We were discussing this on our ride yesterday. The rigid fork beats you up on longer rides, unless you have very good conditioning. Yes, they lighten up the front end, yes, they make you feel more connected, yes, on long rides you are going to feel it. I currently have the Ritchey Carbon Pro on my bike: It replaced the steel Niner "licorice" fork: The steel fork was more comfortable, but the steering was vague to say the least, carbon fork sharpened up the handling, but today I feel yesterdays ride between my shoulder blades!
