2. the xox ->

The mandrel (shaped form) over which the straight fork blade is bent to impart the familiar curve. Lots of irresistible force, applied by pulling and/or pushing the black lever arm, encourages the metal blade to take to the new shape.

Why have the curve, anyway? one might ask. Without lapsing into too much geekiness, having a curve (or rake*) in one's fork blades provides two very important quantities- one, a certain degree of shock absorption, and two, the geometric trail* necessary to control the bicycle once it is built.

(* Vocabulary definitions will be added to this website at some point; however, plenty of other written and electronic sources can be found if you want to know more now, or just email the builder and he will explain in greater detail.)

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