Submitted by
ndrew
a Cross Country Rider
from marin CA
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2004
Strengths: all around components work well together for price range (in the beginning at least). derailiurs and cassette has worked well for 4 years now. climbs well.
Weaknesses: worst stuff would be the cranks & seat. the stock aheadset started to go awry after 2 years. the fork does it's job.. plan on replacing it. rear QR dropout could be better as the aluminum around the derailur has become crushed and the hub moves now.. could be partly my fault though.
Bottom Line:
Really awesome value, great XC bike that you can bump up to a race bike later. you can also upgrade everything if you want .. i did, although I could have probably just saved for a fsr. my cranks did creak as well as others have mentioned, and the seat is real stiff, although I got used to it. The rear wheel went out of true so fast, broke a spoke too. Ritchey rim was so hard to get tires over, now with the mavics is much easier. Definately want to replace that, and maybe get a shorter stem since specialized always seems to make the stems extra long (mine was like 130mm). great bike over all, good for someone trying to get a nice bike to XC with or upgrade to the next level. In a while I will probably get a Ti XC frame and just swap all the components on, or maybe a ellsworth freeride frame.
Similar Products Used: old bike was a hardrock. I tried the moab when shopping for new bike but went with the rockhopper.
Bike Setup: frame and derailiur and cranks are only stock parts letf... wheelset replaced with 317 & a hayes mag in the front, 717 in back with better xtr v-brakes. chris king all around. thompson 70mm 90 deg stem, seatpost. easton carbon bars. better wtb seat (a must), better wtb grips. velociraptor tires. marzocchi '04 mx coil w/air preload.
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Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ontario, CANADA
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2003
Strengths: Frame,paint,fork,tires, brakes, components in general
Weaknesses: saddle,wheels,hubs,crankset,bottom bracket, cassette and chain, pedals
Bottom Line:
I was looking for a bike that i could get into serious riding with, and be able to race if i wanted to. I was on a tight budget. A buddy of mine had a 2000 Stumpjumper Comp that i likd, so i bought as much bike that I could afford. I bought this at the Toronto Bike Show in the spring of 2001. All in all, a great bike. I swapped the saddle at the time of purchase for a BG sport. My first summer seemed to have discovered all the weaknesses of the bike. I broke spokes constantly, the bottom bracket creaked like mad. It was in the shop a fair amount for these complaints. Pedals were horrible for mud clearance, and smahing one on a rock was a blessing. Spring 2002, i discovered that i needed a completely new drivetrain after i lunched the front derailleur. I went XT for everything, and it really transformed the bike. No more evil chain suck like the stock rings, smooth shifts all of the time. I had the rear wheel changed due to a flat spot and breaking 3 spokes in the first 3 kilometres of an enduro race. I also had the front rim re-laced with stronger spokes and an XT disc hub. Added the Avid Disc which added tremendous wet weather braking. The bike has been bomb-proof ever since. I came to realize that i broke all of the parts that Specialized had put on the bike to cut costs, which I can understand. As my first "real" bike, i can't complain for a second about this bike. I only wish i had made the upgrades earlier, as 2002 was an expensive year for bike parts. This bike has served me well, a number of beginner races, 8 hour relays, and tons of trail riding. 5 flaming chilis, for helping me "discover" a new hobby. I haven't played golf nearly as often since i bought my bike! By the way, she is now up for sale as I am going full suspension. A great purchase at the time and a great bike ever since. I would recommend it the avid rider or the beginner racer. It has the flexibility to do just about everything cross country oriented.
Similar Products Used: Trek 7000, Schwinn Moab 1, Thin Blue Line Comet
Bike Setup: large (19 inch) with XT front derailleur,Mavic 517/LX rear wheel,XT disc front hub, Avid Mechanical Disc front, XT splined crankset/bottom bracket, BG saddle, XT cassette/chain, 858 pedals
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Submitted by
Jerome
a Cross Country Rider
from St.Catharines ONTARIO CANADA
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2002
Strengths: Frame, good entry level components, looks, handling and response. Climbs like a dozer
Weaknesses: Crank and any powertrain related components if you are a big strong rider. I am 6'4" and weigh 230 lbs.
Bottom Line:
Great bike to build on. I would have liked to have better components to start with because my first summer was expensive as systematically replaced them all (upgrades). My second summer was made up of tougher riding but less visits to my bike shop.
Bike Setup: XT dérailleurs, XT shifters, LX crank, Avid single digit vbrakes and levers, body geometry saddle, 618 mavic rims with XT hubs, Marzocchi bomber fork
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Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Post Falls, ID
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2002
Strengths: Frame strength, weight, price, tires and rims are beefy, and the avid brakes are a nice touch. The XT/ LX components have held up well.
