Hi,
For the last four years, I have commuted/toured using a Kona Jake cyclocross bike. It's not the prettiest thing in the world and I did originally want a classic-looking tourer but my choice of bike was constrained by my height (6' 7"). I therefore plumped for the 62cm framed Kona Jake and added guards and a rack.
Last year we had our first little baby. He is lovely. Now, twice a week, I add a baby seat and the little man to the rack and use a rucksack to carry my gear to the nursery before dropping junior off and heading on to work with my rucksack in the baby seat. It works ok but is far from ideal. What I would really like is a front rack for my work gear. This would also be of use when we go on family bike rides or even for more adventurous touring holidays (should I ever have the chance again).
I originally thought I would be best off simply buying myself a new touring bike. However, the selection isn't great in my price range, I don't have much cash and also I have made quite a lot of adjustments to my Jake so that it now suits me quite well.
So I am wondering if I can simply switch the front fork and purchase a front rack. I would much prefer this solution but I am struggling to find a suitable fork. I am not interested in a high-end fork, just something that has eyelets and, preferably, no logos.
I thought I had found the perfect solution at SJS Cycles (http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/700c-1-i...fork-240-mm-threaded-steerer-black-prod13036/) but this is a 1" fork and I need a 1 1/8" one.
So, does anybody have any advice? Firstly, does this sound like a sensible thing to do? If it is, does anybody know where I can look for one? Are there any other characteristics of the fork/my set up I need to consider?
Thanks in advance,
James.
For the last four years, I have commuted/toured using a Kona Jake cyclocross bike. It's not the prettiest thing in the world and I did originally want a classic-looking tourer but my choice of bike was constrained by my height (6' 7"). I therefore plumped for the 62cm framed Kona Jake and added guards and a rack.
Last year we had our first little baby. He is lovely. Now, twice a week, I add a baby seat and the little man to the rack and use a rucksack to carry my gear to the nursery before dropping junior off and heading on to work with my rucksack in the baby seat. It works ok but is far from ideal. What I would really like is a front rack for my work gear. This would also be of use when we go on family bike rides or even for more adventurous touring holidays (should I ever have the chance again).
I originally thought I would be best off simply buying myself a new touring bike. However, the selection isn't great in my price range, I don't have much cash and also I have made quite a lot of adjustments to my Jake so that it now suits me quite well.
So I am wondering if I can simply switch the front fork and purchase a front rack. I would much prefer this solution but I am struggling to find a suitable fork. I am not interested in a high-end fork, just something that has eyelets and, preferably, no logos.
I thought I had found the perfect solution at SJS Cycles (http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/700c-1-i...fork-240-mm-threaded-steerer-black-prod13036/) but this is a 1" fork and I need a 1 1/8" one.
So, does anybody have any advice? Firstly, does this sound like a sensible thing to do? If it is, does anybody know where I can look for one? Are there any other characteristics of the fork/my set up I need to consider?
Thanks in advance,
James.