Still using the old rigid hack bike for smoother trails in winter - wouldn't give up the front sus on the main bike for anything thats even slightly gnarly though.....

"Do you work in Brighton by any chance?"

Charlie T,
I'd be bloody fit if I did...I live in the north west!

Two of my machines still sport rigid forks. One a classic Kona with an Orange P7 aluminium fork, the other with a contemporary Kinesis aluminium unit with disc mounts. Rigid forks track with more accuracy through the winter months, require no upkeep, save for cleaning and inspection. I have managed 70+ miles without feeling as if hit by an express train. However, I do use that old relic from the early 90's- a Girvin Flexstem.

The Kinesis is less compliant, although more modern and would allow the use of disc if required. Higher grade rigid forks are getting rarer as suspension becomes the norm and cheaper. However, those looking for higher grade units on the cheap should try ringing round the dealers to see if a deal can be done on a set that might be lain in their workshop following a customer upgrade.

Dave, it was a reference to a thread on the SoapBox!