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Hi as above, my suspension fork is on the way out. I ride a 10yr old Stumpy for my commute (8-9 miles each way) and so want to spend little on it if poss. How is it switching to a chromo rigid fork(On-one currently do one for £50)? Will it be an unpleasantly harsh ride ie will my fillngs be rattle out or is it ok?
Thanks,
Nim
I've used on-ones, P2's, F8's and now am on Bonty Switchblades (carbon) - I wouldn't bother with suspension for commuting unless it was over some ridiculously rocky route. Heavier, more faff if they go wrong.
My commute is around 15 miles each way and includes 2-3 miles of offroad to make it as direct as possible over a pretty rooty and rutty climb/descent - it's all fine. I go faster on my full suss, but its probably more fun on the rigid tbh.
I did find the on one forks particularly stiff, but there is little too choose - carbon is a benefit for weight rather than anything else.. tyre choice and pressure makes far more difference.
What's the biggest drop off on your commute ? 😉
if it's on smooth roads, no.
"What's the biggest drop off on your commute ?"
Fair point. 2-3 inches most prob - form kerb to road!
Do you mean on-road? Absolutely zero need for susp fork on tarmac, and precious little need on towpath type track either - even with 25mm slicks. I went for a short Project 2 - super snappy steering and a nice low position, think it was about £40.
Cheers guys - appreciated
Don't pay £50, if you can help it.. mine were £5 from a WTD on the classifieds 🙂
IME/IMO, rigid forks are perfectly fine if you have a chunky slick tyre but rigids+narrow tyre hurt my wrists. 🙁
I commute on a SS'd Hardrock and I had u-turn recons that were permanently set at 85mm and locked out. I swapped them for the On One forks a few months ago and the weight saving is noticeable and the fork isn't anh harsher than my locked out recons.
Im using one of the rigid steel On-One forks and its fine. I'd stick rigid for your commute (I did for 8 years!)
Mainly due to the neglect that most dedicated commuter bikes inevitably suffer from rigid is a good solution.
And if it's on tarmac why bother changing. You will not save any tangible amount of time.
Assuming they are still safe to use.
Thinking about it I may have those P2s in a draw somewhere if you're interested? V only though, could do them for around £20 posted assuming the PO don't take the pee when I weigh them.
Why not get a cheapo second hand fork off fleabay or the classifieds. I'ce got an old set of Pace RC32s. Dirt cheap and offer that little bit of extra when I'm feeling really gnarly and ride off a kerb 😉
No need for suspension on the road at all, if you're planning on replacing the forks then go rigid. Carbon does make a difference but it's not a big distance so not worth the extra.
If BoardinBob can happily ride along the pot holed Kilmarnock road rigid then you'll be fine 😆 although most of it's resurfaced now.
If BoardinBob can happily ride along the pot holed Kilmarnock road rigid then you'll be fine although most of it's resurfaced now.
That resurfacing is bizarre. It's just outside my flat but the road there was fine, however down at Shawlands Cross it looks like Dresden circa 1942
An astonishing waste of money by GCC (shocker!)
Using a steel fork for commutes on an old mtb. It has some give but not too harsh either.
Also don't max your tyre pressures in winter too keep grip in the wet around fast bends etc.
Cheers brassneck - but need disc compatible.
On an old kona which had elastomer forks (a while ago now) I removed the springs and zip tied the brace to the crowns. Did me fine for road commuting for quite a while.
But if you can spare the cash do a proper job and get some rigids, ran a flat barred, slicked up inbred with P2s for a while, handled brilliantly on road, was excellent for carving through traffic.
The only time you'll notice it is the first time you try to pop it up over a pavement. It's just habit to piush down on the suspension to pop it onto the kerb, and obviously you don't get that preload with rigids.
Well that bit was quite bad too BoardinBob, down to the cobbles in some bits but you're right about shawlands cross, it's mental.
Sorry op for the slight highjack btw.
If you have discs you could rebuild your wheels on 700c rims and use small slicks - should still fit. Bigger wheels really help roll over bumps and rough roads - much faster.
given the state of the potholes and cobbles around me I am quite happy to have sus forks. Would you drive a car with no suspension?
OP - in what way is your fork on the way out?
Tandem Jeremy. 10 yr old RST forks. They're just screwed!