Weaknesses: Crank sucks, chainrings, chain, and the seat is terrible
Bottom Line:
This bike is light and climbs like a goat. I am 6-4 and 240. I went for the 21" frame and it fits perfect. Whatever I dish out, this bike responds well. The only downside to the bike is the cranks (ugly and heavy as hell), the chain (snapped it after 2 months), and the chainrings (bend easily, replaced w/ Shimano). Plan on replacing the seat as well. I got a very good deal and rode every hardtail bike in the $700-1500 price range. This one fit the best and had similar components to that of bikes priced in the $1500 price range. The fork responds average and the riser bar on the bike is a nice fit. The rims and wheels have also been flawless. The bike accelerates well and can handle some of the more advanced downhill rides. I recommend this bike to the average XC rider.
Strengths: Great overall bike, wonderful weight, comfortable grips, good paint and sticker job.
Weaknesses: Definitely the sprocket, I broke so many teeth its crazy, every time i stress the gear, the chain slips, then falls to a different gear. The most uncomfortable seat yet, my butt is sore as i write this now.
Bottom Line:
Great bike overall, just make sure if you like to jump steps, go uphill, and stress the bike out, change the sprockets, all of them, then change the seat and you are left with a GREAT bike.
Bike Setup: Stock, except BMX pedals, Shimano XT deraileurs
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Submitted by
Matt Evans
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz, CA
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2002
Strengths: frame, xt rear derailler, rapid fire shifters, tires, Maintou front shock
Weaknesses: LX front derailler, crankset, ritchey rims, seat.
Bottom Line:
The good: The frame is excellent, has a nice "feeling" to it compared to my old stumpjumper (climbs well). The Shimano rapid fire shifters and rear derailler has performed FLAWLESSLY for two years and still going strong. Stock tires lasted quite a while ( greater than 1200 miles on them ). Handlebar is good . Brake lever action is very good. Pedals were great.
The bad: The rims are horrible. I am 220 lbs and had to have the rear re-built with heavier gauge spokes. Not only that, as others have stated, the rims are too large!!! Broke many tire levers on these things and had to switch to metal which scratches the rims and punctures tubes (major hassle). I recently replaced them with Sun Rhyno lights. The crankset eventually bent and was replaced with Shimano splined (which required new bottom bracket). The seat is indeed horrible. The LX front derailler had a meltdown on one particular "chainsuck" episode and was replaced with an XT. The seatpost quickly bent and was replaced with a Thompson (excellent product).
The mediocre: The brakes, but, once I replaced the rims, the rear braking seems to be much improved. The shock had some initial problems ( a mis-threaded part which was gladly replaced by Manitou and easily fixed by yours truly ), otherwise has performed well.
The bottom line, if you are a heavy rider and like to do jumps and rough trail riding, spend more money now on a bike with tougher components (otherwise be prepared to replace a lot of things for a lot of money). If on a budget, "normal" cross-country rider, and on the lighter side, buy this bike.
Similar Products Used: 1990 Specialized Stumpjumper
Bike Setup: stock initially, gradually upgraded to shimano parts
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Submitted by
Steve Neal
a Cross Country Rider
from Hampshire UK
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2002
Strengths: Very comfortable to ride. Most other bikes don't feel right for my build (6' 5" tall, with relatively long back). I love the light weight and overall efficiency when climbing. Gear change is far better than I thought possible - even when caked in mud. Bike is far more capable than I am
Weaknesses: Replaced the saddle with Spesialized BG Sport, and would prefer a slightly higher riser bar, or steeper stem.
Bottom Line:
Got it early in 2001 at bargain price, otherwise would have had to go down market to meet the budget - very glad I did!
Also bought Specialized bikes for wife and son - they must be doing something right!
Similar Products Used: Clapped out old Raleigh Pioneer, various hire bikes (Scott, Ridgeback, ...)
Bike Setup: As original except the saddle
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Submitted by
bill
a Weekend Warrior
from central massachusetts
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2002
Strengths: takes a beating. great components for the $$ rolls over anything.
Weaknesses: sits taller than I originally though it would. this is my 1st mtb. as I tackle more technical terrain, I feel like I'm up too high on downhills.
Bottom Line:
great newbie bike, but buy it a size or 2 smaller! I'd love to just get an 18" or 19" (6'2", and I've got the 21"), but speacialized doesn't sell hardtail frames. at this stage I'm at a cross roads. I think the size of the frame holds me back on technical downhills. I may end up with a new frame, then rebuild this bike as a cross trainer. if I had been riding a while already when I tried the bike, I may have recognized this.
Bike Setup: pretty much still stock. did add bontrager bar ends
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Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from LaCrosse
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2001
Strengths: The XT and LX components were a plus. Nice geometry, smooth riding, good climbing.
Weaknesses: Crankset, Saddle, and Wheelset left something to be desired, a little stiff on the downhills
Bottom Line:
This was my first real bike. After the first few months I upgraded some components and noticed a nice change. The new wheelset has worked great, and stays true compared to the ritchey wheels. I have started to use this bike for some urban riding and trials and it has held up pretty well. Riding a nice bike for under 1000 was what I needed and that is what i got, so the value is great. Is it the best bike out there? No, but it will take you out to the trail and back with a smile on your face every ride.
