Converting MTB to Tourer Dummy's Guide Needed

[sam1105]

I want to fit a rigid fork on my BH Spyro (http://www.bikezona.com/bicicletas/todobici-ficha.asp?id=6977) so I can do some touring without buying a new bike.

Firstly, is this a good/passable idea? It's a light MTB (alloy) and with road tyres think it will go okay.

Second, I don't know where to start in getting FORKS. Are there a range of sizes/fittings etc. that I need to know about. The frame is 47cm. The wheels are 26inch (sorry to mix metric and imperial!) But does the type of fitting onto the frame make a difference?

Then, is steel the best way to go, given the rest of the bike is alloy. Or should I, if I can, fork out (excuse the pun) for carbon?

Sorry for the many questions that are probably already kind of answered elsewhere. Any info and advice appreciated.

 

[blockend]

Fitting a new fork is a bit of a faff for occasional touring. If you intend going for narrower road tyres (than your knobblies) some would say front suspension is a good idea.
If you need front panniers - and you may not, even for an extended tour - there are systems available for suspension forks. Unless you want to go on an expedition, in which case you'll be looking at a dedicated bike, I'd leave well alone.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Unless I am mistaken your fork allows lock out manually, if so all changing to a rigid fork does is saving you around 1.5kgs for a steel one and 2kgs for a carbon one. You will have to decide whether if it is worth the trouble and expense.

I would get some Continental Sport Contact 26x1.6 (or 26x1.3 if you are careful with kerbs/potholes) and pumping them up to 80psi.

For touring you would want to think about racks and mudguards etc. and how to mount them.

 

[battered]

Good plan. My old MTB has morphed into this at minimal cost. I'm about to remove the susp forks I fitted 10 yrs aho and refit the rigids it cane with in 95. The thing recently did 300 miles in a week without a hitch.

Reverse evolution, I love it.