Really tight wheel clearance - is this right?

[cycletothesea]

Just added some wheels to a BJ racing frame, and I'm struck by the ultra-tight wheel clearance at the front. I know it's a racing frame set-up, but is this right? Am I missing something. The wheels are 700c.

 

[FluffyChicken]

Loads there, not as if it's going to cause any problems

 

[Spokesmann]

Its a pretty straight fork.

 

[cycletothesea]

I've not ridden it yet, but as far as I can see, my toes will definitely overlap the edge of the wheel when riding. Not considered it before, but is that something that might be an issue?

 

[mattr]

If it's a "proper" race/tt bike (80s) ?it'll probably be something like 74 parallel. With a 42mm offset on the fork. And a short front centre/wheelbase. So it will be close.

As long as you are prepared for the handling (which will be "unusual") and some degree of toe overlap with the front wheel (which some people have screaming meltdowns over, christ knows why) you'll be fine.

 

[mattr]

FWIW the only bike I don't have toe overlap with is my trail bike.
On a road bike its even less of an issue, as you don't particularly steer by moving the bars. You lean.

 

[cycletothesea]

Probably shouldn't worry - the frame is a tad smaller than i would have wished and combined with a racing type straight fork it's probably more noticeable than my usual set-up. I'll build it up and see how it feels. It's a gorgeous frame, and I'd hate not be able to ride it.

 

[Jonny69]

Looks dead close at the top of the fork too, so it should be fine - it has been made with tight clearances.

Toe overlap shmo overlap. I don't know why everyone makes such a big fuss about it. I get tangled up from time to time on my fixed gear track bike, but there's absolutely zero reason why it would ever be an issue on a bike with a freewheel.

What wheelbase is that out of interest? Just seeing if anyone has one shorter than my 36 3/4" track bike which is pretty wild

 

[cycletothesea]

What wheelbase is that out of interest? Just seeing if anyone has one shorter than my 36 3/4" track bike which is pretty wild

Wheel base (centre to centre) is 37.5 inches.
Clearance at top of forks looks fine. Certainly wouldn't be room for mudguards, but then there's not meant to be. It's just a really tight clearance frame which is new for me.

 

[mattr]

Sounds about the same wheelbarse as my road bike, but that's 49 cm c-c and a 53 top tube.........