Bicycle Mechanics - Center pull brakes on new fork

Has anyone upgraded a suspension fork to a rigid and kept older center pull cantilever brakes on it?

I have an older Rockhopper that I took to have looked at for replacing the fork. The LBS mechanic told me that I'd need new brakes, shifters, etc. He said that it would cost almost $300 when all was said and done..

Then I was shown some new bikes.

I'm not sure that I was being taken for a ride :innocent:, but it seemed that there must be some rigid suspension adjusted MTB fork that could take my current brakes. (I want to keep them because I have drop bars and Road bike brake levers on the bike, and V brakes don't like my levers...not to mention the cost savings).

Thanks for any ideas.

Can't think of any reason why you can't switch your old brakes onto the bosses of your new fork. You may need to fit a cable hanger to stop the outer cable if this is on your suspension fork. You can get these from most bike shops, they either fit on the headset or stem - or if you are careful you can drill vertically through the stem and fit an adjuster in the hole.

That "mechanic" was taking you for a ride. Go to a shop where they respect your needs.
Rigid suspension-adjusted forks with canti bosses are widely available. Just use a cable stop that clamps onto the steerer/stem or bolts to the hole at the fork crown.

(Note: there is no "careful" way to drill a hole through your stem. If you value your life, don't ever do it.)

That "mechanic" was taking you for a ride. Go to a shop where they respect your needs.

+1.

To the OP: Name the shop for future reference.

-Kurt