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Specialized
Rockhopper Bike
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Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Jackson, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Denny's in Lansing M | | Strengths: | the name brand, frame size | | Weaknesses: | shifters | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | 97' Rockhopper A1 Aluminum FS with Rock Shox Indy C forks | | Bottom Line: | i purchased this bike mainly for its size. 14.5 it was the perfect size i was looking for. slightly small. after ridin for a while i have grown to love the craftsmanship that Specialized makes. after 1 month i dumped the gripshifters with thumb clickers, then replaces the crappy foot clip peddles with BMX oddyssey black widdow, then the seat and traded my seat post with a friend. this bike then kicked some major ass for a while making my friend jealous causing him to buy a full suspension stump jumper for $1000,, HA. im not taking it out of retirement looking at repainting it maybe but deffinately changing out the front and rear derailers. this is the only bike i will ever purchase. i will rock this thing when my son is 20 even if it is 30 years old. if i can get some new decals power coating wont be a problem in years to come. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tufftybob
a Weekend Warrior
from Deddington, Oxfordshire, UK
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | none at mo as just moved here from Somerset | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | DJ Cycles, Frome, So | | Strengths: | Light weight(for the time); fast; tough; smooth comfortable ride; looks great in bright red with yellow decals and black components; ideal frame size (16.5") and excellent tyres (ground control) for dirt riding | | Weaknesses: | stock groupset (Shimano Altus A10/20 bar shifters) complete shiiite! gear shifters broke or wore out after only 700 miles. frame size of 16.5" is way too small to use a rear rack with anything other than tiny panniers as feet keep hitting bigger panniers while pedalling as seat stay angle is too shallow | | Similar Products Used: | multiple other cheap and or used bikes too many to list but including: Falcon Rapier(12sp road bike) stolen in 1985, Apollo Colorado (12sp nasty cheap mtb)nicked in 1993, as well as at least four others stolen including Elswick Tornado (hybrid/racing bike I had put together myself in 1985 from bits - stock frame and forks; campagnolo 15sp gears, chain rings, down tube shifters, and racing brakes; 27.25" campagnolo chrome wheels; leather saddle and home-made handlebars, before the term hybrid was even invented for bikes) | | Bike Setup: | stock 1993 rockhopper set up with rigid frame and forks; some groupset changes over time, now using NON INTEGRATED deore V brakes and levers and alivio rapid fire plus gear shifters. Still using original mechs, chainrings, chain and rear cogs. original specialized air gel saddle still feels great; cateye lights and computer | | Bottom Line: | Stock set up with Shi(t)mano Altus A10/A20 shifters and mechs not good enough for the price I paid. I have used three sets of pedals and bar grips, have just had to replace the original 'dual control' integrated gear shifters and brake levers because some cheap piece of crap in the rear gear rapid fire plus shifter wore out after 700 miles. Brakes were good enough for me (altus cantilevers) but now I'm using non integrated v brakes and some better shifters. Bike was laid up for a good few years due to poor health so still have some original parts on the bike including, unbeleivably the ground control tyres. Bike has NEVER been left outside once in 16 years, so still looks as good as new(ish). Kinda wish I had gone for the Future Shock/Rock Shox option at time but that would have been an extra £200! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn Roper
a Cross Country Rider
from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Edmonton River Valley | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | River Valley Cycle i | | Strengths: | Timeless frame, light weight, fun to ride; stiff responsive ride. | | Weaknesses: | Stock parts inferior | | Bottom Line: | - I've had the bike for 12years and it remains a solid bike in my collection. I have over ten thousand kilometers on the frame. Although I have changed out all the components many times over.
- Great around town road bike
- I've ridden this thing in some crazy single track, serious downhill and on long road rides, as well as a daily commuter to/from work bike.
- I will never get rid of it as long as I can ride a bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
superbox
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco, CA
Date Reviewed: January 11, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt Tam Old Railroad | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Abandoned at the Cur | | Strengths: | Light, strong, cheap, handsome. | | Weaknesses: | Had a bunch of old and mostly broken parts that had to be replaced, but whatever! the replacements were worth it. | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh, Specialized, Bianchi steel rigids, some are close but none are equal | | Bike Setup: | XTR vbrakes, XTR/LX brake levers, ENO eccentric hub, XT front hub, Velocity Aeroheat rims, stock steel seatpost, BB, stem, and rigid steel fork, Ritchey WCS flat bar, OURY grips, Brooks B17, HKS removable rear fender, wide Cruiser tires or mountain knobbies either work fine. 6'1" 250lbs rider. | | Bottom Line: | A Cinderella story if there ever was one. Abandoned with rusted chain and a few broken parts. Now gets used twice a week on XC trails all around the Bay Area and loves it. At present, I've got every kind of bike possible, new and old, this one is my favorite and the rest are collecting dust. Over time I've scrounged free parts here and there from friends and gotten to know those friends better because of it. A few of the parts were purchased new, and not a part on the bike I would change unless it broke and needed replacing.
Modern technology has a place on technical courses and steep downhills, this is true. But for riding with friends up Mt. Tam, this is the ultimate. My buddy, who rides a late 90's aluminum Hard Rock geared, traded me for a couple minutes when we were climbing Old Railroad Grade. He just took off and loved it, we didn't see him for a couple minutes as we spun up the hill. Now he wants an old steel SS ride, even though he thinks the bike is heavy. I find it perfect if you set it up right.
Do yourself a favor, whatever bike you ride, get out there with friends and enjoy your local trails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nathan mcmahon
a Cross Country Rider
from conn
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | back yard | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$10.00 | | Purchased At: | auction | | Strengths: | extremly light strong frame | | Weaknesses: | wish i had disk's and front forks if any body suggests a kind email me at natdaddy14@hotmail.com | | Similar Products Used: | cannondale lefty cannondale ez-ride rocky mountain | | Bike Setup: | stock a1 frame cromoly rigged forks | | Bottom Line: | amazing bike i picked it up cheap because no one new what it was and it was away from the outher bikes but it's great i race cross country it climbs so easy and its got a great turning ratio i love it some guy offerd 600 and a 06 cannondale lefty rush to me and i didn't take it so if u race or your just out on a ride to the store it is a great bike considering it's 24 speed 28 inch tires | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Logan Mirra
a Downhiller
from SF, California
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | to many | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$530.00 | | Strengths: | Seat | | Weaknesses: | Shifts very very slowly it think it a cheap shimano | | Similar Products Used: | Fox, Trek | | Bike Setup: | all factory | | Bottom Line: | It is a piece of Crap crappy pedals,rims,crappy shim | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Logan Mirra
a Downhiller
from SF, California
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | to many | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$530.00 | | Strengths: | Seat | | Weaknesses: | Shifts very very slowly it think it a cheap shimano | | Similar Products Used: | Fox, Trek | | Bike Setup: | all factory | | Bottom Line: | It is a piece of Crap crappy pedals,rims,crappy shim | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete Marshall
a Cross Country Rider
from Birmingham
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | can't remember | | Strengths: | Cheap, light, strong. A real mountain bike for little money | | Weaknesses: | The componants are all pretty cheap, they work, but won't last long. | | Similar Products Used: | all sorts of bikes | | Bottom Line: | If I ever find who stole this bike I will kill them! This was my first mtb (after many years on road bikes) like many people. I brought it for £300 in 1993 and kept it (under various guises) until somebody stole it in 2003.
It is a great bike for the money. It was used for all sorts of stuff, is greatest moment was descening the Llanberis path from Snowden in 1994, a rigid bike, no helmets...just hang on for grim death. Nothing could break this bike, although all the bits and pieces wore out quickly (and were replaced with better stuff) and the front wheel wasn't really up to some of the stuff I put it through.
