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MTB Reviews > Mountain bikes > Hardtail > Specialized Rockhopper
Rockhopper
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| MSRP: |
$520.00 |
| Avg rating: |
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Description: (from specialized.com) # A1 Premium Aluminum frame, double butted TT, ORE DT, externally relieved head tube, reinforced disc mount, forged dropouts
# RockShox Dart 3 SL fork, 100mm, Mag Lower, 28.6mm Cro-Mo stanchions, coil spring, alloy steer, rebound adjust w/ lockout and preload adjust
# Specialized 3D forged alloy stem, two bolt, 25.4mm, 10 degree rise
# Specialized Enduro, dual density Kraton grips
# Shimano FCM-341-8 crankset, Octalink Spline, replaceable rings Shimano cartridge bearing BB
# Specialized/Alex RH 26, double wall rims, CNC side walls |
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| Pros | I got this with the Comp disc brakes and TORA front shock. The bike is great for XC and has survived some intense and technical downhill. | | Cons | Front rim gave out on the downhill and sent me for a nice flight. I do have a issue with the brakes. I slightly bent the back rotor and ever since I can't get the right setting for the brakes. Either is squeeks or is too loose. I don't believe this is a bike fault, just my own. | | Verdict | I am glad I chose this bike for my intro to mountain biking. I was told a hardtail would make me a better rider. We'll see when I upgrade to a full suspension. | | Recommended for: First-time buyers |
| Pros | Relatively light but very sturdy for being an aluminum frame bike. The price was better than ‘right’. | | Cons | 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. | | Verdict | 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. | | Recommended for: Recreational riders |
| Pros | This was my first "good" bike, and I loved it. Very light and easy to ride. This bike got me into riding. I have since upgraded to a Stumpjumper, but this was a fantastic introductory bike. | | Recommended for: Recreational riders |
| Pros | 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. | | Cons | 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 | | Verdict | 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. | | Recommended for: First-time buyers |
| Pros | Strong frame, great components, shifts fast and smooth, good price. | | Cons | none yet | | Verdict | I'm a first time buyer of a serious mtb, and couldn't imagine a better ride. After just one week and a few trail rides, I'm already thinking of trading up to the Rockhopper disc. Consider it if you'll be in mud and rain (that's any bike, not just the Rockhopper though) | | Recommended for: Clydesdales |
| Pros | Great price for a first time buy. Light and durable frame great for picking up the sport. | | Cons | Breaking in the fork can take a while. | | Verdict | 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. | | Recommended for: First-time buyers |
| Pros | I really enjoy the feel of this bike, the ride is amazing and has allowed me to really appreciate getting into this awesome sport and hey, it is pretty darn cheap too! | | Cons | The fork takes a little while to break in and the derailleur hanger is very easily bent, other than that I just loive this bike. | | Verdict | If you are just getting into mountain biking and would like something a little better than the Hardrock, this bike is perfect for you. If you are a well versed rider then I would say this is definately not the bike for you. | | Recommended for: First-time buyers | |
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