Tange Prestige Lugged Disc Fork

[brockd15]

Anybody used or currently using this fork? What are your impressions? I'm considering one for my Civia Bryant for no other reason than aesthetics. I like the look of the lugged crown and curved blades over a unicrown and straight blades.

The only thing it's missing is the second set of eyelets on the fork ends. Normally I wouldn't care much, but with a disc caliper mounted that under-side eyelet can be hard to access so the upper one is a nice option to have.

This is the one I'm looking at: http://store.somafab.com/taprcxfrk1di.html
Are there other similar off-the-shelf choices?

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-3773699254952_2268_61675748

[C. Matthews]

Don't know what kind of riding you do, but I always look at disc brake forks with an eye towards durability and performance (I've built 60 or so)...and that Soma fork checks all the wrong boxes for a bike that's ridden hard
The drops are facing the wrong way (I know it has lawyer tabs, but still)
The blades are a small diameter with a disc mount that focuses the stress in just the wrong spot.
The mid fork rack mounts are a potential issue if they are used to support a lot of weight.

But if this is for a bike that doesn't see a lot of hard braking, it will probably be fine.

[unterhausen]

agreed, I will not be surprised if there is a recall

[miguel]

yep, i have one. it works great. i used it with a porteur rack and ive hauled lots of heavy crap. fwiw, i weigh 175 and have done some singletrack and a bunch of brevets on it.
http://41.media.tumblr.com/ed84cec8bc870f3247a45ef1c9fc413f/tumblr_mtpc2m8U6z1qavji0o1_500.jpg

[miguel]

it is a bit on the heavy side though. you should contact eric estlund/winter bicycles for a new custom fork though

[Cicli]

it is a bit on the heavy side though. you should contact eric estlund/winter bicycles for a new custom fork though

And if you are on a budget, the Soma is probably fine.

[HillDancer]

...Are there other similar off-the-shelf choices?...
If you want to preserve stock handling, a fork with similar axle to crown distance and offset should be a major consideration. I wanted clearance for a 200mm rotor and less trail, so I chose a fork with less A/C and room for a larger rotor than my previous stock forks, Surly's 26 inch Disc Trucker fork (http://surlybikes.com/parts/forks/disc_trucker_fork) works for me in 27.5 wheel size.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1MzKOm4qQ1g/VIiPBvYLZ9I/AAAAAAAABfI/GSKGzqUHjFk/s288/P1030109.JPG


The 26 inch model will provide clearance for most 26 & 27.5 tires sizes, but it is limited in crown clearance for large 700c tires. I fit a 700X28 with plenty of clearance up top. I'm running a 203mm, 3.3mm wide rotor up front with room to spare on the 26inch model. A 180mm rotor is the limit in the 700c fork size. Both Disc Trucker sizes are built for heavy touring loads. The Disc Trucker has a lugged crown & drop-outs, the front eyelets you were looking for, plus mount bosses on the sides of the crown and mid-blade. For a bit more bump compliance, Surly tells me the Straggler Fork (http://surlybikes.com/parts/forks/straggler_fork) isn't as stiff as the Disc Trucker. Disc Trucker stiff is just fine for me though.

I use DT Swiss RWS skewers for secure wheel retention.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2BEhjWpESig/VCiFJVBmZbI/AAAAAAAABUU/gUP9Rc3QDE0/s288/P1030014.JPG

[oldpotatoe]

Don't know what kind of riding you do, but I always look at disc brake forks with an eye towards durability and performance (I've built 60 or so)...and that Soma fork checks all the wrong boxes for a bike that's ridden hard
The drops are facing the wrong way (I know it has lawyer tabs, but still)
The blades are a small diameter with a disc mount that focuses the stress in just the wrong spot.
The mid fork rack mounts are a potential issue if they are used to support a lot of weight.

But if this is for a bike that doesn't see a lot of hard braking, it will probably be fine.

Not a frame or fork builder but gotta agree. Looks like they took a road fork, put maybe longer legs on it and welded a disc brake tab on it. Bet it's way flexy and perhaps, not reliable.
Compare with some other steel, disc forks and then decide.

RockLobster