Quote:
Originally Posted by mistermo
Inquiring minds want to know too!
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Cool - it's super simple. You need two blocks that are the same thickness (I used 2x4's here) and a 3rd block that could be the same or a bit thicker or thinner.
Put the two same-size blocks on the surface and place the fork steerer on the blocks. Now slide the 3rd block back under the blades until it just contacts each blade (keeping it perpendicular to the centerline of the fork).
Now the fork is laying parallel to the bench (or floor or counter top or....etc) and you've made a measuring jig (you're more clever than you thought!).
Now measure from the upper surface of the steerer to the surface and then subtract 1/2 the diameter of the steerer from that number. This tells you how far the centerline of the steerer is from the table.
Lastly measure from the center of the dropout axle slot to the table and subtract the steerer-to-the-table number from it and you have the rake.
The key things here are making sure that the two blacks under the steerer are the same thickness and that the block under the blades is square to the fork.
FWIW - I've found of the years that the rake number marked on carbon forks is often just wrong. Most of the time is right or very close but I've seen plenty of forks that have a sticker reading 48 mm and it's actually a 43 mm. Wrong sticker on the fork? Poor quality control? Sun spots? Who knows. But if you want to be 100% sure measure it and see what it really is and not just rely on what the sticker says.
dave