Submitted by
Walt
a Weekend Warrior
from Kent, WA King
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2005
Strengths: Let's talk about the frame. It's a 1998 as near as I can tell.
Weaknesses: The head tube had a crack at the top front about an inch and a quarter long. It was at about eleven o'clock as you sit on the bike. My quess is that the frame was hardened too much and that there was too much interferance fit between the tube and the headset. It was NOT due to impact damage. (I work for that big airplane outfit in Seattle). I found two more hairline cracks in the BB tube on the chain side, bottom, that ran from the outside into the weld. The head tube got welded up and clearanced for a light press fit to the head set. The bottom bracket got Kevlar thread and epoxy wound around it several times. The Kevlar can be found in fiber optic cable if you have access to it. The bike is no longer used for hard MTB service.
Bottom Line:
If I was buying a new one, I would think strongly about another brand. I have read about others with similar problems, although they said the warrantee service was good.
The drop-down insert is attached by two VERY small screws. I think the newer ones are more robust.
Similar Products Used: trek 1300, specialized hardrock
Bike Setup: stock
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
dave dixon
a Cross Country Rider
from killington
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2004
Strengths: solid under you, no waver. steel is wonderful. as a '96 she is older and tired, but as a gracious older lady we have grown together and she has tought me to take things a little easier. she is about to retire and i look forward to some pleasant afternoons along a boardwalk with her walking and remembering the muddy days of our youth. at the same time, today she took me out for 90 minutes of white knuckle fun. love the rockhoper.
Weaknesses: climbing, after 30,000 vertical feet you know when something is not helping you, a little stiff. crankset from day one.
Bottom Line:
I should have upgraded long ago. But this wonderful bike kept me going for a long time on a lot of hairball trails that others couldn't cope with on their tricked out tanks, that I couldn't imagine getting to this love of the sport without her. I will ride this bike forever. At least thats what the steel warranty says. She never made the trails easy, she made them fair.
Similar Products Used: there is nothing similar to my girl
Bike Setup: hardtail, vermont is uphill and wind in your face both ways, 21 original, 24 after 4 years, shimano all the way around, suspension seat post for a while that was a wash, stubborn about grip shifts and have finally seen the light. 20.5 inches of pleasure. lots and lots of love.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Cliff
a Cross Country Rider
from Las Vegas
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2004
Strengths: Durable, great geometry for all around use, FS, A1 Aluminum (probably 6061), Comp, Direct Drive.
Weaknesses: Original components were low end, brakes (STX) never worked well/noisy, never did shift right with STX - 7 speed OEM. Frame is a little heavy
Bottom Line:
This old frame, a 19", has taken years of XC and still is a fine ride. Oversize downtube, large seat tube and heavy welds (with a little reinforcing at the headtube/downtube joint). If you can find one of these frames in good shape, I'd highly recommend it for an XC/all mountain buildup project. Chainstay clearance on the rear is a little narrow. I went with the 14/15 db stainless spoke, 3x rear lacing to hold down on flex and get away with running the 2.4 (55/55) Kev Mutanoraptor. I weigh about 175lbs and the Mavic 517 32 hole doesn't seem to have a lot of flex causing tire rub on the stays. Not much chainstay clearance but so far OK. However, mud in the Mohave isn't a concern. As you'd expect, it's a good climber, fast and stable on the flats and light downhill stuff. The RS post saves the tail bones but remember to unweight over swoops to avoid launching off the bike. I also recommend a setup with the bars at seat level or a little higner. The SX-R works well on this frame but had to grind a little of the excess frame welding bead off the underside of the downtube to try to gain clearance for the fork preload adjusting knob. Seems like when I crash, the fork likes to do a 180 degree spin. In which case, the Manitou knobs hit the downtube. The grinding by itself didn't give enough clearance; sooo... off to all the hardware stores in search of a steel washer to put under the headset race for just a little more space. Naturally nothing would fit rght. Turns out that a fender washer was thin enough and had the right outside overall diameter but way to small a hole. After a lot of drilling small holes and then using some grinding stones, it's a good fit and gives just enough clearance. If and when I get energetic enough, I'm going to pull the bottom bracket and try a 118mm instead of the 113. It looks like the chainline runs true on #6 cog rather than #5. But shifting seems OK so don't know. Also, I cut the Attack Half Pipes down from their original 100mm total length to 70mm (about the same as a Rocket Shorty). This stopped some inadvertment shifting in the rough/climbing trail sections and still gives a full two digits on the twistshift (which seems to take a litle more force to turn than the Rocket Shorty-a good thing). If you're going to trim the Half Pipes, be gentle and be sure to first slide out the plastic end bushing.
