Commuting - i need a new fork...suggestions?

hello.

i'm looking to swap out the suspension fork on my mtb for something more commute-friendly. i'm looking for something that can accomodate 26" wheels and a front rack with bags, if/when i go for l'il tours or whatever.

any specific recomendations?

tia,
-rob

edit: i'm not looking for the cheapest fork, but i dont wanna drop a whole lot of cash on it, either. i guess something between $50-$100USD....

Tange seem to have the market for $50 ridgid forks.
They are a well respected Japanese tube manufacturer, and used on some very good touring bikes, such as the Bruce Gorden BLT.
You may have to get the pannier bosses brazed on.

thanks, michael! =)

-rob

Check out the Brittish companys like Orbit and Thorn who is making tourers and expedition bikes with 26" wheels. Their forks (if sold separate) seems to be working good for commuting. They have all the braze ons and eyelets.

Anders K

Surly (http://www.1x1speed.com) makes a good one for $50 brought to you by those fine folks at QBP. Just what the dr. ordered. Can be had at Webcyclery.com (http://www.webcyclery.com/.docs/product_id/452/category_name/Rigid+Forks/pg/product_detail.html)

If you want to fit fenders for dry riding on wet roads, dont forget the threaded eyelets. Surley provide them on their cyclo-cross 700c fork, but omit them on the 26" model. Pity, they look good.

Originally posted by MichaelW
If you want to fit fenders for dry riding on wet roads, dont forget the threaded eyelets. Surley provide them on their cyclo-cross 700c fork, but omit them on the 26" model. Pity, they look good. I'm pretty sure the Surly fork I have has one set of threaded eyelets. I'll have to check when I get home.

thanks, everyone, for your input. i intend to email the guys at st. john st. cycles about getting one of their forks separately, and how much $$ they want, but im more likely to look at the surly fork.

im concerned about the fender issue, but i can get a shop to fix up some threaded eyelets, cant i?

riderx--that's a pretty cool online 'zine you've got there.

thanks again, everyone!

-rob

Well, I forgot to look at my fork last night to see if it had eyelets. However, I've run a Zefal fender on the Surly fork. Mounted with a bracket that bolts to the fork (they are drilled for old style side pull brakes). No eyelets needed, works good and has a quick screw knob to remove when you don't need it. Here's a picture (http://www.nashbar.com/profile_moreimages.cfm?category=109&subcategory=1124&sku=3466) Pretty inexpensive for a set of them.

Glad you liked the zine. Always good to hear feedback.

Just confirmed, the Surly fork I have does have one set of threaded eyelets.