[Kingsnake]

Alright What I have is a specialize rockhopper with Dart3's. So far I have converted to a 1X8 (36 in the frt), installed shimano saint cranks and a set of clark S2 hydros (great bang for the buck BTW), a Rockshox suspension seatpost, Stans tubless set up with captain grid 2.0s front and rear.
So now I am looking to upgrade the fork. Typically I ride what I would consider All Mountain/XC. Alot of winding single track mixed with rocky climbs and decents. I would say that I typically dont drop off anything over 1 to 2 feet. I am also looking to shed a little weight. Right now the bike is about 30lbs my goal is 27LBS and think I could lose a pound or so with new forks.
Price wise Im not to conserned. I will shop for some barely used stuff or save up the cash to buy what I think is the best.
I am considering Fox F29's, RebaXX,RebaSL,RebaRace,RebaTeam.
Are there any of these that are not suitable for the riding that I do? Or any that would be better than the next?
Also I dont want to totally derail my own thread but what exactly is G2 offset? how is it different from standard offset and would a G2 work on my bike? how would it change the handling?
TIA for the info

 

[pimpbot]

Democratic Socialism rules.

 

[mtnbiker72]

For Starters, G2 is a 51mm offset vs the standard 46mm offset. More offset allows for a slacker headtube angle without sacrificing low speed handling. Unless your buying used, I don't think G2 forks are available aftermarket.

You might look at the new Manitou Tower (or 2010 Drake, same fork) as they are a good price, have a great damper for performance, and will drop a good 1-1.5lbs from the Dart.

 

[mkk]

Double check this, but I think that the Tower Pro= last year's Minute which is an air fork and even lighter than the Tower Expert/Drake. I've seen new Tower Pros for around $370-ish.

 

[funnyjr]

Manitou Minute w/ absolute plus dampener is a damn good fork for its money. I went with this fork after shopping around and while Fox 29 and Rock Shox XX are a great forks, they are double the price and for what your bike is worth (not to dis your Rockhopper) but I feel it would not be worth spending over half of what your bike is worth to upgrade fork.

 

[Kingsnake]

Double check this, but I think that the Tower Pro= last year's Minute which is an air fork and even lighter than the Tower Expert/Drake. I've seen new Tower Pros for around $370-ish.

This seems to be correct. And thanks MTB72 for the heads up on the manitou's I am kinda leaning toward the Tower Pro right now. I would shed 1.3lbs and get a much better fork for what I ride.
As far as spending more than the bikes worth... Isnt that what we all end up doing? I look at it more like collecting parts. Who know one day I might end up collecting a carbon stumpjumper frame or something like that : )

Back to the G2 geometry... By offset does that mean that the forks would be move 5mm forward from the steering tube? would it change the fork angle any? The way that I am understanding this it seems that it would have a similar effect as putting a shorter stem on the bike...Right or am I missing something

 

[mobaar]

Back to the G2 geometry... By offset does that mean that the forks would be move 5mm forward from the steering tube? would it change the fork angle any? The way that I am understanding this it seems that it would have a similar effect as putting a shorter stem on the bike...Right or am I missing something

51 vs 46 offset will move the axle 5mm forward (it's already in front of you, so now it will be 5mm further ahead). The effect is that it reduces "trail" which speeds up handling. Head angle, offset, and wheel size all affect trail. A steeper head angle or smaller wheel would also decrease trail.

 

[bobvanjr]

I need a new fork to go on my 2010 RockHopper also. I mounted a 185mm rotor on the front using the stock Dart3..,uh, not good. It would flex and move like a diving board when braking.

Anyways, not to hijack, but I'd like to get a new fork (preferable air) for around $300 that will be an improvement and will work with my stock wheels. Unlike the OP, I don't want to break the bank on this particular upgrade.

 

[mkk]

I got the aforementioned Minute (2010), new in box, on ebay for $320 last week.

 

[CactusJackSlade]

Lefty

Go Lefty!

Save 3/4 lb (at least) stiff, plush.... sweeeeet:thumbsup:

 

[BrandonMiller]

tora 318 vs drake ?

thx..

Building a canzo, looking for a new fork but on a budget

 

[cbrock450]

I would look for a take off or used reba fork. Dropping $700-$800 on a fork for a rockhopper seems like a waste. Unless you plan on keeping the old fork and slap it back on when you decide to sell it and keep the new fork for your next bike.
As someone else said, not dissing on the rockhopper

 

[boomn]

I still love my Tora 318, but right now I'd go with the Manitou Drake/Tower Expert (2011 relabeled version of the Drake). Weight splits the difference between the Tora and Reba, easily available new under $300, and a damping system at least as good as the MoCo in the 318. I'm impressed that they're selling a good quality 4.2lb fork for that little money (compared to RS product line at least)