I have ridden a more recent one (with a suspension fork) and they aren't as good (although the V brakes do make them stop a lot better) a fondly remembered machine. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SlipperyPete
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh, NC
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Legend Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Pretty much everything. That and the lavender paint job with hot pink lettering. | | Weaknesses: | None--seriously. | | Similar Products Used: | Lots of different types and styles. | | Bike Setup: | 1993 Rockhopper (steel; rigid; XL frame; the way God intended). Still stock except for tires (obviously), rear der (broke original back around 1995) and forks (bent around 1996). | | Bottom Line: | This bike has seen everything in 13 years: Minnesota winters, Carolina summers, commutes, 100-mile road rides, crashes, and more single track than I can remember.
And it still runs like a dream. Now I'm retiring it to be a commuter-only bike.
13 years of both off- and on-road riding for a $400 bike. And all of it carrying a Clydesdale too.
If Superman wanted to buy a bike, but not spend a lot of money, it would be a Rockhopper. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a badass who's
a Weekend Warrior
from california
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | The snappy resilient feeling steel frame. The carvability of the frame's geometry -- it's happiest in singletrack. | | Weaknesses: | the stock brakes were annoying to adjust and the wheelset is kinda heavy, especially with gunk in the inner tubes | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo, Stumpjumper, Homegrown, GT Avalanche, beautiful Bontragers | | Bike Setup: | shimano pedals, manitou fork, rapidfire shifters, avid brakes, blah blah blah who cares | | Bottom Line: | I've had this frame for about 7 years and I had no idea that it'd last so long. It's been through countless tubes and tires, grips, brake pads, and wrecks, but as long as I keep the chain lubed and rims true, it keeps on goin. The rockhopper has always been the favortite in my stable of bikes, when it come to just having fun on a bike. I don't worry about breaking expensive parts and hurting my ass on a super rigid frame. I plan to maintain this bike for as long as possible. If I were to see this classy frame at a garage sale, I wouldn't hesitate to pick it up, it'd make an amazing single speed too, or just classic trail bike. If you don't care about having the newest high tech alloy frame material and want a slick and flickable trail bike/commuter for a reasonable price, if you can find one of then look no further. Oh yeah, steel is definately for real. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cat
a Cross Country Rider
from Breckenridge, CO
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Peaks | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Strengths: | Light indestructable aluminum frame | | Weaknesses: | haven't found any yet | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Paragon, StumpJumper FSR | | Bike Setup: | XT rear/ LX front deraillers, Avid brakes, Kore stem, Sid fork | | Bottom Line: | Indestructible!!! I've had this bike for about 5 years and have built it into a great x-country, borderline race bike. The frame is so light, strong and responsive- I just can't praise it enough. I just recently went to a FS just because of the terrain I've been riding, but don't know if I'll ever get rid of this bike. I trust this bike more than my own mother! It has been reliable since day 1 and takes all sorts of abuse and just keeps on going. For anyone out there that is looking to build a great bike- pick up one of these frames CHEAP and build from there, I don't think you'll be disappointed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from Kenosha, WI
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | City Streets/Parks/Other | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | Garage Sale | | Strengths: | FRAME,wheels, size, strength, | | Weaknesses: | none found...yet | | Similar Products Used: | Giant, Schwinn, Gary Fisher, TREK | | Bike Setup: | 95-98 Rockhopper Hardtail, Cromo frame, no FS. Bike came with Specialized Wheels, and Specialized Rockcombo tires, and a set of ADVENT Street Smoothies. Shimano quick release hubs and seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | I picked this bike up dirt cheep one week ago at a garage sale from some executive who bought it, parked it in his garage and forgot about it for years. I hopped on the sale 'cause I knew Specialized made good bikes, but I forgot they were THIS good. I grew up in Boston and rode many different mtn bikes, but I dont remember having a Rockhopper back then, but I remember a friend having one stolen, and he loved it.
This is one well built bike. It looked all dusty and crappy with two COMPLETELY flat tires when I got it. Well, two hours later, after cleaning, polishing, lubeing,adjusting seatpost, bar and brakes, and replacing tubes, it's good as new! (Thank God for all the quick releases on this thing!)
I slapped on the street smoothies, and set out to try and kill the bike. I'm 6'4" and weigh 267. I started with a quick ride around the block then proceeded to bunny hop curbs, roll over gravel, dodge rush hour traffic, etc. and the bike hasn't complained a bit. I rolled on a pre-teen kid who tried to outrun me with his Wal-Mart Special FS Mongoose, and my Rockhopper smoked his ass with my 31 year-old out of shape body at the pedals.
Do yourself a favor, get on ebay and get one of these things if youre a person looking for a city bike that can take ten beatings and you don't want to be all wussy looking like Lance Armstrong with Lycra shorts on a road bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from Kenosha, WI
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | City Streets/Parks/Other | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | Garage Sale | | Strengths: | FRAME,wheels, size, strength, | | Weaknesses: | none found...yet | | Similar Products Used: | Giant, Schwinn, Gary Fisher, TREK | | Bike Setup: | 95-98 Rockhopper Hardtail, Cromo frame, no FS. Bike came with Specialized Wheels, and Specialized Rockcombo tires, and a set of ADVENT Street Smoothies. Shimano quick release hubs and seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | I picked this bike up dirt cheep one week ago at a garage sale from some executive who bought it, parked it in his garage and forgot about it for years. I hopped on the sale 'cause I knew Specialized made good bikes, but I forgot they were THIS good. I grew up in Boston and rode many different mtn bikes, but I dont remember having a Rockhopper back then, but I remember a friend having one stolen, and he loved it.
This is one well built bike. It looked all dusty and crappy with two COMPLETELY flat tires when I got it. Well, two hours later, after cleaning, polishing, lubeing,adjusting seatpost, bar and brakes, and replacing tubes, it's good as new! (Thank God for all the quick releases on this thing!)
I slapped on the street smoothies, and set out to try and kill the bike. I'm 6'4" and weigh 267. I started with a quick ride around the block then proceeded to bunny hop curbs, roll over gravel, dodge rush hour traffic, etc. and the bike hasn't complained a bit. I rolled on a pre-teen kid who tried to outrun me with his Wal-Mart Special FS Mongoose, and my Rockhopper smoked his ass with my 31 year-old out of shape body at the pedals.
