BMX FORKS EXPLAINED 2021 - SOURCE SPOTLIGHT

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Back again with another action packed Explained video for ya. This time around I'm forkin' excited to talk about forks. Not really. Although you'd never guess that because this video is 40 forkin' minutes long. There really are a lot of nuance details, designs, degrees, and dorky background info about the part you probably think about the least. So do yourself a favor and set your playback speed to 1.5x and learn everything there is to know about forks...
Check out the massive stock of forks (and everything else) that Source BMX carries:
sourcebmx.com/...
WHAT IS OUR BMX?!
In short, we are the Ride BMX staff out on our own. We're building from the ground up and our goal is pretty simple. We want to continue what we love. We want to create great content, feature awesome riders, and contribute, push, and show why we love BMX. We sincerely appreciate any and all support... -Ryan Fudger, Jeff Zielinski, Adam Watkins, and Justin Benthien.
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[@Vitusvonatzinger]

These gear guides seem to cause Fudger extreme discomfort, and therefore are delightful and essential viewing.

[@OurBMX]

Haha, they are brutal.

[@Vitusvonatzinger]

@@OurBMX your discomfort is just (chef’s kiss) DELICIOUS.

[@davetbassbos]

Haha, you don't suck at this, it's technical information it's going to be dry, and I think these vids answer questions people have about parts design. It might interesting in the future to see a show on the evolution of BMX bikes from the 70s to now, but that could be a project, cheers!

[@OurBMX]

Thanks dude. I don’t enjoy doing em, but they have a place. Definitely a big project, but I’ll add it to the list of ideas. Thanks!

[@Aljonone1]

@@OurBMX Would be more accurate to say plate drop outs or investment cast dropouts, as both can be welded on?

[@bmxdestroy]

As someone that hasnt kept updated with all the new bmx standards in the last 15 years i really appreciate these. Ive always wanted to build a high end bike but have always had a fear of building it and hating how it rides. Thanks Fudger!!!

[@OurBMX]

Thanks for saying thanks! 🙌

[@fleetgt]

Nothing really changed expect more scooter forks

[@nofateeric2610]

Fudger always dressed for summiting Everest but just chills in the studio

[@OurBMX]

Haha. California guy...60 degrees is freezing.

[@federico.manzati]

PLEASE do a difference between team flow, amateur, and pro!!! pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[@OurBMX]

That's a tough one, but hoping to start a little round table/unclicked thing soon that could tackle that.

[@TripeTree]

🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@federico.manzati]

@@OurBMX Perfect! Mutch love from Italy!

[@goat_horde]

Some people never change their brake fluid either… lol

[@IzzyD50]

Thanks for putting these out Ryan! Your replacement recommendation is a good idea! I recently had a fork snap at the crown race on a simple disaster on a 4ft quarter... six years old and a reputable company. Got away with only some bruises and scrapes. Walked away feeling really lucky. I’m pretty easy on my gear. Mainly up and down on transitions and dirt. Apparently the fork had been cracked and I didn’t realize it... totally a good suggestion to replace every 2-3 years. Was a first in my 40 years of Bmx... a first since 1997 when I got my first updated bike with 1 1/8 inch steerer. Crazy to think many of us have been running forks for presumably too long. Park tools makes a cutting guide that mounts in a vice and a hacksaw for metal is used to cut by hand... a grinder with metal cutting disk will be hard to cut straight. Stay safe out there fellas! I’d also recommend chains be replaced often as well! A broken chain is no joke!

[@OurBMX]

Late to this, but good to read you got away and the lesson was learned. Thanks Israel!

[@iletyouwin1]

I back ordered my forks four months ago still haven't got it, and here you guys are with enough forks for the last supper. What chall doin wit all Dem forks??😳😳

[@onpanhatireach640]

Even this video has 40 min's length, but it's worth to watch and to listen. Thank you Ryan Fudger for sharing this vdo!

