Good advice ^^^
To clarify: "29er" wheels are 700c wheels (622 ERTRO [bead seat diameter]). It's the tires that make the difference.
As to suspension: as it happens SRAM is about to release a proper after-market 'trekking' air fork (either 50 or 65mm travel): Paragon | Rockshox | SRAM
It's about bl__dy time one of the major mfgs (other than Suntour) addressed this market. Should provide what you want.