What is a Lefty?

[xnadu]

Explain to me the term lefty used for certain bikes - whats different on n lefty - the gears or what ?

[mtbride]

What did google reveal?

 

https://www.google.co.za/search?q=what+is+a+lefty+bike&biw=1920&bih=971&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0CEEQsARqFQoTCPSig5mG5cgCFQRXFAod_G4Pmw

[JXV]

It refers to a Cannondale 'fork' that has only one vertical strut on the left and a double crown that links the fork leg to both top and bottom of the steerer tube. The single strut contains the air spring and damper assemblies all in one leg.

[428 others]

Google images will probably be your best bet

[Matt]

Hi xnadu,

 

These videos should give you a better idea of what Leftys are about and why Cannondale think they are superior:

[Eugene]

I have a question about a Lefty. This is specific to Cannondale. I have however noted that same people have converted other brands to Lefty. These brands were obviously designed to handle a normal fork.

 

Surely there must be some saftey compromise. If there is only one fork leg on the side, surely that must put undue stress on the head tube (the fork is only on one side). Cannondale, when designing the Lefty, obviously took this into consideration. Other brands would not have done this.

[VicanZA]

the left story has never sat right with me!

 

just dont trust it. 

 

2 is 1 and 1 is none!

[NovakSA]

 

 

 

These videos should give you a better idea of what Leftys are about and why Cannondale think they are superior:

Cannondale don't think the Leftys are better, they know they are the best   

[EmptyB]

I have a question about a Lefty. This is specific to Cannondale. I have however noted that same people have converted other brands to Lefty. These brands were obviously designed to handle a normal fork.Surely there must be some saftey compromise. If there is only one fork leg on the side, surely that must put undue stress on the head tube (the fork is only on one side). Cannondale, when designing the Lefty, obviously took this into consideration. Other brands would not have done this.

Yeah, seen this too. Not convinced!!

[mtbride]

Yeah, seen this too. Not convinced!!

 

Yeah good question on other brands and Leftys, have seen a couple of these on Spez bikes.

[karma]

how many images can you spot of broken lefty's?

 

https://www.google.co.za/search?q=cracked+lefty&espv=2&biw=1920&bih=969&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAWoVChMIrPau4Y_lyAIVAloUCh3cIwqC#tbm=isch&q=cracked+cannondale+lefty

 

I've heard of way more 'Dale frames not making it, than lefty's...

[raptor-22]

I have a question about a Lefty. This is specific to Cannondale. I have however noted that same people have converted other brands to Lefty. These brands were obviously designed to handle a normal fork. Surely there must be some saftey compromise. If there is only one fork leg on the side, surely that must put undue stress on the head tube (the fork is only on one side). Cannondale, when designing the Lefty, obviously took this into consideration. Other brands would not have done this.

 

 

any different stresses due to fitting a Lefty will still go through two bearings at either end of the headtube (same as for any other fork) and the tyre contact patch (same as for any other fork. So no real difference then....?

 

Once you wrap you r head around it its actually and incredibly clever solution to making a stiff, strong and light fork that still divides opinion 15 years after it as first launched

[Mr. G]

I tried it and loved it, don't over think it.

[RocknRolla]

Technically a lefty is not a fork, it's a shock.

[RocknRolla]

Technically a lefty is not a fork, it's a shock.

 

 

Let me rephrase, I know it's a shock, but the lefty is not a fork....

[MarcBurger]

Forces on your headtube wise: There's no additional torsion. It's actually better because it holds on the top and bottom of the steerer tube, which spreads the load better between your headset bearings.

 

...It's a spork