Hi everyone. New to the forum and to MTB. A few months ago, I took the kids for a haircut and bought a mint yet used 2017 specialized rockhopper comp on the way home (long story, short, but my wife has all the details.)
Now, I love riding so much that I thought about upgrading to a full suspension or better bike in general in the offseason. But I realized there are just a few things I don't like about this bike that I got for just $350: the suntour air suspension isn't good, the bike is a little heavy, and I wish the rims (21mm) were a little wider, lighter and tubeless. Dropper post is also something I'll do at some point (external mount only).
But then I went to upgrade these forks and it's like the time my wife had me get tampons. There's so many brands and sizes and flow rates and it's blowing my mind. So, here's where I'm at:
Rock Shox reba forks are a must. Since I'm getting new forks, why not swap out the 9mm QR for 100 mm (or Boost, because that is also a thing, I kid you not.) thru axle? Easy enough. But then finding a wheelset that is 100mm front and 10mm 135 QR is a pain. It exists, I think because I don't know all the compatibility issues, here and here also here with these convertible hubs. I'm also not sold on Conti X-Cross tires, but that's an easy swap out. Most hubs I'm finding are also 6-bolt, which means I'll also need new rotors (just rotors, right!?) but not new brakes or pads.
So, should I ... A. just get a QR fork and call it a day B. Find a thru axle fork and upgrade the front wheel only (not ideal, since I don't love these wheels.) C. Buy a set of mismatched wheels that are linked above. D. Get a complete and more common wheelset and find some adapter thing that will allow the new rear hub to work on my 10x135mm QR rear? or E. Something else?
I think a new wheelset with fresh tires (I need them anyway) and new fork will shed a few pounds and make this bike work well for my not very skilled rides on trails and rocky, rough terrain I frequently encounter. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Now, I love riding so much that I thought about upgrading to a full suspension or better bike in general in the offseason. But I realized there are just a few things I don't like about this bike that I got for just $350: the suntour air suspension isn't good, the bike is a little heavy, and I wish the rims (21mm) were a little wider, lighter and tubeless. Dropper post is also something I'll do at some point (external mount only).
But then I went to upgrade these forks and it's like the time my wife had me get tampons. There's so many brands and sizes and flow rates and it's blowing my mind. So, here's where I'm at:
Rock Shox reba forks are a must. Since I'm getting new forks, why not swap out the 9mm QR for 100 mm (or Boost, because that is also a thing, I kid you not.) thru axle? Easy enough. But then finding a wheelset that is 100mm front and 10mm 135 QR is a pain. It exists, I think because I don't know all the compatibility issues, here and here also here with these convertible hubs. I'm also not sold on Conti X-Cross tires, but that's an easy swap out. Most hubs I'm finding are also 6-bolt, which means I'll also need new rotors (just rotors, right!?) but not new brakes or pads.
So, should I ... A. just get a QR fork and call it a day B. Find a thru axle fork and upgrade the front wheel only (not ideal, since I don't love these wheels.) C. Buy a set of mismatched wheels that are linked above. D. Get a complete and more common wheelset and find some adapter thing that will allow the new rear hub to work on my 10x135mm QR rear? or E. Something else?
I think a new wheelset with fresh tires (I need them anyway) and new fork will shed a few pounds and make this bike work well for my not very skilled rides on trails and rocky, rough terrain I frequently encounter. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated! Thanks!