streetstomper

Looking to replace the threaded 1-1/8 fork on an older bike with a threadless, but I can't find one that's not suspension corrected. Does anyone actually make any, or do manufacturers just assume all frames in the last decade or so were designed with suspension forks in mind? I'd prefer something with disc brake mount but without brake posts since I don't use rim brakes and don't want the unused posts sticking out for no reason.

Even better if someone upgraded to a suspension fork and has an old fork laying around. If the steerer is long enough, I'll buy it off you, even if I have to cut off the brake posts.

jimc101

Will it really make that much difference? Suspension correction really is for bikes made pre '98ish when forks had 80mm travel or less, post '98ish, 80-100mm was standard so suspension correction didn't apply anymore.

Add to that, an older bike will be quite happy running a longer travel fork than originally designed for, I currently have a 1995 Marin, it's had forks from the original rigid to Rock Shox Mag 21 SlTi's (LT @ 60mm) and now some early '00 Rond Magura, which are about 90mm travel, and it has felt good with all the different travel lengths.

For getting a fork, and cutting off the canti mounts, wouldn't suggest it, as unless you are good at metal work, it's going to be messy, and whatever you do, will need a re-paint. There are enough options out there which are disc only, mainly in Carbon if you want to have a specific ATC, plenty on eBay.

streetstomper

I'm replacing a threaded rigid fork, so yes, I think it makes a difference. Quite a bit of difference between the old short blades with barely any clearance under the crown and even an 80mm suspension fork. Going to be refinishing the frame anyway, and the powder coater quoted me $50 for the frame and fork, so it's not going to cost me any more.

jimc101

Guessing the bike is from the 1993-1995 period, as this is when the combination of threaded headsets and 1 1/8th" steerers were most common, at this time, stems were in the 120-150mm range, will you be keeping this, or getting something more upto date, like 70-90mm? this will have a major effect in handling, probably more than a few mm on the ATC,

What about tire size, BITB, 1.9 was common, 2.1 was large, now 2.1 is small, all these factors have an effect on the bike, have you thought about them?

streetstomper

I'm well aware of how to fit my bike. I'm also well aware of the differences between the 2.1" tires originally speced and the 2.3" I'm moving to. 0.4" inches will have far less effect than the 3-4 inches a fork corrected for 80-100mm suspension would add to the axle to crown distance.

dminor 

Sounds like you have all the answers; so why are you asking here? I'd take jimc's advice and run the suspension-corrected - - the geometry change will improve that dinosaur's trail manners immeasureably.

Canker

Well since everybody else was so helpfull have you looked at any Surly forks?

Forks | Parts and Accessories | Surly Bikes
Meant for their touring bike and comes in a 26er but I don't know if it is heavy duty enough for mtn biking.

C Law

What's the ac height of the old fork?

streetstomper

Thanks. That's the kind of information I was looking for.

LesterOfPuppets

Disc trucker is too short for my taste. Probably can't run 2.3 on it either.

Try:

Origin8 Cromo-Lite Combo MTN Fork - 26", Threadless, 1-1/8" OD, Black

Or a Tange if can find one. They used to have a nice 395mm one

atombikes

26" Cycling MTB Mountain Bike Aluminium 7005 Rigid Straight Fork Disc Brake US | eBay

Just bought one for my Cannondale BotE renovation.