Rigid fork advice

TheRevOlutionary
TheRevOlutionary Posts: 1,176
edited August 2012 in MTB buying advice
Ok, so I'm now considering switching from my ageing Dart 2 front fork to a rigid, so I can save some weight and climb better. I keep the current fork in lock-out most of the time, so figured it might be worth it.

What are the main differences with the rigid forks, other than weight with the carbon/alloy options? I know I have a 1.1/8th steerer, but what's the difference with 42.5 or 44.5 length? 26 or 29 wheel? Is the offset critical? Anything else i need to consider?

Excuse the questions, just want to make sure I get the right one!
Newbie with a Felt Q720

A day where you don't learn something is a waste...
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Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    the length depends on your frame designe and what length sus fork it was designed for.

    so measure/look up your AC length and select a Carbon fork AC that is about 20% less than your fork AC length.

    20% is a very very rough estimate 1" is also fine.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Chunkers1980
    Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    That would mean that you have a 5" A2C. I'd go with just an inch less.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    That would mean that you have a 5" A2C. I'd go with just an inch less.

    wtf? short arse or what.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Thanks guys. (AC = Axle to crown length, yes?!?)

    You've mentioned carbon, is that 'recommended'? Are they more forgiving with the bumps you may see, or is it a purely weight based example?
    Newbie with a Felt Q720

    A day where you don't learn something is a waste...
  • Ok, so it looks like I have an approx 453mm AC length and 39mm offset.

    Is it best to just do a like-for-like swap, allowing for the 20%?
    Newbie with a Felt Q720

    A day where you don't learn something is a waste...
  • Chunkers1980
    Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    Yes that's a2c. Measure your sus fork length and take off about an inch to account for the sag you will no longer have.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    AC yes Axel to Crown

    I would not look at any ridgid fork that was not carbon.

    Dart 80: 454mm
    Dart 100: 471mm
    Dart 120: 501mm
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • nicklouse wrote:
    AC yes Axel to Crown

    I would not look at any ridgid fork that was not carbon.

    Dart 80: 454mm
    May I ask why though? I had kind of assumed to be getting a carbon one anyway, but always good to get a bit of knowledge along the way! So based on this info, I need the 42.5cm AC.

    How critical is the offset? I like these, but it makes no mention of any option on the AC, and has a 9mm dropout?
    Newbie with a Felt Q720

    A day where you don't learn something is a waste...
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    9mm is standard front drop out.

    carbon takes (or can take) some of the buzz out.

    they give the AC 470mm so suitable for a 120mm sus fork replacement but could be used on a 100mm designed frame.

    I would not put them on a frame for 80mm.

    look at some other fork.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Those on ones are also tapered. You will not have a tapered headset if using such a basic fork i am guessing?

    these will be perfect

    http://www.carboncycles.cc/?s=0&t=2&c=43&p=196&
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    Those on ones are also tapered. You will not have a tapered headset if using such a basic fork i am guessing?

    these will be perfect

    http://www.carboncycles.cc/?s=0&t=2&c=43&p=196&
    +1
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • nicklouse wrote:
    9mm is standard front drop out.

    carbon takes (or can take) some of the buzz out.

    they give the AC 470mm so suitable for a 120mm sus fork replacement but could be used on a 100mm designed frame.

    I would not put them on a frame for 80mm.

    look at some other fork.
    Fair enough, thanks Nick.

    Am intrigued that BikeFridge can offer the eXotic forks cheaper than CarbonCC?
    Newbie with a Felt Q720

    A day where you don't learn something is a waste...
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    They are the same people.
  • supersonic wrote:
    They are the same people.
    ...that'd be why then!
    Newbie with a Felt Q720

    A day where you don't learn something is a waste...
  • Those on ones are also tapered. You will not have a tapered headset if using such a basic fork i am guessing?

    these will be perfect

    http://www.carboncycles.cc/?s=0&t=2&c=43&p=196&
    44.5 as opposed to 42.5? Make any real odds?
    Newbie with a Felt Q720

    A day where you don't learn something is a waste...
  • Anyone used these guys on eBay? They look fine, and are only just over 500g! They also do a bar and stem combo which looks awesome!
    Newbie with a Felt Q720

    A day where you don't learn something is a waste...
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    a bit tall and NO way.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • nicklouse wrote:
    a bit tall and NO way.
    Lol, why not?! :lol:

    Can you cut the head tube length down?
    Newbie with a Felt Q720

    A day where you don't learn something is a waste...
  • Chunkers1980
    Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    Tall as in a2c - those have 45cm, but yes you really have to cut the steerer.

    No way probably mean that stem bar combo - not really for mountain bikes - best you can change individual bits.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    nicklouse wrote:
    a bit tall and NO way.
    Lol, why not?! :lol:

    Can you cut the head tube length down?

    like i saide the AC is wrong.

    a head tube is part of your frame.

    and the stem bar combo. just NO unless you have a penchant for Lycra.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Tall as in a2c - those have 45cm, but yes you really have to cut the steerer.

    No way probably mean that stem bar combo - not really for mountain bikes - best you can change individual bits.
    Just spotted the AC length, not ideal, but makes it useful for 26 or 29 I guess. Amazing that they can be longer, but almost half the weight of the eXotic ones though?!

    So it's a stereotypical thing, rather than 'won't fit' thing?! Lol :lol: but just for the record, I don't enjoy lycra, or stay in the company of anyone that does!!
    Newbie with a Felt Q720

    A day where you don't learn something is a waste...
  • Anyone used these guys on eBay? They look fine, and are only just over 500g! They also do a bar and stem combo which looks awesome!

    There is a thread on mtbr about these forks and some rather nasty pictures of them snapped in two. Some of the weenies seem to use them, but if going for all carbon I would pay extra and save my face.
  • Anyone used these guys on eBay? They look fine, and are only just over 500g! They also do a bar and stem combo which looks awesome!

    There is a thread on mtbr about these forks and some rather nasty pictures of them snapped in two. Some of the weenies seem to use them, but if going for all carbon I would pay extra and save my face.
    Thanks. I am not too fussed to go all carbon, but if you can get one for the same price and it lasts then why not?! I'll go-ogle some reviews and see what I can up turn.
    Newbie with a Felt Q720

    A day where you don't learn something is a waste...
  • Chunkers1980
    Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    what's wrong withthe eXotic or carbon cc ones?

    Carbon is a definate benefit in this case.
  • what's wrong withthe eXotic or carbon cc ones?

    Carbon is a definate benefit in this case.
    Nothing, but there are auction versions of the Hylix ones on eBay for much less, so wanted to ask the question. Having checked now though, I'd not risk the cheap ones, as I've seen some pictures that have scared me a little!!
    Newbie with a Felt Q720

    A day where you don't learn something is a waste...
  • YeehaaMcgee
    YeehaaMcgee Posts: 5,740
    Man alive, over £100 is insane for a rigid fork.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    From the UK? If not add in import tax and VAT, and little warranty.
  • supersonic wrote:
    From the UK? If not add in import tax and VAT, and little warranty.
    Taiwan! Allow 2-3weeks for delivery (plus import taxes if required), but has a 2 year 'warranty' apparently. Won't be risking it though...
    Newbie with a Felt Q720

    A day where you don't learn something is a waste...
  • Man alive, over £100 is insane for a rigid fork.
    Make a cheaper suggestion if you like...!
    Newbie with a Felt Q720

    A day where you don't learn something is a waste...
  • Chunkers1980
    Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    Kona P2. Or £110 suspension fork.