Wanted wanted (in the UK) 1,1/8" early composite rigid MTB fork (Bontrager, Switchblade, PaceRC30 etc) for pre-suspsension geometry

[M477]

I'm looking at a doing a ti 'Trailblazer' build (26" gravel bike) out of an early HeiHei frame and looking for a 1,1/8" fork I can replace the steerer tube on so I can run AHead on this frame for the first time.

Annoyingly I had a spare pair of RC30's that would have been ideal but sold them as I didn't have any projects to consider, I also had some Tange Switchblades that would have been great (but they were 1") - so something like that I can fit a long 1,1/8 Ahead steerer too

I don't mind a tatty painted fork that needs a refurb. Being a '92/'93 frame I do need a fork that is not long (ie for later suspension geometry)

 

[tangent]

Hello, @M477

I have the RC30 generation 2 era forks availible. I am original owner of these from new so can vouch for care & riding history since 1993.

1 1/8” threadless steerer: 210mm

£230 + £9.95 postage
2nd Class Royal Mail to UK address

Some images below to show condition.
Note cosmetic patina to the nickle plating.

 

[M477]

Thanks for that - yes, I still have a set of those Columbus-legged RC-30s on my late father's bike (that I can't touch for sentimental reasons), and I run the original Reynolds531-legged RC-30 on my Marin TeamTi from the late '90s - both are excellent forks.

Yours certain have the steerer length I would need to convert my 20" '92 HeiHei to Ahead with some decent stem height. I will give those some thought and thanks for taking the time to show me what you have there.

 

[tangent]

Thanks for that - yes, I still have a set of those Columbus-legged RC-30s on my late father's bike (that I can't touch for sentimental reasons), and I run the original Reynolds531-legged RC-30 on my Marin TeamTi from the late '90s - both are excellent forks.

Yours certain have the steerer length I would need to convert my 20" '92 HeiHei to Ahead with some decent stem height. I will give those some thought and thanks for taking the time to show me what you have there.

Your welcome, am pleased the photographs were helpful , lots more here:
PACE RC30 mk.2 Columbus leg plated version

I also have the Reynolds 531 ealier version , complete with the original sparkly / irridescent stickers.

Not certain if could be part with those (the mk.1 version) just yet tho’ as have a early Overbury’s Pioneer frame as a project underway & I know from riding experience would RC30 be nicer…

For info: here is link to flickr album showing:

PACE RC30 Reynolds 531 Mk.1 fork legs

 

[M477]

I'd hang onto your mk.1s if I were you (I sold my original Reynolds531 Pace RC31 and spent ages tracking down another set -for my Marin Team Ti - (mainly because that what I had on a team-ti in the late'90s and its a nostalgia thing).
Thanks for the photos but not sure what I could do with your mk.2's to make them presentable again - as decrhroming and re-coating again isn't really an option due to the bonded drop outs on that model. A good option though.

I think I'll probably just try my build first with the Kona P2's I have fitted presently unless I spot something I can't refuse. Still gutted for selling my Tange Switchblades for £150 not that long ago as they were basically a Tange Presige version of the Bontrager forks that are a lot more expensive and rare to find in the UK.

There are not many others to chose from really - a Ritchey Logic MTB fork maybe but finding a toidy set of those for sensible money is getting tricky too. I don't mind repainting a fork though, but probably not re-chroming.

 

[tangent]

Yes indeed , I agreee with you about keeping hold of them…have seen some really ncie examples on here of my the Columbus versions resprayed white really liked the effect.

Gosh wish had spotted your tange Switchblades !!! I ride Bontragers mostly and would love a set.

GLWsearching for suitable fork… maybe add the USE rigid fork to list , but presumably quite rare too.