Home | Reviews | Bikes | Hardtail Bike

Login  |  Register
Specialized 01 Rockhopper A1 FS Comp

MSRP $ 869.99
# of Reviews 19
Average Rating 4.47/5
More Products from Specialized

Submit a Review









Submitted by Matthew Pells a Racer from Addlestone, Surrey, England
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2004
Favorite Trail:anything
Duration Product Used:2 Years
Price Paid: $640.00
Purchased At:Evans cycles, Woking
Strengths:Quite alot, almost eveything. The A1 frame is very good and is quite light. All the shimano components are up to scratch and even the rockshock fork is good. The mavic rims look superb and specialized put some decent kit of their own on it.
Weaknesses:the body geometry seat is terrible and needs to be replaced, even though it looks good.
Similar Products Used:kona lava dome
Trek 830 cross country
Bike Setup:standard
Bottom Line:This is a great bike for cross-country or even mountain biking. It offers great value and it will not disappoint anyone who chooses to buy it, ride it or rent it.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by nick a Weekend Warrior from barrie ontario canada
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2003
Favorite Trail:ball buster
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $350.00
Purchased At:a place with no name
Strengths:good frame
Weaknesses:every other part on the bike, no back disk mount
Similar Products Used:giant iquana se
Bike Setup:manitou magnums, deore v-brakes, ryno lites with deore hubs, deore derailers, crow bars,deore shifters,hayes brake levers(mechanical), race face head set,and other stuff i for get.
Bottom Line:bottom line is, this bike was my winter project i bought the bike just for the frame, i stripped it down and started rebuliding, im not done upgrading yet, but im only gona spend around 600-700 more then after that just the usual replacement parts, this bike works extreamly well for my first real good hard tail, all though it is hard to find a picture of the bike stock and in my color. i just wanna compare the b4 and after, this bike Rock's only if you invest some $$$ into it.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Sean Fay a Cross Country Rider from Rockwall, Tx
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2003
Favorite Trail:Northshore, Grapevine TX
Duration Product Used:1 Year
Price Paid: $900.00
Strengths:There is no doubt that this bike takes a great deal of abuse and keeps asking for more! It's a great entry level bike, but its also a great hardtail to keep in your arsenal.
Weaknesses:The cockpit is a bit cramped if your an experienced rider. but if your new, that's usually what you want. I don't care for LX componets either. But they did keep the price down
Similar Products Used:Schwinn Rocket 88
Bottom Line:This is a great bike for the money. Espescially if your new to the sport. If your a heavy rider, looking for quality and a hard tail, and better than entry level, then this is your bike. Also, if your looking to spend less than $1000.00 this is a great choice.
Value Rating:4Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Brent a Weekend Warrior from Bend,Oregon,USA
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:Still Looking
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $300.00
Purchased At:Private Party (used)
Strengths:Good frame to build on, Components are not bad for an entry level bike
Weaknesses:Grip shifters SUCK. The stem is a bit long for me.
Similar Products Used:Test rides: Giant Iguana, Schwinn something? Stumpjumper
Bike Setup:Mostly stock w/ LX Rapid fire, Tektro V-brakes, Gel seat
Bottom Line:Great entry level. Its a great frame to build on. Total bike weight is under 25 lbs. had some trouble getting the shifting dialed in w/ grip shifters. I bought this bike w/ plans to upgrade it but I have caught the fever as everyone warned me of. My focus is now on a FS. For the price I paid I have to give it 5 chilis. The crappy shifters that came stock on this bike bring the overall rating down a notch.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Josh Turpen a Weekend Warrior from Evansville, IN USA
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2002
Favorite Trail:Scales Lake
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $650.00
Purchased At:Gilles Cycling
Strengths:The frame, decent shimano products, great fork, and solid construction.
Weaknesses:Kind of heavy, wheel frames could be a bit stronger.
Bike Setup:Standard frame, Judy C, Shimano Deore and LX.
Bottom Line:This is my first serious mountian bike, and it has made me a Specialized fan. It takes tons of abuse and comes back for more. For the money it is the best bike you can get.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Chris Andersen a Weekend Warrior from Glendale, AZ USA
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:McDowell Mtn. Loops, Phx AZ
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $600.00
Purchased At:Excellent Bikes, Phoenix AZ
Strengths:Very solid feel, good on climbs, responsive. Unlike some others, I haven't had any problems with the brakes, but I'm in a hot, dry climate (Arizona).
Weaknesses:Seat (make sure you have bicycle shorts!), some sloppy shifting on the front der., my rear tire wore down very quickly.
Similar Products Used:Tested Trek 6700; almost bought it, but this bike felt more comfortable for me.
Bike Setup:Stock.
Bottom Line:I'm very pleased with the performance of this bike. I've put some hard miles on it, and entered my first race last month, and it's performed well through it all. I got a closeout price on a 2001 at the end of last year and saved a couple hundred bucks, which was nice. Overall, I'm glad I ended up with this bike--for me, it's been exactly what I was looking for in a weekend warrior/entry-level racing bike.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Trialsin Man a Downhiller from Kamloops B.C. CANADA
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:Mt. Lolo
Duration Product Used:2 Years
Price Paid: $500.00
Purchased At:Java Cycle
Strengths:Once you change a few parts it is a pretty fly bike.
But makesure to buy the 17" frame it is perfect for
everything.The frame is pretty tough.it has good strong welds and a little gusset, that seems to keep my bike's head tube from ripping of.Alright for trials and drops.
Weaknesses:Not all that much room for big tires. It is chromoly.
Similar Products Used:Diamondback Topanga, Brodie Tempest, a couple of odd friends bikes.
Bike Setup:Rock Shox Psylo SL, Bontrager Race lite front rim,WTB 2.4 inch tire, redline DH/Cruiser bars,specialized stem,truvativ crank,Magura brakes,deore derailor,SH*T pedals,Big Fat MamothNRG seat.
Bottom Line:This bike can withstand quite a bit off stuff like 5ft to flat landings, big bunnyhops,manuels,jumping stairs manueling stairs and tough downhill. This bike kicks for the price I paid for it. All it takes is changing some parts(like everything but the frame and stem) it is pretty good.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Jon a from Fredericton, N.B. Canada
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:Woolastook Park
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $700.00
Purchased At:Ski Wolf
Strengths:The frame is strong and handles great. I have put a real beating on this bike since I bought it at the start of the summer and besides a few minor things it's great.
Weaknesses:The sattle takes some getting use to. I've also had some trouble with the rear rim, hub, and the front derailer. But these were minor.
Similar Products Used:My last bike was a KHS summet, and I had no trouble with the switch over.
Bike Setup:Judy C, mavic rims, deore front and lx back derailers (standard specs so far). I plan on upgrading the rims and derailers.
Bottom Line:This bike is great!! I have biked for quite a few years and have had several different types of bikes and this one has given me the most pleasure to switch to. I love the frame, it's very sharp and quite easy to skip through the woods on. I recommend this bike to anyone who wants a solid product without spending a ton of money.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

