Fitting mudguards to 7.3FX - but odd bolt hole size

[Alan Whicker]

Hi everyone,

This evening I've been fitting some SKS chromoplastic mudguards to my Trek 7.3FX. The rear one went on with not too many dramas, but the front one has me baffled. The retaining hole for the allen/hex bolt (for the guard's supporting bracket) where the fork splits seems to be a slightly larger thread than all the other ones, and it's only drilled on one side. Have I somehow been supplied with an imperial fork on a metric frame? Short of wrapping a bolt in plumbers PTFE tape I'm baffled. Am I missing something really obvious???

 

[fossyant]

That sounds odd - pop to the LBS - sure he'll have a bolt to fit. I assume only one side of the fork crown is drilled/threaded as it takes v's.

Other option is to use a smaller gauge bolt and a nut - use the nut on the inside of the steerer ? (unless the bottom of the crown isn't open....)

 

[PpPete]

Sounds like the fork crown is drilled to accept a modern (allen key mounted) brake caliper - like a road bike; even though the brakes on 7.3FX are mounted on canti bosses lower down the forks.

Chances are your LBS will have the relevant bit... if not have a look at:
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-...lvers-Sheldon-Fender-Nuts--Per-Pair-18687.htm

 

[Alan Whicker]

Thanks, all. I've bodged it for now by wrapping the bolt in sellophane. It'll do the trick until I can get to the LBS this weekend.

 

[Alan Whicker]

Update: the LBS (Biketrax in Wanstead) changed the bolt when the serviced the bike. Good stuff.