I've sent my Patterson Long frame and these forks to Rod Miles to work his magic on them. But I am unsure at this point if these are real Bottema forks. If they are not, what brand are they? Simple fakes? Worth restoring, or look for something else? Sorry these are the only pics I have, and they are on the way to Rod...

Any help would be greatly appreciated! - Tim

Those were the race version, dropouts were shorter and the legs didn`t hang down as much.

I`ve only seen one set of those in person and that was in 1983.

Hi, they look like the race version. You need to look at all the welds and look inside the main head-set tube for better ID (if Bottema). A front veiw would help as well
Hope that helps a bit

They were good enough for Mr Fiola in 82. I have a set of the skatepark model. The race ones are much lighter too.

i feel better now tim.i sent those forks to tim and we were thinking they might be fakes

COOL! That's why I asked. I had only see really good close ups of the Bottema forks where the dropouts had a longer contact point on the leg, going down more past the dropout. I just wanted to be sure they were the real deal before repairs.

Anybody have any decals for swap or sell? I've got all the Patterson decals I need for the frame once it's done, but nothing for the forks. Thanks - Tim

Tim, if you don't use them I'll gladly buy them from you!
Glenn

BMX Museum has the stickers for your forks.
try this link!

[ January 30, 2006, 07:12 AM: Message edited by: COASTVL ]

Well if I had matching Patterson forks... I might be willing to sell them, but it seems like I am always short on forks, I have two other frames needing forks right now as well.

These are currently on the way to Rod Miles to have the dropouts repaired, then they are going to be re-chromed.

No worries Tim. I always ask because they don't come up too often It's even worse down here in Aust. I was lucky to keep mine from 82.

This is the first pair I have ever personally seen. That's why I wasn't certain they were the real deal. The pics (most pics) I have seen the bottom edge of the dropout extends farther on down the fork leg. I never realized that there were a race and freestyle version, I just thought there was Bottema forks, period.

I'd actually prefer to have Patterson forks, since that's what I had on mine as a kid. But these are pretty much era correct and I know a lot of people ran these forks as opposed to matching forks from the frame maker bitd.

I'll keep you in mind should a suitable pair of Patterson forks become available. Even though I need forks for two other frames besides my Patterson right now, the Bottema forks wouldn't be suitable for those builds. One is a 1991 chrome plated chromoly SE Assassin, the other is a black 2004 SE Quadangle.

I've got forks for the Quad coming soon I believe, at least a deal is in the works for some black Landing Gear, still searching for something suitable for the Assassin...