Suspension corrected forks

[Chr15]

I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction on the topic of replacing suspension forks with rigid forks.

I've been commuting on my trusty Saracen Mantra VX for about 7 weeks and I've been absolutely loving it. On the advice of members of this forum, I've gotten rid of the knobbly tyres and my 14 mile commute takes me about 1 hr 10 mins.

It was suggested that I might consider changing my suspension forks to rigid forks, and this is what I now intend to do. I'm not sure, though, what forks would be suitable.

My current Suntour suspension forks have 120mm of travel and the wheel size is 26". My current setup is V brakes but I may look at upgrading to discs in the near future.

Most of the rigid forks I have seen are suspension corrected for between 80 and 100mm of tavel and I'm concerned about altering the geometry of the bike too drastically. I really like the look of the Kenesis Maxlight XLT forks ( http://www.wiggle.co.uk/kinesis-maxlight-xlt-fork/ ). Would these be suitable or can anyone suggest any alternatives?

Thanks!

 

[sabian92]

If you want discs, make sure whatever forks you get have the mounts on it to actually fit them. I know nothing else about forks but if it's one thing, make sure you get ones with mounts!

 

[Cyclist33]

Go carbon and get ones that look similar in shape to a suspension fork. Light as a feather.

I don't think a 20mm difference in the travel will make much difference if you're riding an MTB predominantly on roads.

Stu

 

[anyuser]

I haven't bought from them but these look interesting and you can get both V and disk mounts:
http://www.carboncycles.cc/index.php

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

My current Suntour suspension forks have 120mm of travel and the wheel size is 26". My current setup is V brakes but I may look at upgrading to discs in the near future.

Most of the rigid forks I have seen are suspension corrected for between 80 and 100mm of tavel and I'm concerned about altering the geometry of the bike too drastically. I really like the look of the Kenesis Maxlight XLT forks ( http://www.wiggle.co.uk/kinesis-maxlight-xlt-fork/ ). Would these be suitable or can anyone suggest any alternatives?

Thanks!

If I were you I wouldn't get those Kinesis. They have A2C of 437mm. While I have no idea what your Suntour's A2C is most 120mm forks have A2C of around 495mm, assuming 25% sag that will require corresponding rigid forks A2C of (495 - 25%x120) or 465mm to maintain headtube angle and trail, assuming the forks have the similar offsets, which typically are close to 40mm.

The best way to expand choice is by considering 29er/700c 100mm corrected rigid forks, which typically have A2C close to 465mm, AND convert to disc up front at the same time (because such forks' V brake bosses if exist will be in the wrong place for 26" wheels). Depending on your existing front wheel you might have to change it to one that can take a rotor (best do some sums to see whether the conversion is worth it). If you go for cable disc (Avid BB7 is probably the best) you can keep your existing brifter/brake lever.

 

[Chr15]

If I were you I wouldn't get those Kinesis. They have A2C of 437mm. While I have no idea what your Suntour's A2C is most 120mm forks have A2C of around 495mm, assuming 25% sag that will require corresponding rigid forks A2C of (495 - 25%x120) or 465mm to maintain headtube angle and trail, assuming the forks have the similar offsets, which typically are close to 40mm.

The best way to expand choice is by considering 29er/700c 100mm corrected rigid forks, which typically have A2C close to 465mm, AND convert to disc up front at the same time (because such forks' V brake bosses if exist will be in the wrong place for 26" wheels). Depending on your existing front wheel you might have to change it to one that can take a rotor (best do some sums to see whether the conversion is worth it). If you go for cable disc (Avid BB7 is probably the best) you can keep your existing brifter/brake lever.

Fantastic advice. Thanks very much!!

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Fantastic advice. Thanks very much!!

A pleasure.

 

[simon.r]

Just to throw a bit of a spanner in the works....it may be worth looking at buying a new (or second-hand) road bike or hybrid. At £100 for a fork and £50 (?) for a disc brake you're spending a fair bit of cash and with the best will in the world your MTB will always be a MTB, albeit modified to suit your needs.

£150 will go a fair way towards a shiny new bike and you get to keep your MTB for off-road or as a spare if and when your road bike is poorly

 

[hennbell]

For all the work involved I would just get a new bike, but that is my answer to about everything and I now have 5 bikes.

 

[Cyclist33]

Lol