MootoX YBB 29er w/ rigid fork

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MootoX YBB 29er w/ rigid fork

8 posts from 7 voices

Started 2 years ago by bobssled
Latest reply from HillBilly

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bobssled
Member

Hi Guys,

I own a 2009 MootoX YBB 29er. Currently I am running a Fox F29 80mm front shock. I would like to run a rigid fork for gravel riding, training, and racing the Dirty Kanza 200 mile race. Back in the day you could buy a ti rigid fork which would be sweet. I really like the Niner carbon fork but not sure it would work on this bike. I'm guessing the Salsa chromoly would work but again not sure. Does anyone have suggestions, technical advice, and/or share some experience on this subject? Thanks in advance!

Bobby

Posted 2 years ago #
xjahx
Member

A few thoughts:
-You can still buy a Ti fork; Black Sheep comes to mind for a straight unicrown version. I have a few of these; there is plenty of fore/aft flex to provide a smooth ride. The BS/Jones truss versions have 0 flex, can take 5+ foot drops, and will beat the shit out of you.
-Why do you think that the Niner fork will not work? It has the 470mm AC which is only 10mm below your F29 at 80mm.
-You cannot go wrong with steel unicrown forks. Salsa's options are fine, weigh less than their step child at QBP, Surly, and are quite affordable. Plenty of US based companies will build one for you (Waltworks, Black Sheep, Indy Fab, Viscious...they are a dime a dozen).

Posted 2 years ago #
EastCoastRoadie
Member

Bobsled,

I have the exact same bike (also an 09), and put a carbon rigid black ops fork on the bike: http://www.benscycle.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=9447. Not sure if they still make them, but you can still buy them.

I love the setup, and you would be surprised what you can actually ride with a carbon rigid fork. I have pounded this setup on some pretty gnarly terrain, and have never had an issue. It also makes the bike extremely light and fast having a carbon rigid fork instead of a suspension fork. The only negative I have found is that the front wheel can be a bit prone to bouncing up on steep hills if you get your weight too far back b/c it is so light. You learn pretty quickly how to minimize this problem. My friends are shocked at how light the bike is, and how much passive suspension you get from the 29" wheels despite the lack of a shock.

Posted 2 years ago #
johnny5
Member

I'm running a 465mm White Bros Rock Solid on my Rigormootis (26") and have been for years. Great riding fork. I ran a steel Vicious Cycles fork before getting the carbon. I prefer the carbon to the Vicious. The Salsa fork is a descent riding fork as well. Depends on what you're willing to spend really.

The only Niner carbon fork that won't work will be the tapered steerer tube one that is just coming out, to run that you'd need the new MootoX RSL.

Posted 2 years ago #
labrador
Member

I use a Black Ops from Origin 8 and my brother has the White Bros Rock Solid - they are made in the same factory. Takes just minutes to switch from suspension to rigid - and vise versa. Love the rigid - light and precise....gives the bike a whole new feel. Where I live and ride, there are lots of buff trails - so it's perfect. When I rode trip for some fun, it's easy to bring both.

Posted 2 years ago #
bobssled
Member

Thanks Guys! This gives me a lot of great options to take a look at. I appreciate all your input. Cheers.

Posted 2 years ago #
Domestique
Member

After reading this and another recent thread, I'm intrigued with the idea of building a Mooto-X with a Rohloff and rigid fork, and have a couple of questions for the experts (thanks to bobsled and solo for planting the seed!)

1. What is the better option, having the frame built with sliders or using a EBB? (prefer simplicity of EBB)

2. What rigid fork do you recommend for a rider weight of 250 lb? (are they prone to excessive flexing?)

Thanks,

D.

Posted 2 years ago #
HillBilly
Member

Hi Domestique

In my opinion, you cannot beat the paragon slider option if you intend to use a Rohloff. Moots will even offer special braze-on option to handle Rohloff cable routing if you intend on ordering a new Mooto-x. I have a Rohloff on my commuter (Voodoo Dambala, a steel framed 29er with sliders). It has disk brakes and i use a speed bone to connenct to the disk tab. My Mooto-x has sliders but it is my race bike so I use standard derailleur (xtr 3x9) - I find it to be lighter and more responsive than the Rohloff but whether that is a reality or just in my mind is hard to tell.

I'm pretty sure Moots don't do an EBB option. I think they are far more prone to trouble than good quality sliders.

As far as fork is concerned, I run the Salsa cro mo on the commuter which is suspension corrected and will easily handle your weight without too much flex. That being said, it is a very basic fork and I wouldn't choose it for a nice ti Moots, preferring either a carbon or ti option (call me a bike snob). I run a Fox 100 RLC on my Mooto-x.

Cheers

HillBilly

Posted 2 years ago #

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