Carbon 29er fork options? [1 1/8" non-taper!]

[jasonlee]

I'm thinking about getting a carbon fork for my 29er to put it on a diet from the current Salsa Fargo v2 fork.

Specs I need:

1 1/8" NON-tapered
~468mm axle-to-crown (the bike is designed for 100mm fork)
BONUS: hole in crown to mount dyno light OR open steer tube underneath crown to put a plug / star nut / expander


https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/579594/mosaic/Mosaic-complete-Sibley.png

Are there any other options besides the following? (Axle-to-crown mm / rake / weight / tire clearance)

White Bros (http://www.mountainracingproducts.com/white-brothers/rock-solid/) (490 / 44? / 726g / ?)
Ritchey (http://ritcheylogic.com/mountain/forks/wcs-carbon-mountain-fork.html) (470 / 45 / 625g / ?)
DT Swiss XR (http://twentynineinches.com/2010/08/23/first-impressions-dt-swiss-29er-rigid-fork/) (470 / 41 / 585g / ?)
Niner (http://www.ninerbikes.com/Niner-taper-steerer-rigid-carbon-fork_2) (470 / 45 / 565g / ?)
Syncros FL (http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-gear/syncros-fl-carbon-29er-mountain-bike-fork-review/) (470 / 38 / 580g / 2.4")
Generic eBay <-- DO NOT WANT

[zandrrr]

Any reason you're not considering the Niner fork?

[jasonlee]

I forgot about Niner - added it to the list in the post.

[Dave B]

I had a non tapered niner on an IF 29er. Might be here in the galleries, but it (the fork) was awesome.

Stiff, but not bone jarring by any means. I didn't baby it, but wasn't doing huge drops. I have a good pal goes by Linger here who has one on his Ti IF and Darren rides harder on stuff than anyone I know. He has not had any issues at all.

I haven't tried others, but cannot imagine getting more for your money then a Niner fork.

Here you go.


http://www.ifrider.com/bradley-29er-deluxe/

[jasonlee]

Added the Syncros FL - does anyone have one of these in good condition for sale? Also added rake, weights, tire clearance.

[bcroslin]

I picked up a Whiskey no 9 carbon fork for my Santa Cruz Highball and it's killer. Lightened the bike 2 lbs and it's more comfortable than I thought it would be. The way the hydraulic cable routes through the fork is pretty cool too.

[jasonlee]

I picked up a Whiskey no 9 carbon fork for my Santa Cruz Highball and it's killer. Lightened the bike 2 lbs and it's more comfortable than I thought it would be. The way the hydraulic cable routes through the fork is pretty cool too.That's cool. I wish I had a tapered steer tube.

[William]

Have you thought about Walt Works?

http://waltworks.blogspot.com/2006/10/intro-post.html

Edit: Never mind. I missed the carbon part...though Walt does make some sweet forks.




William

[jasonlee]

Well, not really. I have a steel Salsa fork and the weight difference between that and a Walt Works would probably be pretty minimal. Sure it may ride a little better and I'd be supporting a great US craftsman, but it doesn't gain me anything.

If I were venturing into other metal forks I would consider a Dean Titanium Mountain Fork (http://deanbikes.com/store/product6.html). (440, 465, 490 x 40mm or 50mm offset. Custom lengths and offsets are available. V-Brake and Disc.) (Yes, I know there is someone selling one of these, but the axle to crown is WAY too low and I don't want the canti studs on there)

http://deanbikes.com/store/media/components/Mountain.Fork_11.jpg

[binouye]

Last year I switched from a steel Salsa CroMoto Grande (same geometry as the Fargo but without all the extra bosses) to a carbon Niner fork. I like the Niner. The weight drop was noticeable, ride feels a little different - in a good way.
The LBS where I bought the Niner fork said that Niner was discontinuing the straight 1 1/8" option and moving towards only tapered forks. Not sure if that is true......

[binouye]

Another to add to your list is Lynskey, though I think its the same as the White Bros with different stickers. Never seen one in person.

[1X10]

I am riding the White Bros. on a rigid 29SS and I really like the feel...

However i haven't done any loaded BP'ing as of yet and most of my ride time has been on quick 2 hour sessions in my local trails which are sand based tight single track...

For a reference its a big rig as I am 6'3"+ and 180lbs...

my 2$ input...

[nicrump]

add top your notes the Syncros is actually 45mm rake. the first of this model was 26" and was 38mm rake and probably confused the article.

Syncros is owned by Ritchey and is is essentially the same fork.

[bcroslin]

That's cool. I wish I had a tapered steer tube.

I thought they made a non-tapered version but I just looked and I'm obviously wrong. Total bummer because it's an awesome fork.

[Steve in SLO]

Over and over I hear good things about the Niner fork. I ride one on my single speed Niner, and it is a great piece.