[@OurBMX]

Thanks for saying thanks!

[@taloneggert9490]

I think the emphasis on replacing your forks is something to always remember! Just because forks have a warranty doesn't mean you should ride them until they snap so you can get your replacement forks for free! Anyone who has broken a set of forks will tell you it's better to just pay for a fresh pair of forks, than it is to wait until your forks break!

[@ethandenis5650]

Are you gonna gimme the money to do that? No? Okay I’ll just continue to snap my forks so I can get new ones free

[@OurBMX]

Ethan, you’re wild. Haha

[@Jamezc720]

Imagine being as dedicated to BMX as Fudger, really appreciate these types of videos!

[@OurBMX]

Late to this, but thank you!

[@lefty_joe]

I always thought the offsets were measured in mm from center of tube to the dropout slot. You said it was measured in angles, and that make no sense for me, how could it be?

[@OurBMX]

It’s mm. Sorry about that.

[@emerybutcher952]

I ride like 30-35 years ,but i never thinking about the parts in my bike when I'm jumping off the roof !!!!!So this video scared the shit out of me!!! hahaha Anyway Great video thank You for the hard work!!!

[@TheGuccibane]

My man has more BMX forks than I have in my kitchen for eating

[@joeriveul]

The music instantly reminded me of the Garrett Reynolds Street Style promo. Nice video too!

[@OurBMX]

Haha. Probably the same song. Had that folder of music for so long.

[@VAustin89]

I buy second-hand forks from friends and fellow riders that I ride with, since I know how "stressed" the forks are.

[@hondothehonda4759]

Damn dude they splurged on like 20 forks just to teach us this

[@rihards_4205]

I think the video is sponsored by sourcebmx

[@mikehagen3785]

Never hurts to disassemble your bike and heavily inspect your parts from time to time. Luckily I'm I'm old and not to hard on parts anymore. But if my ride gets tossed and bounces a bunch, I take a look.. had a crap cast neck snap off once... wasnt a good time

[@jacobsparlingbmx]

Cast vs wedled? Also forks with a strong steerer tube is important bigger the bars more leverage

[@alexsuazo452]

thank you Ryan !!! keeping us informed

[@zede77]

Always learning things on these spotlights. Thanks Our BMX!

[@OurBMX]

Thanks for saying thanks!

[@boocrafty8783]

Just bought me some cult sect v4 forks perfect timing on this vid🤣

[@campospiedra5013]

Here in Latinoamérica it's very hard change your parts each year, cuz the high prices and cuz there are not to much dealers

[@OurBMX]

For sure. I feel for you guys. 🙌

[@caidencollins7696]

Well done Fudger. Ik these suck to do but they're really helpful.

[@OurBMX]

Thanks! 🙌

[@BobbyPhoenix]

I didn't get to watch the whole thing through yet I only got about 20 minutes in, but with all the specs you were mentioning you left one out that I don't hear a lot talked about either. That's the rake of the fork, or the angle of the blades to the steerer tube. I guess maybe it's an industry standard now but you used to see forks literally straight up and down with the fork blades and the stair tube, and then you would see some that have like a two to four degree angle. That definitely affects the ride also.

[@OurBMX]

Yeah, perfectly straight is the only acceptable option. Odyssey switched it up with Director Forks, but they didn't do all that well in the end.

[@PissedOffCil]

Yep just noticed my forks had bent at the dropouts yesterday...

[@dabington]

Been daily riding stock hi tensile steel forks for over a year, definitely need to replace them soon before a tragedy happens

[@boocrafty8783]

That was me aswell I finally bought myself some decent quality forks. My old ones where bent😅

[@OurBMX]

Agreed!

[@rob.ny-la]

Frame, fork, bars, stem. Muy importonte

[@Rxu844]

I watched this to get other peoples perspective on how long they run forks. I run mine 2 1/2- 3 years. Pretty much the same as you. Depends on how hard I ride too though.

