I want to upgrade the forks on my bog standard 26" Rockhopper to something a bit lighter. I was toying with the idea of putting on some rigid carbon forks, does anybody have any experience of riding a similar setup?
I don't do anything mental on my mtb, mainly XC events like the Brecon Beast, Wentwood 50 etc.
Or would I be better off getting a pair of second hand suspension forks?
[i]Or would I be better off getting a pair of second hand suspension forks? [/i]
No, you'd be better getting a pair of new forks.
Cannot justify spending the money as my mtb is the bike I ride the least (and I think my wife would kill me if I spend any reasonable amount of cash on any of my bikes at the moment!).
Second hand forks. Be fussy. And there are some great bargains.
I've got a rigid mtb with carbon forks, it's brilliant. Used it for a couple of xc races etc but it's way more capable than you'd think- took it down one of the innerleithen dh trails 😉 But I would not have it as my nly bike.
New forks are better than used forks but buying used obviously means you can get more for your money so that's often the better option. Rockshox tend to be the best used buy all round- they're reliable, but also when they go wrong it tends to be pretty obvious.
I have an inclination to try rigid, I guess I could always go back to my heavy forks if I don't like them (it would be one itch scratched!).
What forks do you have on there now? I'd consider how much advantage you'll get from new suspension eg lighter weight or air sprung
Dart3 SL I think with steel stantions I think.
I put some 80mm Mazochi's on my Hardrock and they are far superior to the stock originals (in fairness it was a £350 bike with v brakes). So yes you can improve and upgrade. If you're thinking if trying some rigids perhaps buy secondhand and see how you like the feel of the bike with them.