Well just giving myself the option really of switching back and forth, until I get a 3rd bike later (either dedicated MTB or hybrid). I also bought two new Chris King fork crown race rings, one for each fork, since the original one I transferred to the rigid fork got pretty trashed in the process.

When I ordered there was the option of either medium or firm ride. I chose medium, and the elastomers I got are sort of a translucent yellow pliable polyurethane material. I'm guessing the old ones coming out were the Firm variety. We'll see how it goes. You definitely can't get a suspension fork for $50 that I know of.