fmt_biker

I have a 1991 (might be a 92, unsure) Trek 970 mountain bike that I bought new right out of college. Somehow this is still my favorite ride, even though I have newer and lighter bikes. Over the years its duty changed from mountain biking to grocery getting, to now gravel riding the levy trails around here. Although heavy, the ride is smooth and great for all-day riding

The bike is a neat purple flake color (they called it 'sour grape' iirc). The dumbest thing bike related thing I've done is I trashed the original fork when I 'upgraded' to suspension forks in 1994. If I knew what I know now I would never upgraded, or at least kept the fork when i did. I am aware that I'll probably never find another purple tange 'Big Fork' that fits, but was wondering what the experts here think about other rigid replacement options that would fit the character of the bike. I certainly don't need/want the RockShocks Indy-C elastomer shocks anymore. Time to bring this bike back closer to original.

avzay66

my go-to fork for older mountain bikes is surly 1x1 (if your bike can use a 1 1/8" steerer tube). Bike island has them for $64. The 80mm version works great as a replacement for bikes that came originally with no suspension.

Forks | Parts and Accessories | Surly Bikes

fmt_biker

Oh I like it. Purple and black kind of work as a color combo anyway. Thanks!

neo_pop_71

Hey fmt_biker,

There's no better deal going right now than the fork I just scored recently. I too was looking for a rigid fork to replace a lousy suspension fork. I had a '92 950, so I can appreciate your desire to find an original triple butted Tange Big fork with the lugged drop outs. For a temporary fix until you do find an original, I'd suggest this GT Charger fork:

Black Metallic GT Charger CR MO Mountain Bicycle Fork Bike Parts 756 | eBay



You can't beat the $12.99 price for a new old stock fork! Ever with the outrageous shipping costing more than the fork, you're still only out $27.99 and that's hard to beat for a new fork when used ones go for more! The big up side to the Charger fork from a performance standing for your 970, my '90 GT Zaskar came stock with a Charger fork. Like I said, there's no better deal going! I bought one, I told WNG and I think he bought one just to have on hand. Until an original pops up... you can't do better for the price!

Peace,

-D-

AAZ

I see Trek 990,970,950,930 for sale periodically on Craigslist, and parts available in recycle shops. Do you have these resources in the Bay area?

fmt_biker

I see them occasionally too, but so far have not been able to find the purple "big fork" that came with the 970. As far as recycle shops, I don't know of any, but that certainly doesn't mean there aren't any. I'll inquire. That $13 fork seems cheap enough to just buy and use until I do find one. Thanks neo_pop_71

neo_pop_71

Absolutely brother, happy to help! It's pretty hard to beat a new double butted CrMo fork for $12.99, especially one of Zaskar quality!!!

Let's a photo when you get it together, thanks!

Cheers,

-D-

p.s. I should mention the seller also has the same fork in blue should you need a blue one for another project.

kunsunoke 

This one might be a better match for the bike.

Super Light Tange C P 90 K L C SS Bike CR MO Rigid Fork | eBay

Made by some of the most obsessive - compulsive people on earth. It's reasonably priced for a heat-treated fork.

phoebeisis

Hmmm both EBAY forks are good deals.
The Tange one- 2.1 lbs- 950 grams?? Really is that LIGHT??
I have a cheap claims to be butted MTB fork-it is 780 grams-another no distinction one-900 grams-but very short 125mm steerer
So 200 steer 950 grams is OK light-but not really super light-right
That said-I would pay the extra $$ get the tange fork-just because I don't trust the chinese stuff as much-
And I like flashy Chrome plating-even if it clashes with the purple
Hey purple flake paint-you will stand out in any case.

I would suggest you just hunt up original-see Big fORKS EBAY-occasionally-but PURPLE FLAKE- it would be a LONG maybe forever wait.

Oh-I did what you did-switched this 950 to suspension fork-but a good-actual steel coil spring disc brake etc-manitou Black elite-
but as you found out-not really needed for most purposes-so not to long ago I switched back-
Still have the disc on the hub/wheel-storing it there

concordino

I think I have the exact fork required for your bike in my stash, the steerer tube being just above 140mm and is threaded.