Rigid forks for older Zaskar ?

twonks

Following on from my previous threads on bikes and rebuilds etc, I ended up building up my old Zaskar LE frameset to the below.



Having rode it a few times as is I have come to the conclusion that FS is my ride of choice. The HT is just too hard on my back (herniated a disc some time ago). The FS is also lighter and can be locked out so no real need to take the Zaskar any further in reality.

So I am now wanting to create a road / towpath machine, with rigid forks and maybe higher gearing. The gears can come later, but what are peoples thoughts on potential forks, tyres and disk/Vs for the front?

I'm not light at 100Kg, so the lightest carbon forks may not be an option (although I do like the look), and have a set of XTR Vs available if a disk is thought to be excessive for the use intended.

Tyres are another issue. The Pirahnas on it now are virtual semi slicks but obviously not really fast enough for road use. Pure road skinnies are not good enough for woods and canal towpaths.....

I intend to be riding it around 18miles on road (to work) and 24 miles or so back along canal sides and roads.

Also wanting to go back to flat bars and bar ends.

Thoughts and opinions appreciated?

Cheers.

cat_with_no_tail

For Rigid forks, Kona P2s are a nice cheap option.
You could also look at offerings from on-one, and Exotic. No need to worry too much about weight for any of those, especially as it's only going to be used on road and canal paths.

Brakes, if you've already got the XTR Vs, may as well stick with them. You're unlikely to need much more power than that for what you're doing and the weight saving will all help.

Flat bars, again, I'd look at exotic, they do some scandium flats that are about as light as they come at about 115g and they are dirt cheap. Couple them with some foam grips and you'll save a load of weight for very little cash.

paulbox

I went down the route that you're heading towards last summer, turned my GT hardtail in to a commuter with Schwalbe City Jets, though I left the sus forks on it.

18 miles on the road on a mtb is a real drag (mine is 23), whatever you are considering spending on your conversion, look and see what you can get that is designed for the road. It makes a huge difference in speed etc.

e.g. This Carrera TDF road bike is on offer at £349 at Halfords at the moment:
www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/serv ... yId_165710

By the time you've got your forks, tyres and gearing sorted, you'll probably be somewhere near that.

supersonic

It will weigh less than the carrera though, and be a bit more versatile. I'd look at the exotic forks, 425 for quick handling, 445 for a bit more relaxed.

paulbox

supersonic wrote:

It will weigh less than the carrera though, and be a bit more versatile. I'd look at the exotic forks, 425 for quick handling, 445 for a bit more relaxed.

I agree re preventing the journey home on the tow path (cyclo cross bike maybe?), but I bet the Carrera would be quicker over 18 road miles than the Zaskar with any forks (except ones with a motor built in...).

And what's with the big downer on Halfords today mate...

supersonic

Haha, I take Halfords as they come - if they are bad, I'll let it be known ;-)

I have my Zaskar LE built up in a similar fashion - have some P2s for it for road work, and with slick tyres is about 20lbs. Only the gearing makes it any slower than a road bike really. With bar ends cn gtquite an efficient position, and aero efficiency only comes into play at above about 16mph anyway.

So a few options!

paulbox

To be honest, I was just sharing my experience of trying to commute over a pretty long distance on a mtb. I think the money is better directed elsewhere.

However, you are correct, if "riding home along tow paths" is the prime objective, a road bike would not be a good idea... CX...

twonks

Thanks all for the replies.

A road bike isn't really an option as I just don't get on with them. Had two and yes ultimate road speed is better, but I wouldn't fancy one on the canal and possibly off road as needed.

I love how the zaskar rides just don't get on with the HT idea any more for general off road use. Giving it a new lease of life as a cross over type ride should hopefully keep it alive a bit longer.

Will try some forks, bars and more suitable tyres and see how it goes.