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Anyone riding a Lauf with a rigid fork?

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sslos

· hispanic mechanic
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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I’m 90% set on ordering a Seigla, but I don’t really see the use of the suspension fork in our area- the gravel roads tend to be actual roads, and our trails are either smooth or very rocky (east side of the Sandia outside of Albuquerque).
I know that it seems somewhat sacrilegious to order one without their signature fork, but I’m hoping someone has some feedback on the rigid fork they offer.
 
#3 ·
Seigla rider here.
Great bike.
Lauf suspension fork is excellent.
Have not ridden the Seigla with a rigid fork, but have ridden lots of other rigid gravel bikes.
Unless you have very specific load/cargo carrying needs, there isn't a reason to avoid the Lauf suspension fork if comfort is important to you.
It does a great job of minimizing fatigue and cancelling out chop and vibration.
It's action is subtle and it's zero maintenance.
It works in unison with the flex designed in to the rear of the bike.
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
Hmmm… I think my hesitation comes from ego, aesthetics, and cheapness.
I haven’t spent this much on a non-mountain bike in a long time- I had originally planned on picking up a cheap gravel bike to stay in shape and stave off boredom while our trails are snow covered then muddy.
The more I looked into gravel bikes (a genre I’ve looked down on for years, if I’m honest,) the more I realize that I miss riding on the road. I was struck by a hit-and-run driver riding home from work about 6 years ago, and after almost bleeding to death and having 9 surgeries to put my face back together have been uninterested in playing with cars.
The ego wants me to go rigid, but the fact of the matter is that I’m turning 52 years old this year. And while I’ve ridden some of our local dirt roads on my single speed CX bike, having a bit of cush would be nice.
The Grit fork is not aesthetic pleasing to my traditionalist self, but there’s certainly an elegance to the design.
Finally, it’s easy to justify saving $350 by going rigid. I guess the reality is that if I don’t like it, I can sell it, buy a rigid fork, and make a few bucks…
 
#5 ·
sslos said:
the fact of the matter is that I’m turning 52 years old this year. And while I’ve ridden some of our local dirt roads on my single speed CX bike, having a bit of cush would be nice.

I guess the reality is that if I don’t like it, I can sell it, buy a rigid fork, and make a few bucks…
Click to expand...
I went from a rigid Warbird fork to the Lauf Grit SL. My first few rides on it were on pavement and bike trails cuz the gravel was a mess from rain. I could not believe how much the Lauf took the edge off of potholes, heaves and cracks and made the buzz from chip seal go away almost completely. It DEFINITELY reduces fatique.

sslos said:
The Grit fork is not aesthetic pleasing to my traditionalist self, but there’s certainly an elegance to the design.
Click to expand...
You're too kind. It's flat ugly and I think it makes my bike look gross.

sslos said:
I guess the reality is that if I don’t like it, I can sell it, buy a rigid fork, and make a few bucks…
Click to expand...
I paid $800 for mine. It was never ridden. I've seen them for $650 used, so that would pencil.
 
#8 ·
sslos said:
Whoa, is that the standard black paint? I wasn’t expecting it to be translucent!
Click to expand...
Mine is the standard black that I added some red Camo wrap to. It’s not translucent, it is a very nice smooth gloss black. Looked beautiful when new and clean. Pics from NBD [emoji41]

Image

Image



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#10 ·
I'm toying with the idea of selling my Trek Domane and going with Lauf Seigla instead because Seigla is just much more versatile for my style of riding, I think.

Even with largest tires that Domane can take which is 700x38 it is still very unpleasant on any unpaved surface and also the geometry makes it absolutely scary on descents, always feel that I am going to flip over.

Thinking either Lauf Seigla or Salsa Cutthroat.
 
#11 ·
durask said:
I'm toying with the idea of selling my Trek Domane and going with Lauf Seigla instead because Seigla is just much more versatile for my style of riding, I think.

Even with largest tires that Domane can take which is 700x38 it is still very unpleasant on any unpaved surface and also the geometry makes it absolutely scary on descents, always feel that I am going to flip over.

Thinking either Lauf Seigla or Salsa Cutthroat.
Click to expand...
If you are considering the Seigla, take a look at the Warbird. It's geometry lies between the Warroad (which is more like your Domane) and the Cutthroat. As I mentioned above, I have the Lauf Grit SL on mine and it's a very nice gravel package but I certainly wouldn't want a bike that handles any slower.
 
#12 ·
What do you mean by slower?

Personally I am interested in Cutthroat because it can take up to 29 x 2.4 tires plus you can put in a dropper post.
Lauf is only 700x45 but it does have front suspension.

I tried forest roads on Domane with 700x38 tires and it was torture. My biking is rail trails which are either paved or unpaved and surrounding easy single track, forest roads and similar. With Domane I am pretty much stuck on paved rail trails. Just did not do proper diligence when buying it and bought the wrong bike for my needs.
 
Discussion starter · #14 ·
durask said:
What do you mean by slower?

Personally I am interested in Cutthroat because it can take up to 29 x 2.4 tires plus you can put in a dropper post.
Lauf is only 700x45 but it does have front suspension.

I tried forest roads on Domane with 700x38 tires and it was torture. My biking is rail trails which are either paved or unpaved and surrounding easy single track, forest roads and similar. With Domane I am pretty much stuck on paved rail trails. Just did not do proper diligence when buying it and bought the wrong bike for my needs.
Click to expand...
The Seigla will take a 29x2.2”.
 
#18 ·
jrob300 said:
The limiting factor on the Seigla for me was the 1x only. I need wider range gearing where I live, but other than that, perhaps the perfect gravel bike.
Click to expand...
I see. For me the simplicity of 1x outweighs the downsides and I also bike 2-3 hours at a time at most
jrob300 said:
Off topic, but you might want to look at this as well....

New Giant Revolt X features suspension fork and updated geometry
Click to expand...
Looks good but I wonder what the final price will be for the cheapest carbon version.
 
#19 ·
durask said:
Ok well this definitely pushes me towards the Seigla.
Now just have to sell my Domane in this market for a decent price...
Click to expand...
Mainly a mtb rider the past 10 yrs. but own a 2017 Cannondale Slate 105 Lefty for the occasional commute, trail, "fun" bike (it's also on my trainer when the snow flies). I'm 61 and still love the single track but starting to lean towards spending more time on a gravel/road rig and would love to evolve away from this fork.

Two riding mates have Lauf's and absolutely swear by them. It looks as though Lauf is phasing-out the True Grit for the Siegla (I haven't done my research here) and that's the model I see fitting my style best--I think. The Otso Wheela C and the Niner RLT 9 RDO round out my short list...just gotta unload the Slate first.
 
#20 ·
BigSki said:
Mainly a mtb rider the past 10 yrs. but own a 2017 Cannondale Slate 105 Lefty for the occasional commute, trail, "fun" bike (it's also on my trainer when the snow flies). I'm 61 and still love the single track but starting to lean towards spending more time on a gravel/road rig and would love to evolve away from this fork.

Two riding mates have Lauf's and absolutely swear by them. It looks as though Lauf is phasing-out the True Grit for the Siegla (I haven't done my research here) and that's the model I see fitting my style best--I think. The Otso Wheela C and the Niner RLT 9 RDO round out my short list...just gotta unload the Slate first.
Click to expand...
Some Niner reviews mentioned that it is rather heavy.
 
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sslos
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