Do yourself a favor, get on ebay and get one of these things if youre a person looking for a city bike that can take ten beatings and you don't want to be all wussy looking like Lance Armstrong with Lycra shorts on a road bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bert
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond, Va
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Poor Farm Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Now Defunct LBS | | Strengths: | Great Frame. Absolutely Bulletproof. | | Weaknesses: | Suntour components were impossible to find after a few years. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock 1990 Rockhopper Sport | | Bottom Line: | This has been my trusty friend for many years. I ride with fellows with newer sprung beasts and my old girl holds her own on trails, XC, and even some moderate technical stuff. I've been tempted by the new plusher rides but my heart still lies with this old girl. What a great great bike. If you are looking for a great reliable bike for all around use and aren't interested in gadgets find one of these on Ebay and you will never regret it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wayne
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Ute Valley Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Grand West Outfitters | | Strengths: | Bullet proof frame, came with full stx group | | Weaknesses: | rigid fork, grip shifters, canti-brakes, steel chain rings (OEM stx) | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Diamond Back, Schwinn | | Bike Setup: | Manitou SX-Ti fork, XT V brakes, Strongarm Crank, alloy gears, FSA headset, Richey seat post, Richey stem | | Bottom Line: | The 95 Rockhopper Comp A1 was a better bike than the 96. No Alivio components - the 96 had Alivio cranks, brakes, and hubs. The 95 had full stx and more alloy stuff, plus what seems to be a better frame (mine has lasted all these years - bought new in 95). After replacing the fork and brakes, the bike is much better. The crank was an impulse buy at a closeout table. With a suspension fork, the bike worked great on the local trails and definitely helped with control on the washboard Santa Fe trail. The stock Ground control tires worked fine and were replaced with the same until last year - went to a road tire as the fork started leaking and no longer provided enough dampening. The bike is now my street ride. Still looks new with only a few scratches on the down tube, as stiff as it was 6 years ago, and even with a partially working fork, it is still capable of mild trails. I give it 4 chills for the steel rings and lack of suspension fork (stock). A great bike for a beginner or intermediate, with upgrades, suitable for an advanced rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George Morris
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco, CA
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Golden Gate Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Friend | | Strengths: | Light, strong frame, never ever had a problem with it. This bike has taken tremendous abuse only to come out with a couple of scratches. | | Weaknesses: | comes with some crappy components. Must upgrade if you want to really ride this bike hard. | | Bike Setup: | 98' Specialized A1 aluminum frame. 01' rock shox physlo. shimano LX V brakes and some other cool stuff. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is worth every penny. It's a 98' so i figure you can get one now for cheap if you happen to come across one and upgrade from there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charles
a Cross Country Rider
from Howard Beach, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Urban Jungle, NYC | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$625.00 | | Purchased At: | Brands | | Strengths: | Build quality, That great Cro-Mo ride, Durability, Comfortable frame geometry | | Weaknesses: | They don't make 'em like this anymore! | | Similar Products Used: | 99 Stumpjumper Pro (sold it in a year) | | Bike Setup: | Original LX push-push Shifters, 96 Judy XC, XT BB and R/Derailleur, Raceface DH bar, Spinergy SPOX, 1.5" City Slickers | | Bottom Line: | Bought it in 1990 new, It's been my trusty steed since for thousands of miles. It's Bombproof! I've used it for everything from downhilling at Killington to XC at Minnewaska. It's basically an Urban Warrior now. I love smoking wanna-be roadies on their LiteSpeeds at Central Park, bunnyhopping the curb and ripping through the trails with the parks dept. in hot pursuit, waving their rakes and shouting in dismay! Switched to a StumpJumper Pro for a year in 99 and felt like I was cheating on my wife. I want to ride this bike for the rest of my life! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ko
a Cross Country Rider
from halifax, ns, canada
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | private sale | | Strengths: | The frame, see above about 150 times, god, the frame. | | Weaknesses: | The headset does leave quite a lot to be desired. Mind you, ahedsets were yet to come into common use when this bike was built. | | Similar Products Used: | Jeez, whatever I can get my hands on. | | Bike Setup: | Front top mount shifter (they work damn well thank you), half pipe grip for the back, everything else is pretty much the stock Avid setup. | | Bottom Line: | What to say? It's hilariously tough for a bike of it's price range. Despite being the Wonderbread of mountain bikes, I can not honestly crap on it. It handles well, takes heaps of abuse, heaps of neglect, and continues with the proverbial ticking. These bikes are all over the damn place, go to any university area of any major city at the end of the school year and pick one or two off the curb. The cro-mo frames on these beasts are as good a place as any to cut your teeth. Clean 'em up and start adding stuff. Not championship bikes in any area, but solid bikes to improve your skills on (yes, I'm one of those #$&*@ing luddites who insists on leaning on a rigid). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charlie
a Weekend Warrior
from Swansea, South Wales, UK
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Cefn Bryn/ Gower | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Schmoos cycles Swansea | | Strengths: | Stronger than humankind! I have had broken bones and stitches yet the bike has never needed more than routine maintenance and the occasional service | | Weaknesses: | It's now so old children laugh as I ride by (wheezing). | | Similar Products Used: | All sorts but none seem to fit? | | Bike Setup: | Boggo except for bits that fell off or broke (seat etc) + XTR bottom bracket (quite the thing in the early 90's let me tell you) | | Bottom Line: | Can't fault it, I'm about to spend money I can ill afford on a new bike but my sentimental nature will not let me get rid of a bike which has given so much pleasure, taken so much abuse and provided everyday transport for 10 years. I feel like I'm embarking on a sordid affair just by looking at other bikes and will probably buy a new Rockhopper unless someone waves something exceptionally shiner under my nose for not many pounds. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Q
a Cross Country Rider
from Tokyo, Japan
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | local trails... | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1.00 | | Purchased At: | Found in a dumpster...lmao | | Strengths: | PRICE-It was free! can you believe some idiot was going to trash this thing? The rear rim is out of true, and the brakes suck...minor little details. Love how light it is! | | Weaknesses: | Brake levers (old Dia-compe). Needs a shorter stem, the frames a little big for me but for the price, I'll learn to live with it! Seat sucks too, but oh well... | | Similar Products Used: | GT, Trek, Giant... | | Bike Setup: | 95% STX (hubs, derailluers) Shimano brakes, Cro-mo fork. | | Bottom Line: | Considering I paid $0 for it = 5 peppers
Cost to make road / trail ready, $100? = 4 peppers | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from West Hartford, CT
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | The ones I can ride to. | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Racer's Edge, 1989 | | Strengths: | Great frame - strength, geometry, welds, finish; undamaged after 12 years.
Solid components (standard $500 fare back then) | | Weaknesses: | Bottom bracket was cheesy. Nylon brake levers flex a bit but still work fine. Replacement cantilevers gave big improvement. Can you believe I still have the Biopace rings!? | | Similar Products Used: | Comparable models from Trek, Fat City, Univega, Fuji, Diamond Back, Fisher. | | Bike Setup: | Mostly original stock except for stem, barends, BB, brakes and hangers, pulleys, pedals and normal wear items. | | Bottom Line: | After 12 years of moderate to rough riding, I don't have a single real complaint. The frame suits me perfectly as it always has - I've still not ridden a better climber - with lots of stretching room. Top-mount shifters are still my favorite type and they still work as well as ever. I just wanted to post this review of my old beloved to show how durable these things are. Hell, if I was transported back in time I'd buy the exact same bike.
Recently bought a Hardrock for my SO and that's a beauty for what I paid. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa, Ontario
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | some where in my back yard | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | length of life | | Weaknesses: | heavy components (but very good for the price) | | Bottom Line: | This bike is built to last. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
holland-jaggers
a Weekend Warrior
from east sussex UK
Date Reviewed: October 30, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Stanmer Park | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
reliability looks strength | | Weaknesses: |
rear mech, brakes | | Similar Products Used: |
carrerra gt kona | | Bike Setup: |
rst 3.5 mozo pro ,shimano m600 brakes stx rear deore xt front mechs | | Bottom Line: | a wonderfull starter bike still looks good after 3 years had to up grade brakes and front mech and stick on front suspension downhill bars quick release hubs and seat the newer models now have half decent spec for the price range I honestly think you can't buy a better bike for the same price I love my rockhopper it's not top of the range but it has never let me down even when I have trashed it around the trails | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross-Country Rider
from Syracuse
Date Reviewed: September 16, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Mt. Hoevenburg | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Stiff, well made | | Weaknesses: |
crappy stock frnt derailleur/fork | | Similar Products Used: |
GT Avalanche | | Bike Setup: |
Stock, except for LX frnt. derailleur | | Bottom Line: | This bike is incredible for the money. The so-called entry level componenets actually work very well (better than said) and this bike climbs like a dream. I have beaten people in races with custom bikes. The STX works pretty well in general. Anyway, five flaming peppers! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gerard
a Weekend Warrior
from France
Date Reviewed: September 7, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Perfect for a beginner.
