5mm deviation in fork length you'll change HTA by about .3 degrees. Longer slackens it, shorter steepens it. I doubt a 5mm change would be discernable to most, but if you were concerned you'd compensate by changing rake some. So (for example) a steeper HTA would require less rake to get close to the same trail.

 

[krisdrum]

Thanks. Also found this: http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=222631&highlight=crown+to+axle