Submitted by dj mac a Cross Country Rider from scotland
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2001
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $800.00
Purchased At:England
Strengths:Strong Frame, Exellent componants, especially rear LX mech.
Weaknesses:Mavic X139 slightly weak.
Similar Products Used:None
Bottom Line:Good bike, OK excellent.
Pure excellent. Light, strong snd durable.
Judy C may be a bit bouncy!

Let me at those trails
Value Rating:4Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Ron Cuthbert a Weekend Warrior from Mount Clemens, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:Still looking
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $725.00
Purchased At:Mountain of Bikes, Fraser MI
Strengths:Great frame, handles great on down hills and climbs like a goat.
Weaknesses:Haven’t found any yet
Bottom Line:I began mountain biking this year, had a low end Fugi that I beat into the ground. Getting this bike has made all the difference. It’s like going from a Yugo to a Cadillac.
For somebody just getting into biking you can't beat the value.
Value Rating:4Overall Rating:4

Submitted by sam basile a Cross Country Rider from syracuse,ny
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:the next one
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $799.00
Purchased At:bike loft
Strengths:replaced bike was 10 year old italian. test roaded many
many before settling on this one. smooth, powerful and
sexy looking. easy on the pee pee.
Weaknesses:none,none and none
Similar Products Used:ducati purchased in argentina. had a fuji for about 2 months, broke frame. also a trex or trexx or whatever its name is, bent frame, and rear wheel.
Bike Setup:stock, eventually will replace specialized parts
with upgrades.
Bottom Line:can't equal it for the money. i treat my bike like i
treat my cars; they get beat to hell and have to perform.
weekdays are just exercise rides; weekends are downhill
and rock stompin'.

Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Jacob Carr a Weekend Warrior from grand Portage, MN., USA
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:any
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $700.00
Purchased At:SkiHut in Duluth
Strengths:smooth, good shifting, good brakes, but as noted in an earlier review they sqeal when damp. Strong frame (puts up with all 240 pounds of my abuse)
Weaknesses:Just noisey brakes so far
Similar Products Used:old trek dunno the model, it was purchased in 92, run over, re-built many times (beat it to death) and stolen in 93
Bottom Line:Having not rode a bike of any kind for a long long long time I was very pleased with this bike. I bought it looking for a tough bike that could handle my abuse, but not so expensive that I wouldn feel bad if I couldnt get into riding again. It is a good light bike that handles very well by my standards, and hasnt blown apart from a good thrashing. Wish I would have stepped up to a fully suspended now ... ahh well. I would and all ready have recomended this bike to my friends, it is an excellent bike for larger people. I am very happy with the product and I am glad I choose this bike for my re-entry into the pedel pushing world.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

Submitted by kevin wilkinson a Weekend Warrior from abingdon
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:new forrest eng
Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
Price Paid: $700.00
Purchased At:bee line bikes, oxford, eng
Strengths:i thought it was incredible light and handles superb
Weaknesses:none it great
Similar Products Used:none
Bike Setup:standard except V8's
Bottom Line:this is my first real bike, i bought it for £529 ive been looking out for it for a while and am incredibly pleased. i'm planning on upgrading to shimano mini's soon then it'll be perfect for me. a brilliant first time bike, it goes like a belt driven wombat!!!!!!!!!!!

