Team Marin Rockstar 750g Spinner Forks - A tale of woe...help needed

[Obi-Juan]

Other colleagues have already commented, quite accurately, on how to rethread a fork. Basically, it requires a lot of patience (1/4 turn forward and 1/2 turn back), proper lubrication, cleaning off the shavings, and drilling a few millimeters. It's very important that the die, like any cutting tool, is in good condition. And above all, when you see that things aren't going well, STOP!!! It's better to have 2 millimeters damaged (with 1 spacer washer, you could still use the fork) than to throw the whole thing away.

There is a solution, I've seen it once in my life, but I don't recommend it: Solder brass over the damaged thread and rethread it over the brass solder.
Brass is very soft, so I don't recommend it.

Certainly, looking for a new one is the best option. Durotec had great forks for just over 700 grams, and they're cheap (people only look for Spinners, and that helps find good, affordable alternatives ). I found a Durotec for €10.
I only had to spend a lot of time removing the black paint, but since it was spray paint, it came off very easily with thinner. I leave you a photo with the weight

 

[trezize]

Other colleagues have already commented, quite accurately, on how to rethread a fork. Basically, it requires a lot of patience (1/4 turn forward and 1/2 turn back), proper lubrication, cleaning off the shavings, and drilling a few millimeters. It's very important that the die, like any cutting tool, is in good condition. And above all, when you see that things aren't going well, STOP!!! It's better to have 2 millimeters damaged (with 1 spacer washer, you could still use the fork) than to throw the whole thing away.

There is a solution, I've seen it once in my life, but I don't recommend it: Solder brass over the damaged thread and rethread it over the brass solder.
Brass is very soft, so I don't recommend it.

Certainly, looking for a new one is the best option. Durotec had great forks for just over 700 grams, and they're cheap (people only look for Spinners, and that helps find good, affordable alternatives ). I found a Durotec for €10.
I only had to spend a lot of time removing the black paint, but since it was spray paint, it came off very easily with thinner. I leave you a photo with the weight

Great recommendation and advice. Thanks

 

[attitudeadjuster]

A little while ago I picked up a 95' Team Marin. It came with an assortment of non original parts and a fooked, very heavy suspension fork. https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/marin-team-issue-info-and-suggestions.490538/

I have set about sourcing a replacement rigid fork as I wanted to lighten the bike up and use it for some up-coming touring.

I was able to locate a Marin 750g Spinner fork. It fit perfectly in terms of axel to crown and the rake was exactly what I wanted geometry wise the paint was also good, the colour was a nice accent. The only issue, the steerer was too long.

View attachment 970712 View attachment 970713

Enter the local bike shop; they attempted to shorten the steerer and messed it up, totally cooking the thread. They have been very good after the mistake and will help fund a replacement fork.

View attachment 970714 View attachment 970715

So I am now asking for the following help please:

1. Is there any possibility of salvaging these forks? The steerer will be too short if the affected thread is cut off. Has anyone had any success with cutting and welding? Is this an economical or even a possibility? Any other solutions?

2. How rare are these forks. I have seen lots of the standard Rockstar forks but the 750g version seem to be rare. Did the Team Marin and other higher end Marin frames come with these forks as standard if a rigid fork was optioned?

3. Does anyone have a similar fork available? I am not necessarily precious about it being Marin branded, it was more the shape and weight I am after. My head tube length is 120mm.

4. The bike shop said that their Park Tool cutting die wasn't suitable for CRO-MO steel? Is this possible?

Thanks for all your help. I hope my disappointment can be the source for some interesting discussion.

Cheers

Paul Brodie extends a threaded steerer in this video -

- so it can be done if you have the kit/knowledge or know somebody who does?