Similar Products Used: giant, but havnt had a bike in 4 years
Bike Setup: barends, but otherwise stock
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Submitted by
Dan W
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, OR USA
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2001
Strengths: Good components, great handling on & off road, excellent commuter bike, decent weight, bombproof wheels
Weaknesses: seat (big deal), overly long handlebars; could use bigger chainrings for road use; Ritchey rims are tough but TOO BIG!
Bottom Line:
This bike fit me better and rode better than anything else I tried in the $700-800 range. A sale at the LBS brought this bike within my price range. I've put 3000 miles on it the first year and it's held up incredibly well. Could use higher gearing (spins out at 32-35 mph) but otherwise good for road riding. Just eats up rough terrain, and the 44-32 low gear lets you spin at speeds as low as 3 mph (!)
Buy it if: you want the best components and toughest wheels available in the price range. The XT rear tranny shifts fast and smoothly - I can just rocket across an intersection, RapidFiring through the gears one after the other with no pauses. The LX front is OK - doesn't shift as quickly, and ate itself at 2600 miles - but not as important as the rear. The wheels are tough as nails - I am heavy (175 lb) for my size and often ride desert trails with a rear rack loaded down with extra water. I've had other wheels go out of true in just ten miles under this abuse, but I've beat the crap out of these for a year and they haven't even needed to be trued yet.
Do NOT buy it if: fixing flats/changing tires is hard for you. You will cry trying to get the bead over these because they are so big. I commute through a industrial area where flats are unavoidable even with Kevlar. I've broken every model of tire lever available and hurt myself trying to get the tires on and off these rims (and no, it's not the tire - I've tried 6 different kinds of tires, and I can get the same ones on and off my wife's bike without any tools at all).
Plan on: investing another $50-100 in a decent seat. Specialized might as well leave this one off - it would be more comfortable riding on the end of the seatpost.
Similar Products Used: Schwinn Moab, Gary Fisher (didn't fit right at all), '93 Fuji Sundance rigid (previous bike)
Bike Setup: Specialized BG saddle, Time ATAC pedals, Cateye Enduro 2, bar-ends. Nimbus Armadillo 1.5" tires for commuting, with lights, bell and mirror added. Moved shifters, brake levers and grips in 1/2" from original position - handlebars are too wide for long-distance riding.
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Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from southampton, ny
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2001
Strengths: great bike! very maneuverable and quiet, when everything's in tune... no annoying clicks or anything. this bike eats up hills like flat ground. usually shifts well. remarkably tough. very light bike as well. handles downhill very well, considering that i ride mostly cross-country.
Weaknesses: seat is a rock. drivetrain is not too great. many worn teeth on chainrings. the rear brakes are very tought to pull. replaced cable, helped somewhat.
Bottom Line:
the whole setup is a winner. as a mostly cross-country rider, i find the bike handles rolling terrain very well. i just returned from some xtreme downhill action at killington vermont and this bike just tore up all other hardtails. just those rear brakes are really tough to pull. possibly bad design. otherwise, bottom line is that this bike is the best bang for the buck. hands down.
Bike Setup: all stock except kool max brake pads on rear and a new rear brake cable.
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Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from The Woodlands,TX USA
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2001
Strengths: Climbs like a mountain goat no matter what the terrain. Explodes with speed out of any gear. Excellent components set for the price of the bike.
Weaknesses: The XT Deurailler is tempermental at times and ghost shifts every now and then especially on an uphill downshift. (Probably will be fixed with an adjustment at the bike shop.) The only other thing is that the frame feels really tall on even mild downhills. I'm 6'4" with a 21" frame. (Haven't had an endo yet though!)
Bottom Line:
I tested many bikes: Fischer, Trek, GT, Schwinn, Cannondale, etc... The geometry of the Specialized frames are perfect for me and every pedal stroke generates tons of acceleration and speed. The Rockhopper Pro Climbs like crazy, feels extremly stable on jumps and just feels fast. Also, the component set is well above average for the price range. There is nothing comparable in price and performance.
Submitted by
joe manchester
a Weekend Warrior
from edmonton alberta,canada
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2001
Strengths: handlebars,frame,crankset
Weaknesses: fork,brakes
Bottom Line:
this bike is alright counting out the defects in like the manitou fork and the magura brakes, the bike wasnt that bad it took alot of crap and i can dish it out ,but the bottom line is its not a bad bike!!
Favorite Trail: anything steap, bumpy and all lot of JUMPS
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At: Revolution cycle
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Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Lousville, KY
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2001
Strengths: The XT/LX combo, fork, color and over all feel of the bike. I also love the gear ratio better than GT or Trek.
Weaknesses: The crack is a peice of crap. The seat was the first thing that has to go and the handle grips are really slick, even with gloves.
Bottom Line:
This is the best bike in it's class for the money. You can't find another frame with XT/LX combo and a Manitou SX for under $700.00. I think I am married to the idea of always riding a Specialized at this point.