[@mentaldisorderrider6929]

Awesome video... Now i want to upgrade my bike!!

[@bmxaf]

And you don't suck at this at all.. The more you do it, the more comfortable you're becoming and soon it'll be natural... We do see glimpses of the real Ryan in some of the Unclicked podcasts/interviews where you are shit-talking or whatever with Dennis or the guest/s. I think it is those times when you have legit forgotten you are being filmed. Keep it up though, these product spotlights are very informative indeed.. Cheers.

[@OurBMX]

Thanks dude! Moving this series into the Unclicked area definitely makes me more comfortable.

[@thezoobmx9465]

Just wanted to know, larger offset=less twitchy going forward. pretty sure larger offset=more twitchy going backwards right? Stay LIT AF Fudger

[@Milokicks]

The one part I've broken more than any other. Buy new forks for sure. Especially if you jump down stuff.

[@xsjadoridersc]

This video was great! Would love to see other bikes done in this format! Frames, bars, rims, cranks, etc.

[@brianingham3780]

He did one on bars already, check it out

[@codybmx4290]

I got the S&M pitchforks I don't do any crazy grinds or tricks I just cruise around Manuel's bunny hops it's been 5 years

[@OurBMX]

Like I said in the video, if you ride a whole bunch then it could be time to switch them out. But if you’re mellow and you don’t ride much, you’ll be good. 🙌

[@codybmx4290]

@@OurBMX thanks

[@jeroenmichiels1067]

Fork offset in degrees? Usually they say '25mm offset'; using mm and not degrees right?

[@OurBMX]

Yeah, that’s a mistake. Brain melting.

[@Michelermax]

I fractured my left ankle in 5 spots because my fork broke after I aired out an 8ft quarter. Got my out like 11weeks or so. That happened nearly a month ago and I still have problems to take bigger impact. Change your forks every once in a while folks, I promise you won't regret it! btw, the fork I was riding was a mankind justice with the 25mm top cap and it broke directly underneath the stem.

[@OurBMX]

Yup, scary stuff. Glad you're good now. Were you aware of the flaw of the 25mm top cap before this video?

[@Michelermax]

@@OurBMX no not at all, but now I do... I think that the mankind justice fork isn't available anymore. Now I'm riding the Eclat Storm 20 (Goodwin) fork and I am absolutely pleased! I also broke my cranks and switched to the éclat tibia 175mm. For me, Eclat and WTP produce parts which I learned to trust in the past. Thanks Ryan for making videos like this! Greetings from Austria.

[@cxsz9939]

Even better than throwing them away, recycle them at your local scrap metal joint

[@sarmak87]

I just replaced my forks after 7 years of use. And I really pushed it waiting that long. Next time I'll wait 3 years max.

[@OurBMX]

🙌🙌

[@KazZ159]

4:42 the audio voice is gone

[@OurBMX]

Craaaap. I'll try to overlay a note on it for other people, but here's what it says: “While forks like the éclat and the Odyssey are all battling to be the strongest forks within BMX, forks like the Mission or the Rant or the Salt are just meant to fill a slot. They’re meant for somebody who doesn’t necessarily need the best and the lightest. They’re for someone that is just starting out or someone that bent their forks and is on a budget. So don’t knock a pair of forks for not being the best, because some forks never intended to be. That’s not the role they were create to fill.”

[@KorpseGr8r]

@@OurBMX also one other thing, you left morgan wades phone number on the text....

[@OurBMX]

Yeahhhhh. Killing it. It's already been blurred on the youtube backend, just takes a bit to show up. I've already texted Morgan to let him know of incoming weirdness and he's ready.

[@KorpseGr8r]

@@OurBMX yeah, i know how it goes with edits once in a while haha, good you caught it quick though. cheers 🍻

[@OurBMX]

Especially a 40 minute video of yourself talking. I couldn't finish it quick enough. Blaaaahhh.

[@Fro10079]

What is the biggest offset that you can get ? Is it 33 ?

