[minneSSnowta]

I am piecing together an On-One Inbred (sliding dropouts) and have decided to go rigid. My concern is that the A-C measurement on the Zion fork (457mm) will mess up the ride characteristics of the On-One because the frame was designed around an A-C of 440mm.

The only reason I am leaning towards the Zion is because I like the price. If the Zion would really mess up the ride/ geometry of the bike what other options would I have for a rigid fork in the $50-100 price range.

Thanks for your help

 

[The Hookler]

If you want a more laid back ride go with the bigger fork. It's like putting a 4" fork on a bike that is designed for a 3". I'm running a Surly Instiagator on my SS, which is an old Stumpjumper, and I love the way it rides. Go for it.

 

[teamdicky]

I run an Independent Fab 474mm A-C 29'er fork on my Dean Colonel SS. I prefer the laid back geometry for the more agressive trail riding that I occasional encounter. It does take some getting used to on the easier trails as the handling slows down a bit. I do run a short 70mm stem to liven things up. THIS WORKS FOR ME. I say that because you may not feel as good about the results as I do. I do know my bike will stay this way for a long time.

 

[serious]

With a 17mm change in fork length you are looking at a little less than 1 degree of head angle change. The Inbred is quick steering anyway, so this should not be a serious problem. The actual formula is:

change in head angle = arcsin [(old length - new length)/(wheel base)]

A negative number obviously indicates that you have a slaker head angle.