'12 Rockhopper fork upgrade recommendations

[Trail Snail]

Hi all. New here member here. Sorry if this is a topic that's already been discussed elsewhere.

I want to throw a new fork on my Rockhopper. The crappy Suntour it came with just ain't cuttin it. Through my research, I've narrowed what I want down to either a Rockshox Recon or Reba, or a Fox Float 32. My biggest question is travel distance. The current fork is a 100mm. But I'd like to bump it up to a 120mm, or maybe even a 130mm? Not sure of the consequences of this. Any info you guys and provide is appreciated.

Here's my bike:

 

[templar]

If you increase the travel more than 10%, than it will void the frame warranty. A while back I upgraded the travel on a rockhopper from 100 to 120 and liked it much better. 130 might be a bit too drastic of a increase. To get around the warranty issue just keep original Suntory, but you should not have any issues.

 

[BROWNIE]

I have the OEM Reba (?) that came on my Rockhopper SS, if you want to try it out PM me and we'll get it sorted out.

 

[herzalot]

Some Suntour suspension products are very good - Durolux for example. Basically a Marzocchi. That said, take Brownie up on his offer. Your bike can probably handle 120*, although it will slack out the front end - better for descending, worse (but not much) for climbing.

 

[gigerrider]

A better 100 is also a good option I have a Manitou tower pro on my 29er. I have set many PR's on descents on my favorite trails and the lock out its rock solid. Manitou wont break the bank either.

 

[herzalot]

Good point. Didn't see that it was a 29er. 100 should be good enough.

 

[babu9000]

My buddy got one of these from Random Bike Parts http://www.randombikeparts.com/Item...er Mtb Suspension Fork 100mm White Shocks NEW
He said it was night and day better than his stick Suntour. Great price too, $238 shipped no tax.

 

[Trail Snail]

Good point. Didn't see that it was a 29er. 100 should be good enough.

My bike is actually a 26". I found this Reba RL for 379.99. Cheapest new one i've found so far.

http://www.modernbike.com/itemgroup.asp?igpk=2126207117&TID=367&gclid=CJ_rlYShjrcCFYx_Qgodr2IAKA

 

[strobe]

Not sure if Suntour is still doing the upgrade deal, but, if you contact Nick from this thread he may be able to tell you whats available.

 

[Trail Snail]

Thanks for all the input guys.

I just got back from riding the Chutes Trails at Irvine Regional. I've decided to not put any more money into this bike. I've come to the conclusion this isn't the right bike for me and the kind of riding I want to be able to do. I don't think a new fork is going to improve it much. It climbs well, but the decent...not so much. I think I need to switch to a full suspension. So, who wants to buy a 2012 Rockhopper?