Bicycle Mechanics - Suspension to Rigid Fork with Fender

I would like to convert my mountain bike fork from V-brake to disc, and dispense with the suspension. This is a wet weather commuter rig.

If I do that there would be a large gap between the top of the tire and the fork.

How would you attach the fender to the fork?

Also, I want to make sure I understand: the axle-to-crown measurement is from the centerline of the axle to the interface between the fork and frame, right?

P.S. This is a 26" wheel.

make a piece of metal with 2 holes drilled in it,
to get the fender closer to the tire than the fork crown hole allows.

yes that is the correct measurement. I believe the replacement fork you want is something like "suspension corrected" or something like that

this may be what you need

Nashbar Rigid Mountain Bike Fork


Nashbar Rigid Mountain Bike Fork lets you rediscover the simplicity of riding a rigid fork.



Our beefy 4130 chromoly fork features 31.8mm fork legs, tapered for a superb ride quality
IS disc mount and removable V-brake studs allow you to build it up however you want
Extra clearance for 3.0 tires with room for mud, and single eyelets at the dropout for full fenders
Suspension corrected leg length means your bike's handling won't change
Axle to Crown: 453mm
Steerer length: 280mm


http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_174928_-1_201511_10000_202440


I agree on the fender find a way to lower it a few cm.

Thanks. That is the sort of fork I need.

I guess I don't have much travel though. The axle-to-crown measurement on the existing fork is a little less than 16-3/4" (425 mm).

My 1 Bike with a suspension fork came with fenders on it,
there is a hole in the arch, to mount them.
[short travel like 3~4cm]
A suspension fork has sag, rider weight compresses the travel, a bit. So ..
have a friend do the axle to crown race measurement for you
while you are on the bike.

that will give you the best measurement to dial in the best rigid fork blade length.

Of course , just buying what you can get, and living with it,
is probably gonna work adequately .

Maybe a cyclocross fork (http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/FK409C16-Dimension+Cross+Fork.aspx) would work? This bike will never be a stump-jumper.

That one is for a 700c wheel, but uses disc brakes. If the steerer is compatible, it seems like it should be alright.