Very good handling. | | Weaknesses: |
Original equipment: wheels (hub/rim), bottom bracket (the original equipment was 28/38/48 (biopace for those who remember), that is obviously not compatible with my riding), weight (old bike with single butted tubing), saddle | | Bike Setup: |
Upgraded with a Manitou Pro fork. | | Bottom Line: | I bought it in '92, so a long time ago, and it was my first MTB. After 7 years of use (av. 600 miles/y), my old fellow is in a better shape than my poor old back.
I have upgraded it to a suspension fork, and exchanged more or less all the accessories (but that's MTB life).
A great bike that made me happy to ride for years.
I will move soon to a full susp., but I'll never forget how much I enjoyed it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, Ca
Date Reviewed: July 23, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Great Price
Nice Frame | | Weaknesses: |
Front Derailleurs
Bottom Bracket
Front Shocks | | Bike Setup: |
All Stock
SBC Body Geometry Sport Saddle | | Bottom Line: | I bought mine for $399. For that price I could not complain about the components, just shut up and upgrade them.Though I am 6'1 220lbs+ the frame seems stiff enough for my weekend trail blazings. I did have to get the BB replaced even before I took my first trail.The front derailer has been pissing me off but I plan on upgrading that. I have no problem with the cables being bottom fed. I figure if you happen to wack the bottom part of your frame I would be worried about the damn frame and not the cables.Overall: Great bike for those who aren't too concern about components and just want to ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Somxay
a Racer
from Philadelphia, Pa
Date Reviewed: June 22, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Bottom Line: | I just bought my 98 Rockhopper A1 FS for $480, and I love it. This is my first true mountain bike, it's a great bike and worth the value. The best $480 I spent this year, I just love it. I am thinking about upgrading most of the parts to 98 LX/XT. An exellent bike for under $600. Specialized knows how to make a great bike, I give it 5 stars. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mr.23
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver BC
Date Reviewed: May 24, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
climbing, nice handling | | Weaknesses: |
crappy parts at first | | Bike Setup: |
bomber, 636, stock wheels & train | | Bottom Line: | I love my bike. It's heavy, my friends cro-mo bike weighs less but mine still works. Ha. Im tall and slouchy but this 19.5 fits me perfectly. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JoeShmoes nemesis
a Cross-Country Rider
from hell
Date Reviewed: April 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
everytraol | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
this idiot needs to go to hell this bike rocks for people with out money for a racing bike | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: |
specialized rules | | Bike Setup: |
spyder | | Bottom Line: | if he does that again he is an idiot. i bet hes from canondale because thats what all canondale users say! and if hes a racer why is he riding a rockhopper? DONE THIS IS TO EVEN OUT HIS POST | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alan
a weekend warrior
from dublin, Ireland
Date Reviewed: March 6, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have recently puchased a Specialized Rockhopper-international model(rigid)and I can only say that the new improvements to this model have made quite a difference-shimano lx rear deralieur, dia-comp brakes, etc. This really is a great bike, great ride-just change the tyres | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lin
a weekend warrior
from Victoria, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 20, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
We've just completed a lot of information gathering and test riding. Today we bought a 1999 Specialized Rockhopper. If you're looking for a bike to commute with on pavement, gravel and minimally rough paths then I'd suggest you take a look at this bike. The components are good quality shimano (LX rear deraileur, LX shifters and STX front deraileur)it's a 9 speed (all the other bikes in the group we checked were 8 speeds)with good quality rims and hubs. We checked out the following 1999 bikes; Kona Lavadome, Norco Charger, Connondale M400, Trek 6000 and the Rockhopper. We set our budget in the 650-800 dollar range and did a spreadsheet comparing the components on all the bikes. For the value and quality the Rockhopper came out the best. Note: the Rockhopper has a Ritchey Nitanium fully butted frame so you trade off on a little weight, however the ride is a bit smoother than an aluminum frame. We had the seat changed (it was pretty uncomfortable)and added a seat quick release We also had the tires changed to ones that are good for street and path riding. Another feature on this bike is that it came with both clipless & alloy cage pedals with straps (none of the others reviewed did). Future upgrades to this bike can be easy due to how it's built. e.g cogs can be replaced individually, the stem is threadless, a shock can be easily installed, etc.
We learned a lot about bikes and components during our fact finding and now we're looking forward to doing some great comfortable riding....Give this bike a fiver! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rob
a weekend warrior
from banbury england
Date Reviewed: January 26, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
i brought this bike 6 mounths ago and the only thing which has died so far is the front wheel. i now have a hope fastso on a mavic d521 and have had no problems, ******* good wheel as well. buy one now | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dale
a weekend warrior
from Millersburg, Pa.
Date Reviewed: January 22, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I looked at Giant,Raliegh & Diamondback before I bought my 98-Rockhopper A1fs in Aug.,I put almost 700mi. on it. It has to be the best climbing bike ever made in my opinion. I have yet to find anyone who can keep up with me(climbing). The only thing I changed were the pedals, I put a pair of LOOK on. The next thing to go is the fd(it's a must) this thing is crap. Overall this bike is a work of art. I am very very well pleased with the purchase of this bike. I recommend this bike is for anyone. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joe shmoe\
a racer
from nj
Date Reviewed: January 7, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
this is the worst bike i have ever ridden. After 1 month, the headset broke and the frame cracked. The frame is 5lbs+ and the crappy alivio/stx components suck ass. The bike itself weighs 35lbs and the shock gets stuck and doesnt work when it gets wet. If i could, i would give it 0 chilis. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
neupapa
a weekend warrior
from Colo Springs
Date Reviewed: January 1, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This frame climbs like a beast! Not only is it super stiff, it also has some decent (although I've made many upgrades) components. I wish I knew ahead of time about the Matrix frames made by Specialized, but this frame is a nice re-introduction into riding. Replacable hanger, too!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jimmy jones
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: December 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a rockhopper Fs as my first bike and was overall please with the purchase. The only thing that i am looking to replace is the fork and pedals. Mainly i would replace the fork because it is only and indy c and has less travel that wanted(63) and the pedals cause i am looking to race. Overall i have had no probs with the bike and it is great for starters. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kenny
a cross-country rider
from
Date Reviewed: November 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
After 70,000 miles, I had to put my 1987 Rockhopper to sleep due to a cracked frame at the bottom bracket. I am going to see how well Specialized supports their lifetime warranty. This old workhorse has served me well over the years, primarily as an everyday commuter. I was running Deore XT componenets, American Classic hubs, a 13-21 freewheel, Look pedals, Fat Boys, and aero bars. The only road riders that could usually keep up with me were serious cyclists. I am considering purchasing a Rockhopper FS as my replacement, since I doubt most of my current components would fit a replacement frameset. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jump Dog
a cross-country rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: November 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the stock rigid rockhopper in August for commuting/jumping purposes. I used to do that on my way nicer Schwinn, but I kept breaking expensive parts. I work at a Specialized dealer, so I got a good deal on the thing. As soon as I got it I ditched the lame brakes, wheels, tires and cheesy pedals for the stock Schwinn wheelset and got LX/avid brakes plus slick tires. It ran really well at first, but eventually I got tired of the lame-ass gripshift and flat bars and got some specialrise bars and LX shifters. I also eventually put fat tires back on it for jumping. Another thing that I know from working at a Specialized dealer, is that except from the S-Works bikes, ALL Specialized bikes have bad bottom brackets. Mine blew up last week. I also put a Manitou Mach 5 on it. Overall, an alright bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jessy H.
a weekend warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: November 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the Euro version Hardrock FS (here the Rockhopper) with the frame A1 and Indy S.I love this bike. It is great fun on the downhill (for the buck) but I dont like to climb on it, for the bike feels more stable on descent. Or maybe I'm too lazy to like climbing. anyway, Great quality, price, value, service, ride and FUN!!chow for now..