Bottom Line is the bike with the original OEM components was probably only 2 torches on both Value and Overall ratings. But this review is for the frame with the better components. The frame has stood the test of time, over a decade, and it's share of mt bike crashes and bashes very well. Still a great ride.
Similar Products Used: Generic knocking around stuff, then this hardtail, now several full suspensions (excessivebikecompulsive)
Bike Setup: Only things left from original bike I bought new in about 1994 are the stem, saddle, and front derailleur. Rest has been all upgraded - TWICE. First time was XTR level components which I then put on a Dakar. Now it has a "mix", a lot of new old stock/non-Shimano for a change and to save a few $. SRAM plasma RD, SRAM Half Pipe shftrs, SRAM 9 Br levers, XT cass, Bontr. cranks, RS susp post, Man SX-R fork, Bontr. Racelite front wh, XTR/517 Ceramic rear, XTR brakes, 2.4 Mutanoraptor K rear, 2.1 Dart Classic K front
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Paul Reifle
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2004
Strengths: Extremely comfortable. The shocks are really smooth. I like the Fox Float on the back. Seat is really comfortable. Overall a really durable bike . It can handle a lot.
Weaknesses: Could have a longer suspension in the front. The pedals seem too low to the ground.
Bottom Line:
Really nice bike. Takes jumps like butter. Really smooth and comfortable to ride.
Similar Products Used: Santa Cruz super 8, Trek 4900
Bike Setup: Michelin Hot S tires, Axiom seatpost, DH pedals
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Swarig
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, ON, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2003
Strengths: -strong frame -nice geometry (fits me well) -solid components for the most part (mine is heavily upgraded, however)
Weaknesses: -weak derailleur hanger
Bottom Line:
My bike feels awesome. I can't ride any other bike now. The cockpit is custom made for me. This bike is a good deal, and it's a solid ride. The derailleur hanger is a bit weak (mine's been bent twice and replaced twice). Otherwise, stock components were a bit heavy for me, but otherwise they're good quality and are serving my brother well on his upgraded Raleigh Outland.
I better start having better luck riding with this thing though. The stock chain broke while shifting and ruined one ride. The SRAM chain broke while shifting on another ride, but I was able to replace the damaged link. I'm on my 3rd derailleur hanger now, the last one having been bent courtesy of a twig getting stuck in the rear derailleur (thankfully my XTR seems to be fine). My luck I guess.
Bike Setup: Rockhopper frame, XTR rear derailleur, Thomson seatpost, Ritchey WCS stem, Avid SD Ti V-brakes, Velomax Rogue wheelset, Continental Twister Pro tires, Hutchinson tubes, Titec HellBent handlebar, Cateye Astrale computer, TIME A.T.A.C. pedals, Titec Micros bar ends, SRAM PC-59 chain
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Rich
a Weekend Warrior
from Dalls, TX
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2003
Strengths: Front fork, frame, riser bar, crank, derailleur, brakes
Weaknesses: Seat, tires.
Bottom Line:
Overall a great bike for the buck. The stock seat is extremely uncomfortable, so that was the first thing I changed out. Also, the tires have horrible grip and allow flats way too easily.. so I swapped those out for some Serfas. Other than that, it really is a great little hardtail. Good brakes & components.
The frame set is a great start. All the upgraded components turned this bike to an outstanding piece of art. Outperforms any of my friends bike in climbing, excellent in the downhill, awesome in switchbacks, it's weight is negligent when forced to HIKE-A-BIKE. It's a point and shoot vehicle! The Rockadile had a lot of flex, the GT Outlook was stiff and reliable; ergo, the price was the added weight. Among my 3 (hardtail) bikes, this one I prefer to ride for climbs!
Favorite Trail: Pt. Mugu State Park - Coyote Trail
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At: LBS (frame set only)
Similar Products Used: Mongoose Rockadile AL, GT Outlook
Bike Setup: Topo 6061 straight bar, Shorty CNC stem 40 deg, LX shifters/brake levers, Knucklebone grips, Weyless bar ends, Chris King head set, Rolf Satellite wheels, Panaracer XC Pro 2.1(127 tpi/anti snake bite)fr/rr tires, Specialized MTB lite tubes, XTR FD, XT RD, Performance Ergo Seat, Kalloy lite seatpost, Shimano SPD515, XT BB, Strongarm II cranks 175, SID SL uturn, CatEye wireless trip comp, FireBalls lighting system and Schwinn Missile pump. Weight (with above): 30.5 lbs Color: Red/Burnished/Black Trim: Size: 17"
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Jansma
a Cross Country Rider
from Germany
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2002
Strengths: Strength, Durability
Weaknesses: If I had to name one, weight. However, Strength and Durability have a penalty.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike 6 years ago. It came with a cheap, mixed gruppo. I have since upgraded everything except the Grip shifters, and have dropped a lot of weight. Even though I weigh in at 240 (winter) and 220 (summer) (love that German beer) I have never had one problem with the frame. The geometry suits me fine, and I never worry about the frame failing. When I do retire it, I will probably display it over the fireplace. As a guide for Mountain bike rides in Germany (Outdoor Recreation worker) I often laugh when a new rider comes with a very expensive bike and I have to wait for them at the top of a hill climb, or the bottom of a tough downhill section. Specialized rules with this frame!!
