Don’t laugh. This is not the first time I’ve ridden a bike. I have a Giant TCR2 and just swapped out the stock fork (Giant Aero Composite) for a Reynolds Ouzo Pro, 45mm rake. I have a set of Mavic SSC SL wheels. I can’t get the front wheel on! It appears that the hubs are too wide (or the dropouts too narrow). I have compared to the original fork and the dropouts LOOK to be the same width.
Is is possible the fork has a defect and the manufacturing tolerances are off enough that I have a real issue?
Is there any paint or excess material on the dropouts? All it takes is a tiny bit and tight tolerances will make it so the wheel won’t go in.
I have a Mavic front wheel for training and an H3 for racing. I put a 404 in once and it didn’t fit. A file to a small buildup of paint on the dropouts and it popped right in.
ALso, try spreading the fork by hand just a touch as your are putting the wheel in. I am not saying pull it apart like a wish bone, but 1/8" can make the difference of the wheel popping right in.