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Master V
a cross-country rider
from g'bug Md
Date Reviewed: November 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got's a 97 rockhopper and that junks is phat! The stx rear d. is alright but the alivio front is not so good. TRhe bike is great for beginner mtn bikers. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fred
a weekend warrior
from Sunnyvale, CA
Date Reviewed: October 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this bike at the beginning of the year for around $ 350.00, and I have had a great time with it. I have taken it out on roads, dirt roads, big trails, and single-track. It has performed almost flawlessly, unlike the rider. The front derailleur (SP ?) needed a little bit of tweaking but otherwise I have no complaints. I have the aluminum frame, thank God, because I have taken this bike through a few creeks (and dunked in one). Overall, I would give this bike 4 1/2 flames because of the der problem but because there are no half points, this bike gets the full 5. A great bike for beginners to intermediate riders. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a weekend warrior
from Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: October 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just got my Rockhopper on Friday, so far I have already taken it on 2 trials. The handling is great, but i think ill have to play around with the tenson of the shocks. The stx rear derailer is awesome, however im not sure why they only used Alivio on the front derailer, however both are still smooth, but i think ill upgrade the front derailer when it wears down. The Ritchey Nitanium frame is exelent and lighter than some of the aluminum frames found an bikes in this price range, i had the shocks upgraded to Answer Manitou, which are a lot better than the Indy C, but they do have about the same amount of travel, the Ritchey rims are ok, but i heard that they loose their true quickly. i really recomend this bike, and it was such a good deal, with the upgrades it ended up costing only $500, and it comes with features on bikes costing a lot more. This bike has a lot of potential, and it is great just in stock form. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a weekend warrior
from Dekalb
Date Reviewed: October 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
If you take a look at the Specialized literature on this bike, THEY describe the Rockhopper as a bike that a rider would graduate into - something a rider would buy once s/he is beginning to take the sport seriously. Hmmm...sounds like me! That is exactly what my '97 Rockhopper FS A1 has been for me. After breaking the crank on my 10 year old Schwinn, (amazing that it didn't happen sooner!) and for many other reasons, I had to buy a new bike. One of the major reasons I bought this bike is because I am 6'3. Specialized is famous making long top-tube bikes, and this machine has not disappointed! I ride a 21 1/2 inch frame that fits me like a glove. I am riding Aluminum for the first time, and to be honest, I LIKE the extra-stiff ride, SO THERE! (Too many people complain about getting exactly what they should have known they paid for in the first place!) I have been happy with the components as matched with my skill level, although I know that the first thing that I will replace will be the brakes, which leave a little to be desired. I did bend the hell out of my rear rim, an Aluminum Richey. However, I think that the bike is a great package and it makes me love my rides. And by the way, part of what makes my bike great is having a fantastic and knowledgable dealer, likke Dekalb Schwinn here in Dekalb! Ride on! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christina B.
a weekend warrior
from Northampton, MA
Date Reviewed: October 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I agonized long and hard over which mountain bike to buy. I practically slept with a library of bike catalogs under my pillow. I obsessed. Eventually, I narrowed it down to a '98 GT Tequesta and a '98 Rockhopper FS. Because the bikes are almost identical component-wise, my decision ultimately came down to color, believe it or not, and I bought the Rockhopper in a bright metallic blue, with an Indy C fork, for $499 in Massachusetts. So far, I am very happy with the bike. She and I hit the dirt on day one and we felt GREAT. I've been out with her almost every day since and perhaps my only complaints have to do with the geometric differences that I assumed responsibility for when I bought a bike with a men's frame. Hear this, Specialized: For women, even tall women like myself on this 19 frame, the reach to the handlebars is a stretch, the reach to the brakes even worse, and the seat, well, how shall I say it?, not exactly a picture of gyno-comfort! However, I love the sureness, the toughness, the solidity of the ride, and not only is she gorgeous to look at, but she makes me happy and she's getting me back in shape again--in style--and that's what I bought a bike for in the first place. An enormous amount of research went into this purchase, and I can confidently say that this is the best bike for the money in the $400-$600 range currently on the market. It's a wonderful mountain bike to get into the sport with, and it's definitely got the capacity to be taken much further. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Engielo
a cross-country rider
from Atlanta, GA US
Date Reviewed: October 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my Specialized Rockhopper Cromoly back in 1995. I have always love riding the bike since the day I bought it. About 3 months ago, I have decided that, the all original Alivio components and RockShox Quadra 5 was ready to retire. I stripped the bike down to just the frame and gave it a good lubing to protect from rust. Then upgraded the components to XT/ESP 9.0sl/Bontrager Ceramic Rims, Stem, Riser Bar/1996 Manitou EFC-DH Suspension Fork. This bike rides like a dream.......Steel is Real! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hung Diep
a weekend warrior
from London, UK
Date Reviewed: September 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
A wicked bike for the money. Got my Rockhopper in a sale and am well pleased with it. Here in England the 98 Rockhopper comes in a tasty dark blue nitanium frame, STX RC rear mech, Tetro 747 V-brakes and SRT 600 Gripshifters. My only criticism is the Alivio front mech, not really in keeping with the rest of the quality components. Saying that the Rockhopper gets 5 out of 5 chillies. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a weekend warrior
from Topeka, KS
Date Reviewed: September 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had my 98 Rockhopper FS sincemarch, and have been following the reviews since then, so I thought I's post one myself. This is my first real mountain bike, after a couple of huffy's and murrays and I am thrilled with it. The bike is responsive, light and precise in handling. I have the Nitanium model becsuse it is a little cheatper had a smother ride than the A1 version and I just like the sound of nitaniumIn mixed road and offroad use 2-4 days a week this bike has been great. I will admit I hae put many upgrades into it though: XT front and rear Derauillers (the STX-RC spec'd was OK but the Alivio front wouldn't downshift under pressure), XT shifters and levers, profile bar ends, Superfly Stout hub/mavic 217 front wheel, and Giani suspension setpost.My only disappointments in the bike are: paint is way too fragile, Alivio front derauillier sucks, Ritchtey OCR rim already out of true before any real hard riding.This is the place to enter moutain biking at, and with some upgrades to stay at for a long while. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
robert
a cross-country rider
from yo, ohio usa
Date Reviewed: September 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i purchased my rockhopper FS 98 in march, after becoming a spinning fanatic and finally breaking down to buy a bike. i purchased the bike based on research and riding. i weigh 241 lbs, into martial arts, running, bodybuilding, and swimming. basically i was looking for a machine worthy of a warrior, indestructable and sleek. i beleive i have found it. i have logged hundrereds of miles on this bike through all types of conditions. tested it on very steep hills, and have taken it off-road through mud and heavy brush. i have even converted it as a police bike, and ride it on patrol. on 9-23-98, i just completed a 100 mile trek for a locally sponsered ride. the bike performed flawlessly. this is a machine worthy of a warrior! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ste Fester Jura
a cross-country rider
from Lancaster, England
Date Reviewed: September 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just bought a Rockhopper FS, not the A1 featured here. It is bloody brilliant. It enables me now to burn my mates off down the local park when we're not getting chased by scooter-boy ass hole. It rules. Sweet handling, massif brakes, excellent gear ratios mean slow climbs and fast decents hold no fears | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Dickie
a weekend warrior
from NC
Date Reviewed: September 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Which bike is better : 99 Schwinn Moab 3 or Specialized Rockhopper? What other
bikes compare to the Schwinn Moab 3? I am thinking uf purchasing this bike for 650. Is that a deal please let me know.sdgh fgjh fdgh fgh sfgh dfh gdfgh dfgh dfgh fdgh fdgh fdh dfgh fdh fdh h h | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ALAN
a weekend warrior
from Gainesville, Florida (GO Gators!)
