OT- MTB fork advice

[tomb]

well, weve got lots of experienced bike/mountain guys here so, i guess its as good of a place as any to ask...

My bro-in law is getting pretty excited about trail riding, but the old trek I gave him is a little small and the rigid front fork is kicking his butt...
SO, yesterday, i scored a FREE 20" frame giant rincon missing front wheel/fork so i want to give him an upgrade. in the process i want to make sure it has front suspension. I need to do this as cheap as possible, but it needs to be a decent fork. Because i'm broke, and he's even MORE broke...
My biggest question is, how would i measure to make sure i scrounge the right size fork? I'm kinda new at this, so keep it simple. please

 

[user 135]

It is probably a 1 1/8" steer tube. Measure the length by adding the "stack" height of the headset(new), Headtube and stem to find the length.

Go here to get detailed instruction w/pic

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=111

Good Luck

Clancy

 

[tomb]

Awesome link, Thanks Clancy!