How to shop for a good rigid fork?

[Ugo51]

Hi all,

Wanting to swap the suspension fork for a rigid one (mid-'90 Cinelli MTB), do you have any advice on how to choose a good fork?
I see there are very cheap forks around, but what makes a rigid fork good, other than the building quality?

Cheers,

Ugo

 

[MatBH5]

Re:

Hi Ugo,
You’ll want to narrow down the field based on steerer diameter (and length) whether this is threaded, threadless, v-brake or cantilever (probably not discs) and the axel-crown measurement, which might be guessed from the travel of the suspension fork.
If for 1” threaded steerer, 26” wheel etc then new options might be limited. You should find plenty good secondhand though
Kona Project 2, especially the triple butted, had a good reputation, we’re used for many years including by custom frame builders.
Mat

 

[was8v]

Tange forks, look for "spinner" cast in the dropouts.

Reynolds stickers on them etc

Marin Rockstar are great forks.

Pace or Tange switchblade

etc etc

 

[ti_pin_man]

not pace.

 

[Ugo51]

Re:

Thanks!
Of all those names I only new Tange. I will check the others, also to have an idea what sort of budget they require.

Unfortunately my choice is limited by the fact I need a fork with cantilever/v-brake mount, 1-1/8, threadless. Which is not a very common combination.
Forks with the double brake mount (V-brakes and disc) are reasonably common, but I don't like them...

 

[xerxes]

Re:

How long do you need the steerer to be?

I have a couple of 90s steel forks I don't need, both v-brake/cantilever only, with 1 1/8" steerers, Cro-Mo, 390mm axle to crown. One is from a Giant and I think the other is from a Specialized, but I'm not certain.

 

[Ugo51]

Re:

I just missed the best Marin Rockstar I had ever seen...

Ideally I'd like the steerer to be 200mm but I can make do with less. I don't have the measurement with me now, I will double check once at home. Thanks for the offer

 

[xerxes]

Re:

Here's what I have:

Axle to crown: 390mm
Steerer: 190mm 1-1/8" threadless
Weight: 964g

Yours for £35.00 posted.

The other forks I have are actually threaded.