Changing MTB Forks
 

I have a 2007 Specialized Rockhopper Disc that I would like to swap forks out. I will be riding a local race here (Tour de Tucson) and would like to have rigid forks for the race. Can anyone suggest a rigid fork that would fit?

Any rigid fork that has a 1 1/8" steerer will fit the Rockhopper. I don't have specific recommendations on rigid forks. Why do you want to go rigid for the race? Is it a requirement?

Mike

Looking at the website it looks like it's a road ride. I'm guessing he's trying to turn his MTB into a slightly better bike for distance riding on the road. Can't say that I blame him, the thought of riding long distance on a MTB just sounds terrible to me.

A rigid fork and some slick tires will make a world of difference. Especially the tires. I'm guessing your fork doesn't have a lockout on it?

And if this was the road forum they would correct you that this isn't a "race". It's more of a charity ride, supported century (on the one option), etc.

In that case then, yes, find an 1 1/8" rigid fork and slap it on. After the ride just keep it in your garage and you can swap it out whenever you want to commute or for any other road rides you want to do. Good luck on the Tour de Tucson.

Make sure it is a suspension-corrected rigid fork or you'll throw off the geometry.

The rigid fork will also have to have a disc mount if you have hydraulic brakes. If you have mechanical disc's then a V-brake will work with your current brake levers.

Thanks guys. Yes, this is a road race. I rode the Tour de Phoenix on the same bike with slicks and locked out suspension, but rigid forks would be an improvement. It would lighten up the bike a bit as well. I'm in no way trying to convert my MTB to a road bike, but it can't hurt to make it a bit more manageable.

CACycling: Can you recommend any suspension-corrected rigid forks? I didn't realize I could throw off the geometry of my bike.

Sit on your bike, with both feet on the pedals, and have someone measure from the quick release to the bottom of the head tube. That will give you an idea of the fork tube length you're looking for.

Here are a couple of options from Nashbar that are suspension corrected and have disc mounts:

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...%20ATB%20Forks

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...%20ATB%20Forks

If you're running with a short travel cross country fork then there's a cheapie on Ebay that'll do the job. It's pretty short though so it'll only work if you're presently running a MAX of 80mm travel. Even that would be dicey. But if you've got 65 mm Xcountry race forks this'll work superb and it's dirt cheap really.

http://cgi.ebay.com/08-MOSSO-Alumini...QQcmdZViewItem

Or for a little more money you can get your choice of length ranges to suit any fork substitution within reason. I've even been looking at a set of these for one of my own MTB's to switch to rigid. Note in the write up the table that shows all the various sizes available. So if these are too long or too short just click on their Ebay store to see the other options...

http://cgi.ebay.com/eXotic-Rigid-Alu...QQcmdZViewItem

Thanks to all who posted. My fork is 100m of travel and I'll be ordering one that was linked to Nashbar.