[@bmorris5863]

Yeah about 33 some older forks are 35mm like skavenger

[@bmorris5863]

We the people paetron fork,simple bike co fork. Older forks basically

[@bboymyers3853]

Huh never really thought about replacing forks. 6:58 was really interesting seeing how often they all replaced their forks and even that one guy saying he'd get a new pair 3 times in just one year. If you and him don't mind but I'm curious as to which rider that was?

[@OurBMX]

Simms.

[@joemiller9493]

In like July 2020, my Haro SD forks reached their limit and the crown broke off on a 180 drop. Thankfully I was able to get out of the way just a little bit, because they broke in a certain way that they could’ve really fucked my face up. They were like 5 years old though 😅

[@mead813]

These are great and very informative!

[@karl11]

Assuming you have an old fork (5 years or more) with lifetime warranty, will it be replaced by the company just because it is old?

[@bmorris5863]

Odyssey will others brands probably won't.

[@OurBMX]

The warranty is against bending or breaking to the original owner.

[@KungFooWoody]

I got 7mins into the video and realized I failed off the rip...my forks are from a friend and I’ve had them for almost 5 years now 😭 (Premium FYB’s if anyone was wondering)

[@raph3787]

im running the forks that came with a $200 bmx from 2010 lol, they're covered in rust

[@hotdoctorspam677]

I once seen someone try to 540 off a 4ft bank and their handle bar snapped at the top weld and it slit hit neck. He was rushed to the hospital and for stitches and he was fine thank god.

[@roadrash9024]

Did I miss something? What is up with the audio cutting out for a minute (4:25 - 5:30)?

[@TripeTree]

10 years in 🇧🇷 and if I need to weld too 😬😬😬😬 dollar 6 conto

[@TripeTree]

🇧🇷

[@iceyhotfire]

I recently switch out my forks because i noticed that the dropout was bending and i had them for about 2 years.

[@bmxaf]

Ryan, "lit" is just another way of saying "fire" or "heat", in modern Californian vernacular... "AF", as in my name "Bmx AF", stands for "as f*ck".... hahahaha. Still can't tell if you were being sarcastic or not..!!!

[@OurBMX]

Oh I know, I was just messing around. Dry humor hah

[@jdm91hatch]

Love my odyssey R32’s

[@skylarsoper241]

Hoffman super forks !!!! Bomb 💣 proof , s and m pitch fork , stupid forks , haro makes 💣 proof forks as well

[@keithmullin7827]

Thank you for passing on your knowledge!!!!

[@OurBMX]

Thanks for saying thanks! 🙌

[@sr.barcenasjimenez8592]

the Godwin fork is available? in México?

[@robbchastain3036]

I really appreciation your promotion of safety here, it seems lame in the moment but you have to live to ride another day and an injury caused by a busted part can stop that temporarily or permanently, sadly. And if I may, I'd say don't toss those used parts, take 'em to a metal man for recycling, at least.

[@chrisburnell2215]

If all the pros and flow riders have spare forks and bars kicking around, why not build hang 5 practice front ends for kids at local skate parks 👍

[@BFELLY]

I’m not gonna lie. The only forks I do not trust are Shadow Forks. They always break fast

[@bmxdestroy]

Really? I was thinkin about some!

[@beto12345]

(11:30) The average i.e, for a 32mm offset in degrees is about 53.1º from the vertical downward... its not the angles as he said... the offset is measured from the vertical to "33mm" or more, down to "0mm". The offset is better measured in that way because of the different shapes of the dropouts it make it harder to measure in an angle. For the rest i agree, I only use used parts for restoration (show/display bikes only), never to do tricks.

[@OurBMX]

Yes, sorry. Total brain fart on my end.

[@beto12345]

@@OurBMX don't worry, It's a lot of work to do for a video like this.... I really enjoy the content and every piece of additional info I can learn.

