See other failures under 000.html.

Small-wheel Fork Failures

Caption: "Ti fork broken at base of steerer tube Photo courtesy of Tom Lawrence".

     

http://mrbill.homeip.net/albums/brokenBikeParts/single-image/BB-20150217-0001-photo.html

Caption: Crack on Gold Rush "Spinner" fork (chrome-plated steel) The crack is on the weld bead between the left leg and the steerer tube. The left end of the crack rises into the weld bead at the crown race. The right end of the crack is near the fender screw hole. See the following photos for crack details. The crack is approximately 15mm long. The fork is chrome-plated steel, was manufactured in 1998 and has approximately 26000 miles on it.

        

Chrome is relatively brittle; it is possible that it cracked and led to rust or other damage under the crack.

It is not stated at the source page, but these forks were probably used on high-milage electrified long-wheelbase recumbent bicycles. The long wheelbase probably somewhat reduces weight on the fork compared to the load on an upright bicycle. However, the front wheel may still provide a substantial portion of the braking load.

The dimensions ar enot stated but it appears to be a 1-inch (25.4 mm) steer tube.