My main commuter transport is my bike (Malt2, 26” wheels, Deore all round) and I am currently getting it prepped for winter with some minor fixing from a crash thrown in. As I have been looking at the jobs that need doing, I noticed that I am still not using the fork on anything other than locked out and that my GF’s bike needs a new fork.

That got me thinking… I know I can swap out my Recon SLs for her crappy old one, but what choices do I have for a rigid front on my bike?

All the rigid forks I have seen that fit the bill (1 1/8th steerer, disc brake mounts only, the ones that bolt in forwards and not sideways, 9mm QR and corrected for 100mm travel) seem to be either cheap chinese carbon, or cheap chinese Alu. I can’t see anything else in a shop that is close. Even CRC and Evans don’t carry something that would work.

Has anyone got any ideas for something that would fit the bill?

Exotic cycles carbons are the standard for this.

Exotic

https://www.carboncycles.cc/?p=197

A second hand on one carbon fork…

A bit like the one i’m looking at right now…

Yes Exotic as mentioned. The weight decrease is really appreciated over time. As you mentioned Winter preparation, one thing about the exotics to bear in mind is the lack of mudguard fixings. P-clips can be used for the V-stays (sorry can’t remember size). Then for the top-stay I used a piece of aluminium bent at 90 degrees attached to this SKS fastening kit inserted into the bottom of the steerer tube.

Joshvegas, tell me more!

Everyone else, good call on the exotics. They look pretty amazing and the 44.5cm ones should work a treat replacing the Recon SL in there at the moment. I’d just need a new headset and would be away. Price is comparable with some of the other ones I had seen too.

I sent you a message.

Managed to spell my name wrong in it aswell 😂

Jish, that’s fine. I sent a reply!

I prefer steel over carbon for my commuter bike. Surly 1×1 straight blade if you can get hold of them, or salsa cro moto.