rock on

Kev
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by mike errato a Weekend Warrior from ct.usa
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2001
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $850.00
Purchased At:ZANE'S CYCLES
Strengths:GREAT BIKE HANDLES WELL AND TAKES A BEATING.VERY SMOOTH.
Weaknesses:NONE
Similar Products Used:GARY FISHER TASSAHARA,SPECIALIZED STUPMJUMPER FSR XC
Bike Setup:STANDARD
Bottom Line:GREAT BIKE WOULDN'T TRADE IT FOR ANY OTHER HARDTAIL
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Jon Dooner a Cross Country Rider from Perth ,Western Australia
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:Dwellingup
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $850.00
Purchased At:Fleet cycles
Strengths:very light and responsive, I like the dual use pedals.
Weaknesses:the saddle,
Similar Products Used:Giant,Merida
Bike Setup:stock
Bottom Line:This bike is great on twisting single track ,is light and steers well. It's light enough to float over most obstecles and climbs like a demon. I would replace the saddle if you are going to spend a lot of time in it. The braking performance was decreased when they only got slightly damp and became noisy.
Value Rating:4Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Jon Dooner a Cross Country Rider from Perth, Western Australia
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:Dwellingup
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $850.00
Purchased At:Fleet cycles
Strengths:This bike is great on tight single track,it is really responsive and is light enough to flick over most smallish obstacles, climbs well and can take the punishment.
Weaknesses:The saddle takes a bit of getting used too, I would change it if you intend to spend a lot of time in it. The brakes were noisy and were not to great when wet.
Similar Products Used:Giant,Merida
Bike Setup:stock
Bottom Line:Love it, can't get enough riding time on it.
Value Rating:4Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Dan Hovington a from Baie-Comeau
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:Louis-Gariépi
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $850.00
Purchased At:Soin Sport
Strengths:The frame is great, it can take a beating.the Mavic rims are pretty strong, the Judy C works great even in real tough terrrain. The Body Geometry saddle is real comfortable
Weaknesses:the Shimano 535 clipless pedals work well but are'nt that great in mud...
Similar Products Used:oryx HTA 250
Bike Setup:Stock.
Bottom Line:If you want a great XC bike that has enough strenght to beast the crap out of it this is the bike for you ! The price is eral nice, and unlike the other reviewers I liked the Body Geometry saddle. It climbs great as is awesome in technical stuff and downhills
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Warren Anthony a Cross Country Rider from Redhill
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:Searching...
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $850.00
Purchased At:Broadway Cycles, Stoneleigh, UK
Strengths:Overall value for money is unbeatable, the frame is is solid but light enough to rip it uphill, LX stuff does the business, I like the Judy C shocks, and the rims can take a right old beating!
Weaknesses:The grips get a bit slippy when cold and sweaty (and I think the ones on the yellow/blue/black version look cack). Maybe I just need to get some gloves...

I'm not keen on the Body Geometry saddle - I've got used to it now but still wouldn't fancy a real epic voyage on it.
Similar Products Used:Tested a Trek 6500
Bike Setup:Standard
Bottom Line:I'm just getting into XC riding and am loving every minute on this bike.

The frame is great, the handling is fine and the shocks have enough travel to deal with some heavy grief. They've saved my life at least twice so far, so I'm not complaining!

Swap the saddle and maybe the grips too, and you can't go wrong for this sort of money.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Jason Lousier a Weekend Warrior from Kelowna, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:Crawford Mountian
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $900.00
Purchased At:Gerick Cycle
Strengths:Very solid, yet very light. Great components for the price! Wicked frame!
Weaknesses:Don't like the Specialized seat that came with it. Original stem and bars are way too low to ride with, had to upgrade and change them.
Similar Products Used:Iron Horse Ride Pro Aluminum
Bike Setup:Rock Shock Judy C front fork.
Bottom Line:I am really happy with this bike. It's a great ride for a front suspension. Very light, and also rides great on the road. THe Judy C has gotta be the best bounce for the buck!!
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4






What's New
» Write a Review and Enter To Win a Free Sci'con Saddlebag, Truvativ Carbon bar, or Mtbr Jersey! - Here's How»
» Bike Parks & Resort Reviews - find great riding destinations»
» Sea Otter Classic! Read news and info about the latest bikes and gear from the show»
Latest Articles and Reviews:


Quick Poll
(sponsored by Moots)
Which part are you most likely to upgrade first?

  cogset/chainrings
  cranks
  fork
  handlebar/stem
  pedals
  shifters/derailleurs
  wheels
  other

Photo Caption Contest

(sponsored by Maxxis)

Enter here

Contact Us  •   About Us  •   Terms of Use  •   Privacy Policy  •   Advertising
 MtbREVIEW.com  RoadbikeREVIEW.com  OutdoorREVIEW.com
 PhotographyREVIEW.com  VideogameREVIEW.com  ComputingREVIEW.com
 AudioREVIEW.com  CarREVIEW.com  GolfREVIEW.com
Copyright ©1996-2009 All Rights Reserved.ConsumerREVIEW.com, a business unit of Invenda      RSS Feed