Rigid Fork or not?

[I FLY]

I am going to build a SS commuter mtb bike (26er).

 

I am trying to decide between a carbon rigid or a 80mm travel fork. As I will have to carry the bike onto Gautrain and the commute is mostly on pavements I thought the weight saving of a rigid fork would be a good idea.

 

Will this limit me if I decide to take bike out on trails over weekends? My 1st 2years of mtbing were on a steel rigid fork and maybe my memory has blocked out the bad bits.

[covie]

And then you cant' jump pavements and have a bit of fun on the way to work? I really dont see the point in a rigid fork even though its lighter it makes no sense to me. But thats just me.

[RodTi]

I'd love to have this answered as well...

 

I was an occasional, weekend kind of mtb'er in the times before suspension forks...

Also had a mtb at school - an old Puegeot(?) would you believe, that also came rigid...

 

Obviously - at the time, we all managed.

But surely only because we didn't know any better?

 

Going from suspension to a rigid, must be a completely different kettle of fish?

One must be prone to want to do the same - only the results would be dramatically different?

 

All those rigid souls out there - please share the love, and let us in on the transformation!

Edited December 14, 2010 by RodTi

[AndreZA]

I don't think they will allow the bike on the Gautrain.

[RodTi]

I don't think they will allow the bike on the Gautrain.

 

That's apparently changed, or is about to??

 

Where did I hear/read about this....

 

[getting old]

[Hairy]

I have been on my SS with a Rigid fork for a little while now after selling off the Foxy that was on their.

 

At first it was a little harsh, but I found that I very quickly adapted to the rigid fork by riding off the back wheel more often when going off pavements and you learn to handle the bike in the dirt too.

 

I have not taken the bike up the mountain yet with the rigid fork as I was a little scared of this at first, but am not more tempted to do so. I will put my 2.3' Fat Albert on the front though when I do this to just help out a bit with the trail vibrations.

 

Try it.

 

As a purely commuter bike a suspension fork is a waist. Keep it simple and keep it to a point of low and cheap maintenance.

 

Regards

Hairy

[Wyatt Earp]

And then you cant' jump pavements and have a bit of fun on the way to work? I really dont see the point in a rigid fork even though its lighter it makes no sense to me. But thats just me.

Why not ?

[Tuxstir]

And then you cant' jump pavements and have a bit of fun on the way to work? I really dont see the point in a rigid fork even though its lighter it makes no sense to me. But thats just me.

 

+1

[Cois]

Don't go fixed. As yourself... Do you love your hands?

[I FLY]

Reply from Gautrain regarding bikes on train. As long as it is in a bag then no problem

 

 

 

Dear Mr. Brown

 

 

 

Thank you for taking the time to put your experience in writing. We do appreciate hearing from our customers, as your comments are vital for us to continue improving our service.

 

We recognize that travellers want dependable and convenient service. You are allowed to bring your bicycle if it is in a carry bag only. Otherwise if it is not then you would have to leave it behind.

 

We continue to be committed to providing you and all of our customers with the highest standards of service, and look forward to serving you in the near future.

Sincerely

 

Bombela Operating Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONFIDENTIALITY CAUTION

If you have received this communication in error, please note that it is intended for the addressee only,

is privileged and confidential, and dissemination or copying is prohibited.

[Hairy]

Don't go fixed. As yourself... Do you love your hands?

 

Get your reach right on the bike so that you have a good bend at the elbows and right with light hands ... you will be amazed how many people have the wrong set up with a long stem and straight locked elbows. You need to be able to flow with the terrain and not fight it.

 

H

[covie]

Why not ?

 

 

Lol dangle I am sure you could if you have a decent dental plan. Each to his own, I would rather carry the extra weight and have a bit of play on a commute than be forced to feel every crack in the road.

[slowpoke]

wtf??? what does it being in a bag change??? oh well, i fly, if you need a big bag made go buy some canvas at chamdor and yell - i have a sewing machine ;-)

[AndreZA]

That's apparently changed, or is about to??

 

Where did I hear/read about this....

 

[getting old]

 

 

The last time it was discussed here with somebody that worked on the project. It would be great if it did/does change. Imaging going to Groenkloof (or closer to) on the train from Rosebank/Sandton.

[Hairy]

Reply from Gautrain regarding bikes on train. As long as it is in a bag then no problem

 

 

 

Dear Mr. Brown

 

 

 

Thank you for taking the time to put your experience in writing. We do appreciate hearing from our customers, as your comments are vital for us to continue improving our service.

 

We recognize that travellers want dependable and convenient service. You are allowed to bring your bicycle if it is in a carry bag only. Otherwise if it is not then you would have to leave it behind.

 

We continue to be committed to providing you and all of our customers with the highest standards of service, and look forward to serving you in the near future.

Sincerely

 

Bombela Operating Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONFIDENTIALITY CAUTION

If you have received this communication in error, please note that it is intended for the addressee only,

is privileged and confidential, and dissemination or copying is prohibited.

 

Does that mean you can have an oversized light weight canvas or rips stop type material bag made that you can zip your bike up in then for the train trip. No restrictions on size, but sounds more like an issue of protecting the train and other commuters from a dirty train.

 

H

[rock]

rigid fork all the way.......