[@fransschreuders8488]

They're called forks 'cause if they break you'te going to be eating sh!t hand fed to you with said utensil.

[@graydiehl]

Definitely don’t cut the steerer tube! Just stack spacers on top of the headset dust cap. Bar height and steerer tube length are a very important couple.

[@teamdisalign3375]

If you think Fudger is pulling your leg. Try a 540 drop and break your fork, your teeth will thank you.

[@OurBMX]

🤣

[@fallenhobbit6554]

I bought 120 dollar forks once and cut to far and into the threads. Ruined the forks. never even rode them. They were the Fox Forks btw.

[@bmorris5863]

Google "fork star nuts" they ain't trash can still be used

[@fallenhobbit6554]

@@bmorris5863 hah genius. thanks homie.

[@C_on_my_C]

You definitely don’t suck at this

[@OurBMX]

Thanks!

[@skylarsoper241]

Oh mid school all the way

[@joemoney9122]

It's not the steer tube, it's the steerr tube. Thanks for this video, now I don't trust my forks.

[@OurBMX]

Sorrrrry!

[@fleetgt]

It's time for tapered steerers . The fork and head tube would be exponentially stronger

[@kubimtb5572]

.

[@ninovignes_]

Nice video, but try to make them shorter:)

[@OurBMX]

I did my best. I suggest watching them at 1.5x speed, haha.

[@ninovignes_]

@@OurBMX Haha did exactly that

[@OurBMX]

Smart man!

[@waguan2446]

dont ride salt or saltplus forks!

[@gballh.526]

Lit AF = COOL AS FUCK

[@lukeanderson2182]

Can you send me a pair of forks I can't afford to buy a pair and I love riding my bike

[@lukeanderson2182]

My forks are really bad and they're going to snap

[@elliottheckman8067]

Watching this video looking at my secondhand forks of whom I don’t know the original owner 👁️👄👁️

[@eddiebrockone7144]

Lies on the streer length issue. Most brands gravitate towards street these days and I know for a fact with bsd acid forks and most of their range they are 157mm meaning the y won't work on a bike with a long head tube - haro sd v3 - and if u wanted to run gyro on that said frame you need odyssey - R forks that offer 165+mm. Not to mention how annoying it is that some bike shops and brands don't offer them specifications

[@rtaylor1105]

Literally the only thing ive ever broken was redline frames....always at the seat post. And pedals

[@travvdoesbmx]

this video is two years old. and still the reason i just bought the r25s

[@MichaelSandoval-sr8qd]

dont buy used forks LOL noce... well said

[@thefrugivoreanimal]

Let's bring this back! Tires next😁

[@davemrgrumpypants]

Bro I geek out on this stuff so thanks for all the time you put into videos. We appreciate you

[@geoffchardon5241]

lit is meaning awsome and AF meaning as fuck

[@Theaustrianpainter88]

It seems bike parts have become disposable. I think one could argue the performance aspect but the 1998 s&m race forks I run are literally double the weight of new pitch forks. Has the material progressed that much no, manufacture techniques yes, some but literally half the the material weight wise has been removed. Kinda scary

[@keithwingfield5101]

I'm looking for a fork that will house a 2.5 inch tire. Any advice?

[@metalface8515]

You know what I would like to see? Brand-recommended cycles. "This fork should reliably last ____ flexes, and we stand behind it." That's where I want to put my safety and money.

[@metalface8515]

When I became an automotive mechanic I really was able to put it into perspective that basically all BMX components are disposable. Some may last longer than others (frame, bars, seat) but the rest truly do go quick, and shouldn't be counted on long term.

[@metalface8515]

This of course means unless you have the skills and dedication to go pro -- the sport is a money pit. Like being into cars. LOL

[@ryanb2522]

I started replacing my forks once a year when I rode.. I was dirt jumping and broke a steer tube. The crash from that led to a trip to the ER, a cracked cheekbone, MRI, concussion, no health insurance... Forks are cheap compared to that. Please replace your dang forks!

