Hi all,

Another newbie here.

I am considering starting to ride to work come next spring. I purchased Trek 5500 this summer but I am hesitant to use that as a commuter bike. I have GT mountainbike I would like to convert and use this as a commuter instead.

I plan on upgrading some of its components (bars, stems, wheels, tires, etc.) It currently has Rock Shox fork in the front. Since my commute will be on pavement I would like to change out the RS fork with a standard fork (by "standard" I mean like a road fork) to save on weight. However, all the "standard" forks that I see are called "road forks." Does this mean they will not fit on my MTB? Are Shox forks the only option on MTB today?

thanks!

Albert

They will probably not work. Road tires are rarely wider than 25mm, MTB tires are rarely narrower than 38mm. Also, road rims are 622mm in diameter and use caliper brakes. MTB's use a rim of 559mm (I think...), and use brakes mounted on posts. It won't work.

There are non-suspension forks available. Stop looking on boutique websites and go to your LBS.

What You want is a rigid MTB fork. You will still use your 26" mtb rims just get some 1.5" slicks.

Heres the first link I got with "Rigid MTB fork" on google

http://www.webcyclery.com/home.php?cat=319

Hi all,

Another newbie here.

I am considering starting to ride to work come next spring. I purchased Trek 5500 this summer but I am hesitant to use that as a commuter bike. I have GT mountainbike I would like to convert and use this as a commuter instead.

I plan on upgrading some of its components (bars, stems, wheels, tires, etc.) It currently has Rock Shox fork in the front. Since my commute will be on pavement I would like to change out the RS fork with a standard fork (by "standard" I mean like a road fork) to save on weight. However, all the "standard" forks that I see are called "road forks." Does this mean they will not fit on my MTB? Are Shox forks the only option on MTB today?

thanks!

Albert


Albert, you just need a good rigid mountain fork. two really good ones that are pretty cheap too are the Surly 1x1 fork or the Kona Project 2 fork. If you use those you can ride slicks on your current mountain wheels. I would suggest if you are only using it to commute that you might think of changing out your mountain cassette to a road cassette with a tighter gear ratio.

By the way, you should be able to get both of the above mentioned forks for under $65 new, and often you can pick one up on ebay for like $25. Just make sure you get the right size for your frame. If your old GT has a 1 inch steerer, you may be able to find some really nice used rigid forks for less the 20 bucks.

If you need more help with this project, as here or in the commuter section of this board and I am sure you will get the help you need.

Russ

may i suggest you try looking at bikeman:

http://www.bikemannetwork.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=BIKEMAN&Category_Code=COMPFKMTNR

they seem to have several rigid forks from which to choose. they even have some that are disc compatible, in case you ever thought about tryin discs. on a commuter, v's or canti's should be good enough

thank you all for your input!

Al