long(ish) daily commute on my mtb

[MoG]

With the latest increase in petrol prices, I am left with no option but to dig out my Saracen Instinct mtb to ride the 20 mile each way daily commute (to start at 5am and finish whenever).
I have replaced the massive 2.35 mud tyres and fitted kevlar slicks. The only other things I want /can afford to do are revert back to rear v brakes to allow pannier fitment, and replace the ultra heavy 120mm front shocks with a rigid fork.
Can anyone tell me a rigid fork that would be suitable for this bike? I know this cycle is far from the ideal commuter, but I am not currently in a position to spend on a road bike. Maybe in a few months that will be an option, until then, I will just have to make the most of what I have got.

 

[her_welshness]

Either make and mend, or join your local freecycle club (freecycle.org). There is nearly always someone on there giving away bicycles and you may be able to pick up a hybrid from there? 20 miles on a mtb is obviously do-able but not that fun. Sorry that I cannot offer advice about forks, good luck with the commute!

 

[cyberknight]

With the latest increase in petrol prices, I am left with no option but to dig out my Saracen Instinct mtb to ride the 20 mile each way daily commute (to start at 5am and finish whenever).
I have replaced the massive 2.35 mud tyres and fitted kevlar slicks. The only other things I want /can afford to do are revert back to rear v brakes to allow pannier fitment, and replace the ultra heavy 120mm front shocks with a rigid fork.
Can anyone tell me a rigid fork that would be suitable for this bike? I know this cycle is far from the ideal commuter, but I am not currently in a position to spend on a road bike. Maybe in a few months that will be an option, until then, I will just have to make the most of what I have got.

You can get pannier racks that go around disc brakes or even a seat post rack dependent on if you have the fixing , forks are a bit more problematic as you need to find one with the same length as yours when you are on the bike if you know what i mean , i am sure there are plenty about.

Another option is to look how much petrol is costing you a month or two and shop around on ebay etc or you Local Bike shop and see it as a long term investment.
I picked up a TDF 08 road bike for £100 just before Christmas and although it will not break any records it is sturdy enough to commuter 10 miles each way with all my panniers lights , etc.

I have found freecycle bikes assuming you can even get one before the scammers pounce to be a bit problematic as all the ones i have managed to pick up have been ready for the skip and of very poor quality.

 

[MoG]

Thanks for the replies and advice. Think for the first couple of months I will make and mend with what Ive got using a backpack. If I put petrol money aside (about£50 per week), then it wont be too long before I can visit my LBS, and in the meantime my riding fitness will hopefully have multiplied.