Rigid Forks

Measure the steerer tube diameter and length and confirm axle spacing against your hub and frame. Modern rigid forks are typically threadless with steerer sizes like 1-1/8-inch or tapered and axle standards such as 12x100mm or 15x110mm.

Most rigid forks cover wheel sizes from 700c and 29-inch down to 27.5- and 26-inch, and they use axle types from 9x100mm quick-release to thru-axles. Check listings for specific spacings like 15x100mm, 15x110mm, or fat-specific 20x110mm to ensure hub compatibility.

Rake and axle-to-crown length both influence trail and steering feel, with common rake around 40–50mm for stable handling. For 29ers you’ll often see axle-to-crown measurements in the 370–480mm range, so match those to your frame to avoid altering the bike’s geometry.

For loaded bikepacking, steel forks like those from Surly or Salsa offer bombproof durability and plenty of cage and rack mounts. Carbon forks are lighter and provide compliance—many carbon MTB forks weigh under 1,500g versus 2kg+ for steel—so choose based on weight versus durability needs.

Rigid forks are well suited for paved roads, gravel paths, light trails, commuting, touring, and fat-bike riding on sand or snow. Higher-end carbon models such as the Enve MTN add vibration damping for rougher singletrack, while gravel-focused Ritchey options emphasize lightweight efficiency on mixed surfaces.