Replacing a suspension fork with rigid on MTB

[ubersonic]

Hey guys, I have spent some time now converting my MTB to more of a hybrid commuter and leisure cycle path machine (It was cheaper than selling it and buying a hybrid with equal spec) however the only thing really left is to replace the front for for a rigid one.

Now, looking on the net everywhere seems to say that you have to compensate for suspension sag when going sus>rigid, however I only ever run my bike on suspension lockout, so am I correct in saying I don't need to do that? the crown-axle distance is 48-49CM so that suggests I need a 29er fork even though I don't have 29 wheels.

Also, what effect would using a shorter fork and lowering the front end have on the bike? as some places have suggested that would be better for a road/cycle path bike than keeping the MTB height.

 

[weescott]

Going to a rigid 26" fork usually means matching the suspension forks A2C height. This is why you get rigid forks that match suspension for X travel forks so not to effect the bikes geometry. Going for a shorter A2C rigid fork will steepen the head angle and make the bike handling more twitchy / sharp. Riding position can be changed to an extent with bars/stem/spacers. But the head angle and ride characterists depends on the A2C height of the fork.