The new S&M 4Q (FuckYou)-Baked Pitchfork XLT

Jun 12, 2006

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 18539 times

This is the second version of the 4Q-Baked Pitchfork XLT. Because of all the changes the price is higher but after all the testing the S&M riders have done, they feel the extra expense is more than worth it. The changes to the new forks are:
1. The insert. This is what keeps the fork from bending where most forks bend just above the lower bearings. Because it's aluminum it adds very little weight. And because of its shape, it works from all angles unlike other companies steel insert plates that only work front to back. What are the odds your bike hits the ground with the front wheel perfectly straight? Whether you're on the bike or not, you're going to have the wheel turned slightly. This insert works from all angles.

2. The drop-outs now extend all the way to the back of the fork leg on the bottom for grinds. This is an improvement that both Rob Wise and Larry Alvarado wanted. S&M also laser cuts a larger hole in the drop out to compensate for the added weight of new drop-out.
3. This fork has a long taper on the OD of the steer tube that makes it even stronger than before but prohibits you from running it on a frame with some old school headsets (the ones with really thick lower cups). This is no big deal as most riders that want a really light fork will have an integrated frame.
4. The insert for the headset tensioning cap now has a machined groove on the top and the bottom to reduce weight. Also, the new aluminum top caps are shorter and lighter than before. They also have a machined edge that won't scratch your stem like the first version.

Lifetime warranty to the original owner! Weighs only 36.7 ounces!

By S&M