Best fork for the money for a 250lb rider
 

Mostly daily commuting on bumpy roads. Suspension or rigid OK.

Your thoughts?

(Think cheap but won't endanger the life of the rider) :)

You don't need a suspension fork for riding on bumpy roads. Buy yourself a rigid fork that has the same axle to crown length as your current fork. Without knowing more about your bike (ex: wheel and tire size, current fork brand and model) it's impossible to say anything more specific...

what bike?

ditto

Something from Surly. They probably have one to match your bike whatever it is.

For a 26" wheeled bicycle (such as an MTB), try a Surly Instigator or a Voodoo Cycles Zombie fork. I've got the Instigator on an old MTB and it works great.

For 700c wheels try a Surly Long Haul Trucker fork or Cross Check fork, (any touring fork should work).

Also check Nashbar for their house-brand forks. They seem to get good reviews.

+1 Surly

Look at a Kona Project 2 as well...

White bros carbon rigid fork works well but not really cheap

Disagree, went to a rigid CB fork on a converted MTB, big slicks, commuter..no love, lots of road chatter. Went back to a vintage susp fork and it's a much, much nicer ride. Sold the CF fork on eBay, maybe one of you guys bought it!

For a cheaper all around susp fork, a new Rockshox Dart 3 is OK if you are fitting it to a MTB frame.

what bike?... if you want to stay steel Salsa forks are nice for the money (Karate monkey finally went to the salsa fork from what I understand)

soma forks are also supposed to be nice and avl in plenty of styles and lengths... I also have read good things about the the on-one CF fork

I wouldn't bother with a suspension fork of any sort if you are on the street... get a little larger tire and find it's sweet spot for PSI...

Not for me. For a friend. He has an entry level Raleigh MTB--26" wheels.

I am 140#. I have a lot of experience on a lot of different types of forks but I know that what works for me at 140 won't work for him at 7 stone heavier than me! :)

Thanks skidder for this. This is perfect. I was thinking maybe the instigator and the Zombie looks good as well (and is a little cheaper which my friend will like). Good suggestions!

Yes...this was my advice to him as well...good point donalson.

Yes. I love this one too (but it is out of my friend's budget!) Too bad for him...:(

what is wrong with the fork he already has? 1 1/8" threadless I assume?

the only thing I can think is that he had an accident that folded his old fork or he has a very low end suspension fork... either way find out the axle to crown height and just about any steel fork made by a reputable company mentioned here will outlive the bike.