Need new bike fork, less painful please?

Question

i was riding a specialized Hardrock Sport 07 and on the way to school today, and saw a little curb (1/2 ft) and attemped to do a little jump for fun, i landed rear tire first, and as sool as my front tire hit it, my stock rst shock fell apart near the preload dials, then i fell and was being scraped 2ft on my left hand and face, i do not intend to sue, but needs help finding out a good sugguestion for a new front fork, i'd like it to be a under 350$, wouldnt fail on me without any sign of it, and it has to be 100mm+ travel. thanks

Answer 1

Marzocchi, Fox, Manitou and Rock Shox make good forks, check out some of their models.

Answer 2

Take your bike back to the shop you bought it at.  If you are lucky, they may try to get a warranty replacement on it.  If what you said was correct and all you did was drop off a 6 inch curb, there is no reason that the fork should have failed.  

If all you want to do is replace the fork, Rock Shox, Fox, Manitou, and Marzocchi are your main brands....

Answer 3

Ok, there are a few forks that might meet your need. But 1st and foremost, RST forks are bottom end stuff. While I can't give specific models to look at, I will suggest the names that have been consistently around in no particular order. Rock Shox, Marzocchi, Manitou, and Fox. These names have been around for awhile for a reason. Check out your LBS (local bike shop) for specifics because they know their stock and can properly install it. Proper installation is crucial for safety, headset life, and frame life.