Date Reviewed: September 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought my Rockhopper today. It was love at first sight. I am a long-time road biker. This is my first mountain bike. I test rode a ton of bikes and hated them all. I went in to it with no pre-conceived notions of what a mountain bike should be. I just went by how I felt while riding it. I don't know anything about mountain bikes except that this one just felt right. I got it for $400. I think I got a good deal, but who cares.......I would have paid more because this is the only bike that I felt good on. Just one bad thing though: I got a flat tire within my first 4 hours of ownership. I picked up a big ass staple at school. But, the owner of the shop fixed it for free because he felt sorry for me and my bad luck. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a weekend warrior
from MD
Date Reviewed: August 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a '98 Rockhopper FS last month as my first mountain bike after many years of riding road bikes. It came with standard equipment except for an upgrade to LX shifters. The Alevio front deraileur has given me problems and the Ritchie rims needed to be retrued after 200 miles of pretty easy riding (half on city streets and half on wide-track trails). So far, I consider the problems to be normal break-in although I suspect the front deraileur will be the first component to be upgraded. I love the bike, but wish now that I had waited for the year-end mark downs on the Comp FS model. The Comp has better components and with the deep discounts being offered on the 98's that are still in stock it is a better buy than the regular FS model. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jai
a weekend warrior
from Essex-England
Date Reviewed: August 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've ridden the cheapest of the Rockhoppers and have only one complaint (good 'cause I'm such a grumpy bastard!)- the front stem/bar is far too long,harsh and narrow for weekend looning about. Otherwise - an exellent buy!
The only other thing worth noting is that the nice springy feel of the bike is let down by the most annoying noise in the world. The sound of the brake cables slapping against the 'foil thin' steel. DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING DING Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!! - crunch.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ABYKRYDR
a
from weekend warrior
Date Reviewed: August 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Have a 96 Rockhopper A1FS.LOVE THAT THANG! Upgraded to a Manitou FS-TI, XT Rapid Fires/ V- brakes, and Shimano 747 clipless pedals. This is a SWEET machine. The color choice is definitely the product of an unhealthy mind, is it blue, purple,gray, or all of the above? NICE! Oh yeah- the POS Alivio front derailleur didn' t survive either,it's now an XT. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick
a weekend warrior
from Fargo
Date Reviewed: August 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I love this bike, its the best ride I have ever owned and the first bike i have had that i havent wanted to shoot myself for buying. It rules.
I will be honest and say that I am NOT a great biker, but I do dig it alot and it MAKES me want to get out there. I was gone for 10 days in montana and I couldnt wait to get home to ride, which is sad because I live in ND. Dont even ask why I have a montana bike for the plains of ND, I just do. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mook
a cross-country rider
from Wessssiddddeeee!!!!
Date Reviewed: August 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
It's all about value for money. The parts on the base rockhopper I got for $350 are about 20x better than any in that range. Light frame (for the money), great crank, a real stem (for a bike that was $350). I'll say it again - $350. CLimbs like a mountain goat. Excellent 1st bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Virgil A. Renz
a cross-country rider
from Cleveland, Ohio
Date Reviewed: August 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased a Specialized Rockhopper FS @ Rim Cyclery in Moab Utah after my other bike took a dump. I am 6'3 and about 230lbs. The Cr-Mo frame responded very well. The Indy C fork did the job on a budget. I am really please with the frame and the durabilty and the geometry. The bike rides really well. My only complaint is the crappy Ritchie Rock OCX rims that came out of true and the CGrip Shifter 4.0's. I figure with the upgrades I am going to make Mavic 221's
98 Answer Manitou SX-R and Gripshifter 9.0esp SL's and the Derailer upgrades which I have made which include a Deore XT front and the ESP 9.0 rear this is going to be one rockin Rockhopper. All in all I am very please with the bike for it's fram which allows easy upgradability and component movement to another Specialized such as the S-works or Stumpjumber frame or even into a Canondale CAD3 which has the same tube diameters. All in all a great ride for the money. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a weekend warrior
from Albuquerque NM
Date Reviewed: July 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got this bike (front suspension version) after a particularly nasty crash tat cracked the frame on my '88 Rockhopper Comp. Got the bike for half price as part of the warranty deal, a little miffed that I couldn't get Specialized to at least match with a deal on a Comp. Anyway a '98 Rockhopper definitely creams an '88 Rockhopper Comp. Turning, shifting and braking are very sharp. I've had the bike exactly 2 weeks and have put about 15 hours of hard off-road single track riding on it. The front derailleur is already showing some sagginess, I can't shift with any pressure whatsover on the pedals. My times for rides have gone down at least 10% however, so it is much better. I get a sense of lack of sturdiness in the components that is hard to explain.II have a feeling that something will give. I'm in the market for a good FS bike in the $1500 range- something that will make a chicken downhiller more sure-footed. Any ideas? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Conlin
a weekend warrior
from Baltimore, MD
Date Reviewed: July 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got a '98 Rockhopper FS two weeks ago, and have put about 50 miles of cross country, 25 miles of downhill, and 10 miles of road riding on it... great bike so far. Definitely worth the $550 I paid for it. The Nitanium frame feels great, looks great, and isn't too heavy (though it is noticeably heavier than most aluminums). Brakes are excellent, shifters are dead-on, and rear deraileur (STX-RC) is flawless for what I do. Front deraileur pretty much sucks, but I was expecting it to. Indy-C fork is no Judy, but it does a great job for the price. I'm 5'8, 160lbs, and got the 15 frame with an extra-long seatpost... the bike almost feels custom fit. When looking at this bike, I tried the Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo, Fisher Mamba, Giant Iguana, and Trek 930. Specialized won out in bang for the buck. I also tested some full-suspension bikes (Trek Y2, Fisher Joshua X0 on sale for $899)... they just felt too clumsy and spongy for street and cross country riding (which I have to do a lot of). I got a little jump-happy on the Fisher, and wound up in the hospital with a major gash down the side of my head. Don't bother asking what happened... I don't quite remember. I just know that the bike came out OK. Anyway... in my opinion, the Rockhopper is an excellent first bike for anyone new to MTB. It's got a strong but forgiving frame, great stock components for the money, and a great company behind it. Keeping the frame and upgrading the components as necessary, this bike is probably going to outlast your car. It is not going to get you the gold at the next X-games, but it will be there for ya when you realize that there's much more to mountain biking than just sheer speed (well, at least for some). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sporty Rob
a weekend warrior
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: July 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just got a new '97 Rockhopper yesterday. Last night, I put almost 50 miles on it riding in the L.A.T.E. Ride in Chicago. Coming from a road bike, this thing flat out ROCKS!! It's much more comfortable than my Centurion, and the Arrest Me Red color is a definite head turner. I had checked out Trek (everyone owns one here) and they just didn't strike me right. Enough of this. I gotta go out and ride! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
AnonymousBiker
a weekend warrior
from Virginia
Date Reviewed: July 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Even though I'm a teenager, I have to say that this is the best bike that I've ever ridden on for my budget level. I got the base model Rockhopper, and I intend to customize it a little bit when I have the money. But it really rides well, the brakes are very responsive, and there is a nice amount of clearence level for the pedals. Great bike all around. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RJH
a cross-country rider
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently purchased a RockHopper FS - (21 inch) base upon your reviews, now here are mine. The first thing I did before taking delivery was to upgrade/swap components. The fork is now a new 97' model Judy XC and the front and rear derailers, shifters/brake levers all the latest Shimano XT. The stem,bars,bar-ends,grips and tires the best of Specilized components.