Similar Products Used: As a bike mechanic, I have tried many different makes and models. None have been as trustworthy as my Rockhopper. frame.
Bike Setup: Mavic 517 F & R, Kore stem, Easton Monkey riser, Avid Arch rival V brakes, XT front De, XTR rear De, XT levers, Judy XC fork, Shimano SPD pedals (I forgot what model)Grip Shift (original cheapos still shifting great).
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Ross Williams
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs, Colorado
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2002
Strengths: Very Strong tubeset; nice paint; versatile
Weaknesses: No disc brake mounts; small tire clearance in rear
Bottom Line:
This is a great frame! After my first Rockhopper split at the headtube, I got this baby-blue frame and have been riding the crap out of it for about 3 years now. It has almost always been set up as a sort of freeride hardtail, but I prefer to call it a "Colorado Bike" with the climbing ability of a hardtail combined with a big-hit fork and riser bars. I would love to have more rear tire clearance, as a Tioga Factory DH 2.1 is as big as one should get without sawing through the chainstays. I would also like to have disc brake mounts, although I like the lightweight of the Avid v-brakes and realize that the newer Rockhoppers have this feature. This bike has been on some of the toughest trails, taken big drops, been all over Moab numerous times, and is still in excellent shape! Awesome little frame - great price!!
Strengths: strong, i have been freeriding on this frame for a year and its never failed. I can drop 4-5 drops and land fine. Im amazed how strong it is.Its also light and looks cool in black and yellow.
Weaknesses: messy welding but who cares
Bottom Line:
This is an great frame. Has held up to everything and looks cool. A great buy!
Similar Products Used: muddy fox adventurer-www.muddyfox.com
Bike Setup: mavic D521, Manitou X vert,titec hell bent riser bar, xt drivetrain and brakes.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
ed welty
a Cross Country Rider
from davenport, ia/ chicago, il
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2001
Strengths: STRONG, baby! Feels lighter than it looks.
Weaknesses: slight color fade, but that was due to bike set up. the rear brake cable housing rubbed on the top tube.
Bottom Line:
I am truly in love with this frame. I bought it in 1995 after saving and skimping through most of my college life to get a good bike. i broke up with a girlfriend and went out to buy this bike to make me feel better.
the frame is super tough, but that might be because it was made in 1995, before the HUGE boom of mountain bikes. sadly, one night while in class some punks vandalized my baby. propped her up and basked in the rear wheel till it was more a burrito than a taco. i nearly cried, but the frame was fine. a slight dent, but nothing too bad. i was a bit frightened the frame might fail, but so far so good, and that was 5 years ago.
i have since purchased an aluminum bike that took the place of my steel red rider for a short while. i have gotten into single speed riding and converted my old red into a new machine. she was a joy to work on, and even more fun to ride. the bike feels very light, especially for steel. it is like discovering an old friend. the geometry of the thing fits like a glove. it is like riding in the bike, not on it...especially on tight single track.
to this day when anyone asks what type of bike to get, i tell them try specialized first, then look into trek, fisher, and klien. then go back to specialized. too bad they don't seem to make rockhopper steel anymore, just al.
Similar Products Used: crappy walmart bike, GT, alu bike
Bike Setup: Purchased this guy stock. it had avilio parts, diacomp cant brakes, and grip shifts. avilio hubs and mavic wheels. was one of specialized's first front suspension bikes with a HEAVY duotrack THREADED fork.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
adam young
a Downhiller
from diamond creek/ Australia
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2001
Strengths: feels light(4.8 pounds with headset cups),headtube gussets,nice decals,strong,not flexy,not bad paint quality.
Weaknesses: not enough clearance for 2.3's,deraileur hanger bolts need to be kept an eye on plus the bolts for it are way too small(easy to strip)
Bottom Line:
This frame has held up to 3 years of abuse without bending or cracking for a while the down tube was creaking but it went away after a while,the headtube handles triple clamps(due to top anf bottom headtube gussets)I did manage to loose a hanger bolt because there sooo small. But the highlight of this frame is that it is strong enough to handle hitting a car head on at about 30-40kph(it wasn't my fault....stupid wankers don't cut there hedgesand so forth)but yes it is a good frame that will take abuse for a couple of years if you don't bail it hard all the time........
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