Choosing a rigid fork

[EndoMaster]

I have an old Schwinn hardtail that originally came equipped with a 63mm fork. I ended up replacing that fork with a Rockshox Psylo and things weren't so bad at the 85mm setting but I could tell that the steeper headtube angle had slowed the steering down a bit.

I really want to put a rigid fork on there but I'm not sure what A.C measurement I ought to go with. I've seen a few ranging from 391 to around 425, I Know that a taller A.C measurement equates to a longer travel fork but what measurement would I be looking for if I wanted to find the equivalent of a 63mm to 80mm fork?

Agustin

[dstepper]

Kona Project 2 fork maybe $60 new. Designed for a 80mm bike. Surly fork $80 new for the 1 x 1 also a 80mm fork.

How much money do you what to spend? They have some nice ti and carbon forks out there that cost as much as suspension forks.

[FoShizzle]

Originally Posted by EndoMaster

I have an old Schwinn hardtail that originally came equipped with a 63mm fork. I ended up replacing that fork with a Rockshox Psylo and things weren't so bad at the 85mm setting but I could tell that the steeper headtube angle had slowed the steering down a bit.

I really want to put a rigid fork on there but I'm not sure what A.C measurement I ought to go with. I've seen a few ranging from 391 to around 425, I Know that a taller A.C measurement equates to a longer travel fork but what measurement would I be looking for if I wanted to find the equivalent of a 63mm to 80mm fork?

Agustin

Depends.....

it depends on which 80mm fork you liked the feel of and what about it you liked. In other words, if it had a lockout and you liked the way it felt locked out when climbing for example, you could simply look at 80mm forks and use their axle to crown measurements as a baseline.

if you like for example the 80mm fork "just riding along", then to get an analogous length rigid fork you would have to consider not only the axle to crown on the 80mm suspension fork but take into account the amount of sag you ride, and subtract that from the posted axle to crown.

also, not all 80mm forks are created equal of course when it comes to height (ie, axle to crown). generally, marzocchi are taller so for the same given amount of travel, they will be a little taller than say fox or rockshox.

using Rockshox 80mm for example, thought it depends on model/year, but the axle to crown for the 80mm forks is about 454mm. So you figure you ride at about 25% sag, that bring the "riding" axle to crown for that fork to about 434mm. Marzocchi 80mm racing fork has 459mm so while not a lot, a tiny bit taller. Other Marz forks are more extreme in difference in height vs. competitors.

An older Duke U-Turn 63mm fork had an axle to crown of 439mm so riding along, would have a height of 423mm.

So to not spend a fortune, perhaps something like a Surly 1x1 (at 413mm) might be nice. But you can ultimately get any axle to crown if you dont mind a custom fork.

cheers

[EndoMaster]

Guys, thanks for the input. The Surly fork sounds like a good choice seeing as how its fairly priced and readily available.

FoShizzle, custom is definitley not an option with this bike. It's a beater slash loaner slash..........well you guys get the idea. Now if ever decide to build a blinglespeed then that Pace carbon fork is tempting.

Agustin

[FoShizzle]

yeah....i would recommend either the Surly 1x1 fork or the On-One Inbred or Planet X Superlight. The On-One forks (26" version) I think are 420mm, though about $40 more or so.

Having said that, i have owned a Surly 1x1, Surly Karate Monkey, and On-One Inbred fork and I love the On-One fork (currently have one on a bike). Not only does it look cooler, but I honestly believe it is more compliant. The Surly forks (Karate Monkey included) are great at picking and keeping a line but have ZERO forgiveness. Now I am not one of those freaks who thinks any rigid fork is gonna fell like even 1" of travel but the On-One forks do seem better....at least based on my opinion.

cheers

[ocrider]

check out the bontrager switchblade its a nice light carbon core fork

[dstepper]

Before sugesting anything carbon I always what to know someones weight.

I would love a Pace 32 carbon fork, would need to loose 20+ lbs first...not going to happen!

[EndoMaster]

In all honesty carbon pieces are not something I ought to be looking at. What was it Cartman said? "I'm not fat, I'm big boned". That describes me to a T so i have to say no to carbon. The Surly will be the way to go for me.

[dirttorpeedo]

mmmmmmmnnn cromoly.