Despite the serious upgrading the bike was signifigantly cheaper and a better value than anything else on the market! The performance is been nothing short of outstanding, especially for a man of my large size and above average strength (6'3' 230lbs w/low body fat). The special steel frame is plenty light but much more suited to hard riding, especialy power climbs. In conclusion, I've feel that with an investment of a little time and money that the RockHopper is the best all around bike under $1500 Cdn($1100U.S.)and the best suited to big atheletes.
One last comment . . . when will manufacture learn that most men are not 5'8' twigs. Bigger and stonger men are the norm, and finding larger more durable frames with better components should not be a such a herculian task! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
biketech
a cross-country rider
from Denver
Date Reviewed: July 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
If piss ant didn't smoke crack each weekend, he would have realized that
the rockhopper is not supposed to be the divine bike, but rather a higher quality bike that is not intended to be used for extreme downhill, even then there is not a problem with the bike(I took mine up to winter park and it kicked ass) If piss ant has a problem with riding down the paved hills in his neighborhood, he should look into getting training wheels. I give the bike 4 peppers because it took a bigger beating than most bikes and came out unscathed . | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
WuWho
a cross-country rider
from Berkeley, CA
Date Reviewed: July 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Specialized kicks @$$. I bought a '97 Rockhopper A1 FS on sale for about $520, ditched the grip shifts for some rapidfires, added some clipless pedals, and now I have a comp level bike (minus better shox) for less than $700. The best thing about this bike is the frame. Specialized did an excellent job! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam
a weekend warrior
from Jacksonville Beach, FL
Date Reviewed: July 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Love the bike!!!!. When I bought the bike, I was seriously considering the Cannondale M400. the color on the C-dale was cooler, but the Rockhopper way out-performed the C-dale. I went with the Nitanium frame because it rode better than aluminum. I am a old couch-potato who desperately needs excersize. I ride 5-6 times a week, mostly short rides. I loved the bike so much, I bought my wife a Rockhopper and she loves it. Specialized definately rules. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat Freer
a weekend warrior
from Sherwood Park, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought a Rockhopper FS bike. I absolutely love this bike. The shocks it comes with are actually pretty good, Indy C, and I was suprised how much they make a difference in compared to a steel fork. This bike rides nicely, shifts nicely, and the brakes are deadly. I paid 832 Canadian and I will never think twice about buying another specialized bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony Pisula
a cross-country rider
from Japan
Date Reviewed: June 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
About 4 months ago I purchased 98 A1 Comp FS! This bike is f*&$%@ great for the price. I am in a pretty extreme bike club in Japan called MORBA! The only complaint that I have on the bike is that the bottom bracket tended to be to short when I purchased the bike. I recommend that the deralliuers be upgraded to XT. For the price the STX Rapid Fires are a good deal but, I also recommend an upgrade to XT Rapid Fires for a much smother braking and shifting. This bike can handle just about anything. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a cross-country rider
from US
Date Reviewed: June 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently bought the 98 A1 comp FS and it was the best choice i ever made for $699 it is the best bike you can get for that price. XT rear deraillers and Spyder R suspension closes the package. That bike has handled anything i have thrown at it plus more. and one more thing the bike has a kick ASS! frame | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SAmmy Joe
a cross-country rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: June 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
OK, let's just say this...For the money you couldn't make a better choice(retail:$730...I paid a mere $650.....REI hooked me up) You get decent components, a decent suspension fork, and a KICK A FRAME. Belive me when I say it folks Specialized has thrown a ton od R&D into their aluminum frames making them light, strong, reliable and best of all they aren't terribly expensive. A friend of mine has a aluminum A1 Comp FS ('96 model) with a ATOM Bomb on the front and it rides awesome. This bike has a future, it's more like an investment than a bill. I've had the 98' red one for 6 months, not a single problem yet. NICE JOB SPECIALIZED!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Abrams
a weekend warrior
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: May 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I spent weeks doing research at bike shops, on the net, and asking other bikers. I finally whittled down my choices to a 97 Rockhopper and a 97 GT Tequesta. The Tequesta came with 24 speeds, STX-RC rear, STX front, rapid fire shifters,V-brakes and rave reviews. I was going to get this for a great deal, $399, but the frame just didn't fit me right, a little too short between the seat and the handlebars. The Rockhopper also had great reviews -- four of my coworkers ride one. The chromoloy frame fit me perfect, although some of the parts were a step down from the Tequesta. The Rockhopper has 21 speeds, STX rear, Alivio front, V-brakes and those sucky grip shifts. But I loved the ride, and got an amazing deal at WheelWorks in Belmont, MA -- $329. I added rapid fire shifters and bar ends. I can't say enough about this bike. It is so light going uphill, solid over small and large rocks, smooth and quick on bike paths, and looks great. My experience has been limited to my touring bike, but I can't imagine ever getting back on it. I'm taking my Rockhopper everywhere. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nathan
a cross-country rider
from Los Gatos, CA
Date Reviewed: May 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a '96 Specialized Rockhopper A1 Comp FS about 4 1/2 months ago and I upgraded the for to a '97 Answer/Manitou FS. The bike is great it is really light and it is stong. The components are full Shimano STX which is pretty nice but not the best. But hey I'm reviewing the bike not the components. The frame doesn't flex to much which is cool, and I just love the metallic blue color that it is. I do not plan on replacing the frame for a long time because it was made so well and it's so light. My bike weighs about the same as one of my friends Klein Pulse Pro which is like 23.2 lbs. The Rockhopper kicks @$$ | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott
a racer
from belmont
Date Reviewed: May 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my bike three weeks ago and i cant let go of it. It ROCKs!!!!!!!!
I upgrated the shocks to Minitou answer spiders. what great shocks now my bike is ready to go anywhere! The bike also came with STX-RC brakes which are a great brake for the amateur rider. althought they can be better those same brakes worked great for me for two yrs on my old bike with no problems. The bike is light wait and can be a very good road bike as well as mountaining.13 | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RYAN
a weekend warrior
from austin,tx
Date Reviewed: May 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my 97 Rockhopper last september for $359. For this price i couldn't turn it down, although it came with pretty much nothing on it. The first thing i did was put on the RS indy c and then hit to the moderate trails down here in texas. The bike is perfect for what i do, which is inetermediate trail riding and an occasional race. The bike is very fast and a pretty smooth ride. With the indy c's on there it performs very well and the steel frame has survived some pretty good crashes on the more technical trails.
the bike has great climbing abilities and is very light. The v brakes that came with are not that good. i have had problems with the front brakes and plan to upgrade them as well as both derraillers. The frame is awesome and is definitely worthy of spending the extra cash to upgrade the bike.
