Non-suspension fork?
 

Hey guys. I use a Dahon Matrix as my primary mode of transportation. I never really take it off road. It comes with slick tires, but a suspension fork--not really sure why. I would like to take the suspension fork off since I figure it just slows me down. Does anyone know where to find a good non-suspension fork for a 26" wheel?

First of all you will need to measure you axle-to-crown distance and rake. Then choose a suspension-corrected fork with a similar AtC/rake in order to preserve the handling traits. A fork with a shorter AtC will make the bike twitchier. A fork with a longer rake will probably make the bike twitchier too as it will decrease your trail.

As for fork suggestions, I would personally recommend the Surly 1x1 or the Kona Project 2. Both of those are high-quality yet relatively inexpensive rigid steel forks that are suitable for both road and offroad riding. Tange also makes a pretty cheap fork. I'm not necessarily suggesting you buy from them but check out Bikeman's online catalogue for some ideas.

The Surly fork looks to be a good option, but I would go with the instigator since it's corrected for a 100mm suspension fork. It does weigh 3.1 lbs, so it's no featherweight, that's for sure. I'm not sure what your suspension fork weighs but in most cases you'd be shaving a pound or two by switching to the surly fork. The 1x1 doesn't say anything about being corrected for a suspension fork, but does weigh 2.34 lbs so its lighter.

The Surly 1x1 is corrected for very short travel suspension geometries (~65mm - ~70mm). I agree that for medium travel suspension, an Instigator is a better choice with a 447mm AtC.


Personally, I like the Kona Project 2 which is lighter than the Surly forks and costs less. However, it has an even shorter AtC (410mm) so it's probably only good for 60mm suspension designs although I believe there's an 80mm suspension-corrected version too.

Here's a nice link to various manufacturers of rigid MTB forks.

just out of curiosity as I have toyed with the idea of swapping the suspension fork on my commuter-what is a "suspension corrected fork" and what would be the consequence of not getting one?

Suspension corrected forks have an axle to crown measurement that matches those of typical suspension forks. MTB frames are designed to handle a certain way with a fork of certain suspension travel and thus axle-to-crown lengths. If you get a fork with a shorter AtC than what the frame was designed for, you will end up with a lower front end and a twitchier bike. And the opposite would be true. A fork with a greater AtC than what the frame was designed to use will raise your front end and make your steering more lax.

thanks Khuon

Could someone tell me how to measure these? Sorry for the novice question.

Just out of curiosity, does one make the axle to crown measurement while the suspension fork is loaded? I would assume so. If so, this measurement can vary by a few mm depending on the weight of the rider.

Actually, I think it's most pragmatic to measure the AtC when the rider is on the bike with the proper sag set. Either that or refer to the fork manufacturer's stated figure because that's probably what the frame manufacturer took into consideration when laying out the geometry. but you're right, because the AtC and the rake can change during the travel, it's hard to settle on the "proper" figure.

Measure a beeline from the center of the axle at the dropout to the top of the crown at the bottom of the headtube.

what did you end up doing AK ********** Any problems ?