I thnk its not worth to spend money on a rockhopper...at least get a m4/m5 (not the car) or stumper if you want to stick w/ the same brand. First those disc brakes are heavy...upgrade to XTR will be lighter...upgrade to air fork (SID or Fox Float), change wheelset to crossmax or American Classic hubs are light too with Ti spokes!

is weight really tat important? I have a Santa Cruz weights about 26lbs w/ fully XT but coil fork, chris king hubs, and front and rear disc...i think its ok for XC