Specialized Rockhopper Reviews

Great, cushy front suspension


Not very weighty


Handles turns very well

Shifting is not that quick (notice old year/model of bike)


Brakes have begun to squeak.

I got this bike used 3 years ago and have been riding it since. For it being such an old bike, it holds up very well. Like mentioned before, front suspension is cushy and still takes downhills smoothly. You can let go on rocky or rooty downhills and still maintain control.

Comfy cockpit feel.
Feels intuitive as soon as you sit on it.
Top end models come with great spec.

To get the good spec you pay top dollar!

A great package bike. A fantastic middle ground hardtail that is reasonably light (circa 27lbs) with equipment that will see you over most obstacles with ease. Buy the cheaper version for the frame and upgrade the parts in your own time.

Good value

Upright ride with stock handlebars and stem
Heavy (33-34 lbs)

This is a great bike to start your trail riding. In the five years I've owned it, I've only broken a derailleur hanger, seat rails, rear brake, and changed the chain. Definitely not a bike for racing, but it's been fun for me.

solid frame.
pretty good components
lightweight for a beginner bike

none that i can tell.

i bought the 2010 rockhopper expert, and everything performs pretty well for me. Im 235pounds, probably around 250 geared up, and i ride somewhat aggressively and everything on the rockhopper is holding up great so far

Nice riding position, comfortable

Weak wheels - spokes break too easily

Has something happened to Specialized's wheel makers? I used to have a 2000 Hardrock and used it for commuting around London for 7 years. The wheels just kept on turning - till the rims wore out simply from braking. That was OK - I'd got more than 10,000 miles out of them. My son also has an older Hardrock and hammers it round a mountain bike course every weekend, again without any problems.

Recently I got a new Hardrock - the 09 pro disk model with Alex Rims. Within four months the rear wheel has collapsed with three broken spokes. I have only used it for commuting in London. Looking at the spokes I can see why - they are much thinner and flimsier than the old ones.

What's more, this is the second Specialized bike I've had to have suffered a rear wheel collapse. The last one was a Rockhopper comp. I keep it for mountain biking but it too was less than a year old and had hardly been used. And I'd kept checking spoke tension.

I think Specialized have either skimped on the wheels or chosen a bad supplier. Either way it could be that you'd be risking a lot of hassle and cash if you go for the current Hardrock and Rockhopper models.
Jonathan, London

I ride allot of steep uphill and trailless cross country and have found this frame to be very light and able to withstand some punishment and extreamly technical downhill rides with a rider weighing 250

I wore out every component on it in about six months and just replaced them all this year with all XT gear(Wich I love). The only thing I have not had to replace is the bb5 disc brakes.

Overall I love my bike even though I just had to replace all the coponents. Now I'll get a few more years out of it.

These ar really great MTB's, and Specialized has a exceptional service

Anyone that loves MTB'ing

Relatively light but very sturdy for being an aluminum frame bike. The price was better than ‘right’.

Came with a very soft Manitou fork. Don’t like the routing of the derailer cables. Wish it had disc breaks- but now I'm being picky.

I picked up one of these used last year without knowing anything about the model. The lady selling it said the bike had been in storage for a year, it had 32 miles on the Cat Eye odometer and not a scratch on it. One short ride up & down the alley and I was sold- $300. I wasn’t sure if I would like the hardtail but it seems to be more than adequate for the riding I do here in Alaska. The geometry of the bike itself seems to fit my riding style very well. I upgraded the fork to a fully adjustable 100 mm Marzocchi MX Pro (paid more for the fork than the bike- D’oh!), installed Shimano PD-M424 pedals and switched to a tougher seat post, all this coming together as one bike I am very happy to ride.

I picked up an '05 Rockhopper Comp as an intro to mountianbiking and it has served me well through much abuse. The frame is lightweight and responsive. A solid XC design. Over time I have had to replace several components - some to more match my riding preference and others as replacements for worn parts.

It was a fine deal considering the price, however as with any setup when you get to know your abilities and the components well you begin to see where you saved money. Didnt like: Fork -> replaced with REBA Race Crank -> replaced with Race Face Evo XC BB -> Race Face Deus X-type Cassette -> Sram PG 980 Saddle -> went thinner stem -> went lighter, OS headset: nothing special rims: kept breaking spokes Levers: Avid Speed Dial 7

Get it if you are considering the sport b/c it wont hold you back and will last for years. If you already know you will be riding hard and often - save up a bit more.

Great price for a first time buy. Light and durable frame great for picking up the sport.

Breaking in the fork can take a while.

This bike is great for picking up the sport, and can definitely take everything that you'll be able to throw at it. Probably not for the more experienced rider.