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.