I recently upgraded my the Dart 3 fork on my 2010 rockhopper sl to a 30 Gold TK with an air spring and I cannot believe how much better the bike rides now.
I'm 6'2" 280lbs and with 150psi I get about 25mm of sag. The ride is a night and day difference. The dart 3 was like a pogo stick, bottoming out and had a harsh chattering ride even after playing with many different preload and rebound settings. The 30 Gold TK is very plush and soaks up a lot of small stuff that I now realize the Dart 3 was transmitting right to my hands.
Also, it took about 1lb off the front of the bike which I immediately noticed riding some climbs. I was on the fence about upgrading for over a year but now I'm very happy with the decision. For those of you near my size who are thinking about upgrading I definitely recommend some type of air fork.
I'm 6'2" 280lbs and with 150psi I get about 25mm of sag. The ride is a night and day difference. The dart 3 was like a pogo stick, bottoming out and had a harsh chattering ride even after playing with many different preload and rebound settings. The 30 Gold TK is very plush and soaks up a lot of small stuff that I now realize the Dart 3 was transmitting right to my hands.
Also, it took about 1lb off the front of the bike which I immediately noticed riding some climbs. I was on the fence about upgrading for over a year but now I'm very happy with the decision. For those of you near my size who are thinking about upgrading I definitely recommend some type of air fork.