[@jasonmarshall7983]

Of course I don't do all that hard riding like a lot of guys do but I think they made that stuff better back in the early eighties than they do today even

[@jasonmarshall7983]

I bought a 1980 hatch Pro racer from Craigslist turned out it was a guy I knew when I raced back in 1981 these Forks were just fine for being 42 years old I put all my faith into them

[@nf4833]

People still use Craigslist?

[@AmazingChinaToday]

Awesome video, and thanks for wading through $3,000 worth of forks. 👍

[@AmazingChinaToday]

Threads in the steerer tube definitely introduce weakness in the tube, but has anyone ever snapped a steerer tube? You would need to jump off a building and crash onto one grip, and at that point the least of your concerns would be broken forks. 😄

[@metalface8515]

Huh!? People have totally broken forks at the steerer tube. It doesn't have to be an incident like that, they can just simply fail at that point from stress, and snap at the steerer tube.

[@AmazingChinaToday]

"Lit AF" means "Lit as f***" which means "very, very good." 😄

[@AmazingChinaToday]

There must be real data from lab testing as to the exact lifespan of forks, and a frame, too. My guess is the lifespan would be about 100 years. I appreciate the caution, but this is something that can be known with certainty due to testing. My Redline forks are almost 40 years old, and I have modern bikes also, and there are no cracks or bends in any of them.

[@AmazingChinaToday]

I will add that I've broken and bent many forks over the years, but this was due to design flaws, and they broke within weeks. I thoroughly "tested" my Redline forks when new, with all the moves that destroyed the other forks, and they took the abuse in stride. So if forks last for a month of hard riding, they will last forever.

[@AmazingChinaToday]

Which company first used the odd term "investment cast" dropouts? They are forged, not cast. Casting is a low end process, while forging is a high end process which is much stronger. Strange marketing approach to use the term "cast."

[@christopherstillwell8662]

This dude has a wise head , and is caring enough to share his knowledge. I speak from Experience, i once jumped , landed and SNAPPED my D P freestyler Forks. SMASHED my face up , and into hospital. IT REALLY FUCKING SUCKED . Bmx is getting More and more heavy on the Bikes, so equally, the Bikes need to be STRONG to match this . RESPECT, Thank you Mate 🙏🙏🙏

[@azbikerider49]

Also I grew up racing and rocking quarter pipes from age 10-high school. Kids would swap parts all the time. None of us had money for new forks. I don't recall anyone snapping forks or frames? We did some gnarly sh-t too. And the bikes were not built nearly as strong as todays bikes, Every so often you would hear of someone cracking a frame. I stretched my headtube on my Quadangle and still used it. So why are the newer gear breaking ? Kinda like within baseball and so many bats breaking. Never used to???? Are we that much more hard core ?:)

[@azbikerider49]

Why not ditch the drop out offset and just angle the fork legs out more? Must be a reason they don't ?

[@deadbenttv]

so what offset do u recommend for first time park and street

[@alimantado373]

Not much to explain they havent changed much since the mid 80's , this I cant understand every other kind of bike has moved on , BMX is still stuck in the mid 80's heavy steel shite. Unless your a racer. Please move on BMX industry!

[@janeblogs324]

Fatigue (repetitive vibration and minor flexing) is the only issue. All cromolly needs to be post heat treated after welding. The haz (heat affected zone) next to the weld weakens the tubing. There is post weld annealing and post weld forging (higher temp, more brittle} Almost all brands have convex tig welds. You want stronger concave welds but the welders are too lazy. Many brands have undercut welds too, the dropouts will have material missing that melted away at the base of the weld. If your forks are mixed steels, either hi tensile, cromo or plain steel they are very prone to fatigue failure

[@gamerscore88]

I don’t ride often but I build a completely new bike every year. I sell my old parts for about 20% of what I originally paid and always let people know the history. Great video for up and coming riders 👍