I need help from you guys. I can get a GT ZR frame in my size, but it doesn't come with the fork. I would normally stay far away from this scenario out of ignorance and paint matching. However this would be a keeper bike as I've always lusted over the GT road frames, and a powder coat would need to happen regardless as it needs a repair / modification. Carbon might be the best way to go but I really don't want to pigeon hole myself into black and I want to keep the cost down.
So the main question is - how hard is it gonna be to find an appropriate fork for this bike ? A used fork is preferable - 1 1/8". I'm guessing I could go threaded or threadless. Rake, length, etc are all things that boggle my mind. Obviously I want it to look right aesthetically as well

This is a pic of the same bike - only one year newer

I woudn't worry too much about the fork. You just need to get close.

For threaded, you will have to pay attention to the steer tube length. You could also probably use 1" threadless, plus shims to work with a 1 1/8" stem.

Painting everything will help with the match.

Try your local bike co-op.

Thanks - I appreciate it and will probably take you up on it. The frame hasn't been purchased as I wanted to do some homework first - but looks like I have no need to worry too much. Is your original fork going to be available for sale after your carbon is installed ? Looks like our frames are the same size

Can't say that I blame you. I would probably do the same. Making a call tomorrow to get the final details and pull the trigger if all goes well