Lefty fork on a Cannondale Topstone?

[RoadToad84]

I fell in love with the Slate when it came out, but needed a bike with frame mounts at the time so settled for a Topstone (aluminium). I've since put 13,000 miles on it, and still love it, but can't get the oddball forks out of my head.

Bit of a numpty when it comes to owt mechanical, so what hurdles can I expect to face with fitting a lefty fork? Would the bars and wheel be compatible, or do I need to change the whole front end?

[TheDrownedApe]

i dabbled with the idea for about 2 mins until i realised it isn't just a new fork. it's a new hub, wheel (potentially) steerer etc

I think the new ocho is better suited to interchangeability but older versions are not worth effort...IMO

[Mazinbrum]

It might be me but I’ve never liked the idea of a lefty fork.
In my mind it can’t be as strong even if that single fork is twice as strong due to the loss of the box section shape that two forks create.

[numtumfutunch]

Dont do it!

I had one on an MTB and it was brilliant combining light weight with great performance and odd ball looks and everyone on the trail wants to talk to you

And then I tried to get it serviced........

Nobody apart from a shop in Bristol would touch it and I certainly wasnt going to dismantle the whole front end and mail it off to them so I swapped the bike

And you'll also need lefty specific front wheels/hubs - not a deal breaker but more hassle

Cheers

[RoadToad84]

Thanks for that!

I'll just put a poster of a Slate on the shed wall or something instead!

[wobert]

Slate you say, had mine 4 years….love it!

The Lefty rides better than a conventional fork, imho, plus as others have said, you get plenty of interest on the trail.