[huckleberry hound]

I suggest that you look at a Suntour Epixon through the Suntour Upgrade program. Upgrade Program
Or as someone else has suggested the Manitou Markhor Manitou Markhor Fork 27.5" 100mm Travel, 9mm Axle, Matte Black

 

[paramount3]

Regarding the shoulder: I have had a torn rotator cuff for about a year, no surgery. With home PT exercises, it was good enough to ride trails about three months after the injury. It is somewhat better now. No, I don't use any sort of brace, but I did switch to a slightly more swept-back handlebar. Rough trails taken fast do beat me up (shoulder, back, etc) so I just don't take rough trails fast. And I do ride a full suspension bike--it's just easier on the body overall.

 

[Space Robot]

I ordered my Markhor directly from the Hayes website. Mine is a 29er, 100mm, straight steerer QR version. I think you can change the travel but not sure what you need to do that. Markhor

 

[iko_iko]

All three of these options will require a new front wheel. You will need to find a fork with 9mm qr dropouts in order to keep your front wheel. As stated before both Manitou and Suntour has forks with those dropouts as well as a straight 1 1/8" steer tube.

Oh,man, that hurts lol. Thanks vm for the info! Is it me or has MTB EXPLODED in popularity this past year? Good used forks are very hard to find under $300; or at least the message boards / stores I've been visiting.
Now I'm wondering if I should get a 1X instead of a fork and just keep the coil crap. I don't jump, ride rocks or go fast so perhaps I should just forget about the new fork...I don't know anymore. My new Mountain / Cross Kings really helped out a lot. Even the base model wirebeads. Have you guys seen the stock tires on the Aggressor? I understand it's a "beginner" light riding bike but those are honestly dangerous. No gripping + heavy = lack of confidence.

 

[iko_iko]

I suggest that you look at a Suntour Epixon through the Suntour Upgrade program. Upgrade Program
Or as someone else has suggested the Manitou Markhor Manitou Markhor Fork 27.5" 100mm Travel, 9mm Axle, Matte Black

If the Markhor fits, I'll buy it today. I'm sure a thousand people are looking for the same. Hopefully I catch a minor miracle and find one.
Thanks again.
Everyone's knowledge and help are amazing.
peace.

 

[flanman]

Manitou Machete is on sale for $370 right now. Adjustable in the range 80-120 mm. I hear nothing but good about this fork. Have some older manitous and they are great to work on.

Machete

Description The Machete is purpose-built for slicing trails, with Kwik Toggle compression damping inspired by our renowned Absolute+ technology. Kwik Toggle acheives on/off lockout simplicity in a lightweight, practical package.

hayesbicycle.com

 

[Donkeeboy]

Mattoc Pro

 

[iko_iko]

Manitou Machete is on sale for $370 right now. Adjustable in the range 80-120 mm. I hear nothing but good about this fork. Have some older manitous and they are great to work on.

Machete

Description The Machete is purpose-built for slicing trails, with Kwik Toggle compression damping inspired by our renowned Absolute+ technology. Kwik Toggle acheives on/off lockout simplicity in a lightweight, practical package.

hayesbicycle.com

I was told I need a straight steerer though. I wonder if this model comes in non-tapered. I shall check. Thx!

 

[flanman]

Manitou have good customer service. Always replied promptly to any email inquiries. They often have forks and spare parts in stock that aren't on the website.

 

[Space Robot]

Manitou have good customer service. Always replied promptly to any email inquiries. They often have forks and spare parts in stock that aren't on the website.

I’m so impressed with my “cheap” Markhor that I may buy another, higher end Manitou for my next bike. And it’s great being able to get someone on the phone when needed.

 

[Carlin]

27.5"
Straight steer tube
9mm qr

Manitou Markhor Fork 27.5" 100mm Travel 9mm Axle Matte Black

Manitou Markhor Fork 27.5" 100mm Travel 9mm Axle Matte Black. Handle terrain like a goat and save money doing it. The Markhor is a light weight XC/Trail fork that's ready to roll.30mm Black alloy stanchions Springs: TS Air Compression Damping: Kwik Toggle (on/off) Rebound Damping: Adjustable TPC...

northwestbicycle.com