Test results for front fork

Tests conducted on MCF-01 front fork

			Result
Fork Impact Test	22.5 kg 180 mm / 3 times	Non EN	Pass
Fork Impact Test	22.5 kg 640 mm / 3 times	EN 14781 4.9.5	Pass
Fork Fatigue Test	+ 650N - 550N/ 5Hz / 100,000	EN 14781 4.9.6	Pass
Fork Deflection Test	Loading 22.5 kg Front / Reverse 3mm	Non EN	Pass
Fork Deflection Test	Loading 22.5 kg Right / Left 5mm	Non EN	Pass

Frame and Wheel obtained the results of the testing conducted on the MCR-01 front fork (known as MCF-01). These are important tests, given that most re-calls Frame and Wheel is aware of are related to splintering stems and cracking forks. Frame and Wheel read recently about how Toyota has lost its leading market share position in the United States because of the repeated re-calls over the previous years. The point is that if a recall can weaken a company like Toyota, it will crush a small bicycle company. Frame and Wheel must take these results at face value for the moment, but as things proceed, Frame and Wheel will have the frames tested again in the US. It is not difficult to do, it is just an extra cost and a sacrifice of a few frames.

Frame and Wheel believes that the Fork Deflection Test conducted by the manufacturer's third party testing service meets the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements for front forks. That test requires that 350 in-lbs (29.1 ft-lb) or 39.5 Joules of energy be applied against the fork until it bends 64 mm or 2.5 inches. It can't show evidence of fracture. Clearly, this test was originated in the 70s, when steel was the primary material for bike frames and forks. A carbon fork would break long before bending 2.5 inches. Nevertheless, the MCF-01 fork passed a deflection test where 22.5 kilograms (50 lbs.) was pressed forward against the front fork until it deflected 3 mm and backwards against the back of the fork until it deflected 3 mm (and moved back into its original position each time).  Frame and Wheel calculates that 350 in-lb of force required by the CPSC is about 4 kilograms per square meter. This means that the front fork passed a test that used 5.6x more force, but 58 mm less deflection. Frame and Wheel suspects that a close examination of the Non EN standard tests conducted on the frame and fork will exceed the CPSC standards in this way.

The CPSC out dated standards explain why all bicycle brands test according to EN or European Union standards. These standards are comprehensive and explain how to test for carbon frames and forks. Frame and Wheel notes that the MCR-01 meets two out of the three EN standards for front forks and two out of the four tests for frames and forks. 

Standard	Description	Test	Conducted
EN 14781 4.8.2	Frame and fork assembly - impact test (falling mass)	22.5 kg / 212 mm / 1 times	Yes
EN 14781 4.8.3	Frame and fork assembly - impact test (falling frame)	70 kg / 75mm	No
EN 14781 4.8.4	Frame - fatigue test with pedaling forces	1100 N / 100,000 cycles	Yes
EN 14781 4.8.5	Frame - fatigue test with horizontal forces	+ / - 600 N / 100,000 cycles	No
EN 14781 4.9.4	Front fork - static bending test	1,200 N for 1 min	No
EN 14781 4.9.5	Front fork - rearward impact test	22.5 kg / 640 mm	Yes
EN 14781 4.9.6	Front fork - bending fatigue test	+ / - 620 N / 25Hz 100,000 cycles	Yes