so first off, this is my first post, and i apologize in advance if i've put this thread in the wrong place.
that being said, i also know extremely little about bikes, and this call for help may be because i simply don't know how to look for what i need. here's my dilemma. it's a two-part question.
i recently purchased a used 1996 cannondale T700 touring bike, and it appears that everything on the bike is stock except for the tires, the seat, and the peddles. it fit all the specifications i was looking for in a bike and i picked up for what i assume to be a steal (after a little internet research) at $200. i have been using the bike to commute to and from work once or twice a week, and i've probably logged 350-ish miles on the bike myself. i never had any problems with the bike other than normal maintenance issues, and decided it was time to take the bike in for a tune up, since i know it probably need a bunch of adjustments. here's where my issue comes in.
i replaced the tires and got a tune up, but when i went to the shop to pick up the bike, the first thing they asked me was if i had been in an accident. i have not, but i told them i bought the bike used, and didn't know anything about it. they diagnosed the bike with a bent fork, but ultimately told me it wasn't a huge deal if it wasn't difficult handling the bike, etc... i had no idea what any of this even meant, so i paid the bill, and road three blocks home to do some internet research.
long story short, i know what a bent fork means now, and for the most part, i think i understand the risks, implications, etc... of having a bent fork. in my humble, beginner opinion, i don't feel any negative side effects of the bent fork, but it appears that almost all sources are suggesting that i replace the fork. so, my first question is: do i really need to replace this fork? or should i have it jigged back to form? my bike shop will jig it straight for about $40, and will replace the fork for about $120. price is an issue, but am i really worried about my safety with a steel (chromoly) fork without any creeks, gives, or apparent side effects?
my second question is a bit more complicated, so i'm learning: replacing the fork. either, i have no idea what i'm looking for, or the fork that the bike needs is extremely difficult to find. research tells me that sometimes locating parts for older (vintage?) bikes can be hard.
i've located a lot of specs for the bike, but nothing seems to list the information i need to be looking for. these two links include lots of info about the bike itself, but not the fork it has:
1996 Cannondale T700 - BikePedia
http://vintagecannondale.com/year/1996/1996.pdf (bike on page 47, specs on page 54)
a guy at a local shop said i'm looking for a fork that's: 1" threaded 700c canti fork 192mm(ish) steerer, which, has proven to be extremely difficult specs to track down.
can anyone help me verify that this is in fact what i need to be looking for? or even better, does anyone else have experience working with this particular bike model?
any, and all help is appreciated!
-andrew