Review - Answer's Battleaxe Fork
Last update:
3 March, 2007
Answer are the undisputed world leader in BMX specific race forks. Their
Battleaxe fork was the next step in the evolution of the Mag
fork. How much
more could
the
Mag
fork
change?
They
were already
stiff
and
strong extremely light.
 The Battleaxe uses carbon fiber legs which, as you
should know, is extremely light but unlike the Mag forks these do not require
reinforcing to give them the strength and stiffness. That's right the
legs are not reinforced, however, the dropouts are 6061 aluminum and are
internally
molded
to the
leg. This is much stronger than any other method
of attaching the dropouts. Stronger than welded steel, bonded aluminum, and
even 1 piece designs.
We asked Answer's Joey Licata about the weight limit for the forks this
is what he had to say "The Battleaxe forks have no weight limit. If you can
put them on your bike, then
you can
run
'em.
Keep
in mind
they
are
designed
specifically
as
a race
fork and not as
a freestyle or jumping fork."
Looks:
The carbon texture is usually enough to turn heads but Answer, who always pay
attention to the smallest details, have really gone all out to make a functional
and good looking fork. The decals are nothing short of perfect, they really
make these forks stand out, they often become the centre of attention and discussion.
Testing:
 I have been running the Battleaxe forks for around three months
now, having stepped up from Answer Mag forks, so for me it was just a matter
of swap them over and away you go. They did feel slightly different to the
Mag forks. They felt even more responsive in corners and on the gate, but
more importantly I am confident they will stay in one piece while jumping.
I weigh 230ish pounds
and I'm far from the smoothest guy out on the track, but I'll still have
a bash at a jump and usually, the first time, will come up short or 50/50.
That's a lot of abuse for a fork to take day in day out but the Battleaxe
forks are up for it.
Battleaxe stats:
- Molded high density carbon legs with forged aluminum dropouts
- High strength forged crown & dropouts
- 1 1/8" 7050 aluminum steerer tube
- molded multi-direction carbon fiber legs
- added stiffness gives improved cornering ability
- MSRP $US199.95
- Crown race to center of axle is 312mm. Total offset is 29mm.
Answer products are distributed in Australia by Answer Manitou Australia.
To find out more about Answer products visit www.answerproducts.com.
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