Timberline

So, I need some assistance in deciding what direction to go. I'm currently building up a Soma Double Cross DC for a gravel grinder/endurance/occasional cyclocross races type bike. I need to buy a fork for this build next, and I could definitely go with the standard CroMo disc fork built for the bike, but reading many posts on several forums, I think I would be most interested in a carbon fork.

Having said that, I'm looking at 2 different forks right now. One is a typical cyclocross disc fork here:

https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...19_-1___202441

It's an excellent price, but I don't need the canti mounts, and basically I think it'll make my build look sloppy.

This is the other fork I'm considering:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2012-TRIGON-...ht_3144wt_1185

Is there any reason you can't or wouldn't put a rigid carbon mountain bike fork on a cyclocross bike? i.e. geometry, etc? Actually the mountain bike fork is lighter than the above mentioned cyclocross fork.

I could use some assistance in finding the right fork, since carbon cyclocross disc forks seem so hard to come by for under $200!

Thanks!

elemtee

For what it is worth, the studs are removable.

fietsbob

Might be able to find an Un Branded fork from a China based direct seller..

Andy_K 

You should probably pick a fork that is sized to match what the frame geometry is designed for. In the case of the Double Cross, that means 400mm axle-to-crown length and 44mm rake. You can get away with a few mm variation, but you should stay in that ballpark. Going with something different will change the handling (and the tube angles).

Wardman

I'm having the Enve disc fork put on my Soma DC right now. Waiting for the build to be complete. :-)

Andy_K 

That's a touch over $200 though, right?

Banzai

I have that Nashbar fork. I removed the canti studs, and put some hex bolts there so I didn't have an open hole in the fork legs.

Great deal for the money...currently running 42mm tires with room to spare.

Wardman

Opps :-) Missed the $200 part.

FrenchFit 

I have a rigid cr-mo fork on one MTB tourer and like it, put a rigid carbon on another MTB commuter. For what it's worth I was pretty disappointed with the carbon fork, harsh and noisy feel. Went back to the old worn-out susp. fork & sold the CF on eBay. Could have been the quality of the fork, though I think the combination of CF and a heavier wheel and tire had something to do with it.

Timberline

I'll probably give the nashbar fork a try...it's within a mm or two of the correct geometry. I really was only staying away from it because it will look a little unsightly with the canti studs in or out of it. If I could find a mtb carbon disc fork with nearly the correct geometry, for under $200, I'd probably go with that, but haven't been able to find anything yet.