this bike is great for now, but if i start to ride more seriously i will consider an upgrade to either a stumpjumper or fisher big sur. for what it's designed to do and the price i give it four stars.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chromo-slut
a cross-country rider
from Utah
Date Reviewed: April 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a Chromo '95 Rockhopper that is the best bike I've owned. With a quality frame design, and a little on the light side, it was by far the best bike in its price range, less than $450. Obviously it was sold by the fact that it wasn't too expensive, and upgradable. I rode it for about a year and a half until I shelled out $250 for a pair of '96 Judy SL's, a better headset, and a Control Tech stem. Which took some weight off, and made this thing handle like a dream. When I got it out on one of my favorite rides I noticed right away, that I could cruise a lot faster and maintain better control, in fact the bike not only allowed, but demanded me to ride faster, it yearned for speed. And because of this, I feel that my skill as a cyclist has improved drastically in the duration that I've owned this bike. I hope that I have it for a very long time. It is a little on the cheap side with lots of older Alivio components, so I look forward to upgrading, as far as my wallet will allow. It's interesting to note the subtle changes in the feel of a bike as it gets lighter and more durable parts. I'm sure that I wouldn't enjoy the sweet feel, and light weight of the the Judy as much as I do, if I hadn't ridden on a rigid fork for such a long time. I give it five smoking peppers for an ubeatable value on an entry-level and more kind of bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin Bjerver
a weekend warrior
from Stockhoml,Sweden
Date Reviewed: April 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my Rockhopper A1 some weeks ago, and I certainly is happy with it. It is much ligther than my old bike, it looks great and it is very fast (compared to my old one). I also got a good price compared to other bikes, and I´ll soon get a couple of barends too. I had some problems with the front brakes in the beginning, but that´s fixed now. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rab Young
a weekend warrior
from Scotland
Date Reviewed: April 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Rockhoppers are a popular buy over here and rightly so. It's my first MTB and a great choice. Two of my riding partners thought so too and bought the same, steel rules!!! The problems so far are:- bottom brackets wearing out on all three bikes at 7, 6 and 3 months (replaced under warranty)!!
Rear cassette x 1, rear rim x 2(not replaced under warranty)
Crap sealing properties of the hub and steering-head bearing sets.
Apart from that we're all happy about the performance. Excellent service from Specialized UK for supplying me with a longer seatpin by return of post when I got pissed off waiting for my dealer to change it out - and they let me keep the old one!!All in all and great buy @ £399.00 even if some of the components die prematurely. Good excuse to upgrade. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
lee
a weekend warrior
from ok
Date Reviewed: April 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just got a new rockhopper and love it. I test rode several bikes(trek felt sluggish and cannondale looks too ugly-giants were both). Went with the nitanium vs. aluminum. Wieght difference was minor but the ride on the cromo felt better. Decided to upgrade with new suspension seat post, forks and derailers(xt), went the mail order route with Supergo(manitou fx ti for just 199.00, alot better than the rs indy c you can get it with for the same money). In the end it cost the around $800 which was still less than the cannondale F500($850) with alot better components(what the f*** is with the head sh**?). For the money and rider factor, you can't beat the rockhopper. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
koichi kagawa
a weekend warrior
from osaka japan
Date Reviewed: April 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have ridden my rockhopper one year mainly onroad.
this bike is very smooth but when I rode long time I feel a little stiffness.
The reason that I bought this bike is color. this bike's color is very beautiful deep green.It's very stylish color I have ever seen.I love stylish goods anything.
I give 5point for stylish color.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nathan
a cross-country rider
from Portland,Oregon
Date Reviewed: April 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just got a 98 $430 Rockhopper-19.Had the shifters and r.derailleur upgraded to LX, and got a Serfas ARC seat. The bike is awesome. I had a rockhopper before, it got stolen, so I bought a new one (if this one gets stolen, I'll buy another one). It has good parts for the $-With the LX and seat mine was $550.Comes stock with Lots of Ritchey parts (!) and the Nitanium tubing-which seems like a lighter chromoly. I recommend taking out some of the stem spacers when you buy it. It's a light bike, and I will be hanging on to the frame for a while. Check out the tires and rims. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan To
a weekend warrior
from San Rafael, Ca
Date Reviewed: April 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the 97 rockhopper. Yes the bottom of the line one. Frame is good, and v brakes are good too, they came standerd. I upgraded the rigid fork to an answer manitou fs ti, the stx rd to lx, the raised stem to a flat one, 98 rolimajig, std seat to a vetta tt trishock,and some other minor changes. The bike works great, I love it. By the way it's also very light. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sammmy Joe
a cross-country rider
from Atlanta Ga(Olympic Course Rules!!!)
Date Reviewed: April 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just got the 98 A1FS and in my opinion It's an awesome bike for the buck. LX rear and great componetry make a chasis that can be upgraded for years. The premium aluminum 2x butted frame rules and is fast as hell. The only thing that I would chamge would be the fork. The spyder is way toooooooo fiorm for me, I can't even bottom the thing out. Neverthless it's responsive and is better than a rigid. peace out and keep riddin' | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trent
a cross-country rider
from Kansas City, MO
Date Reviewed: March 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The '97 A1 FS is is a great bike for the money (Bicycling April '97 and Mountain Biker May '97 both agree) I personally prefer Rapid-Fire shifters to grip shift and made the swap (the frame is definitely worth upgrades) . For most people, adding bar-ends and clipless pedals will make this a great ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a cross-country rider
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: March 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Overall, this bike is OK. For an introductory bike, it is great for the price. However, if you are looking into riding a lot and racing, you would either want to spend a few hundred more and upgrade the hubs, and front derailure, and a few other coponents that will not last. Or, just spend a little more and get the COMP...I garentee that the extra cash will be money well spent. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mud Bath
a weekend warrior
from Coeur d'Alene, ID
Date Reviewed: March 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchase the Rockhopper A1 last fathers day and have approximately 600 Miles of truely rough and muddy riding on it. After the initial break in period the bike has performed fairly well. Read the reviews the Components on this bike are not for hard riding. If you are looking for a bike to ride on tough terrain with minimal problems purchase the Stumpjumper model. Overall this is a nice medium duty bike with great balence. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Boxxer
a
from TPFORMYBUNGHOLE
Date Reviewed: February 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
ITS A COOL SHINEY BIKE BUT WHY WASTE CHILES TO PUT ON SCREEN WHEN YOU CAN EAT THEM?RATING: 1 CHILE FOR THE BIKE
4 CHILES FOR ME****** ******************* **************** *********** ***********
***** ******* ******** ******** ******* ***** ******** ****** ******
***** ****** ***** ******* ***** ******** ********* ******** *******
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Smit
a weekend warrior
from Netherlands
Date Reviewed: February 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Great bike with great responce and direct driving.
I' m very satisfied with the bike, it gives plenty of fun but...
Shame on the Alivio front derailleur. It stinks, doesn't shift smooth, dispite the effords of my bikeshop.other problem is the paint.It just isn't offroadproof. After 2 weeks of riding, no falling, and no heavy trails it already had seviral scretches etc.
Mine has no f.s. yet, but the bike needs it.
Wanna buy Manitou SX | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Martin
a weekend warrior
from North East England
Date Reviewed: January 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my Rockhopper A1 about a year ago and was generally pleased with the bike. It's about the lightest thing I've ever ridden before and this makes for a very sprightly ride, though perhaps too harsh for the novice rider. The bike takes to most kinds of riding very well, from climbs to trick riding. The only complaint I ever had with it was the the cornering, which always felt a little sketchy. I recently bent my forks, however and replaced them with a pair of Judy XC's, this has transformed the handling of the bike completely, it now corners like a dream, while giving the nicest ride I have ever experienced. I recently had I serviced at my local bike shop, and the staff were impressed with the setup too. Five chillies and no mistake guv. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank
a cross-country rider
from Tucson, Az
Date Reviewed: January 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
After 2700 miles and one year with my '97 Rockhopper FS, I can absolutely give it a rave review. I commute daily on this bike and take it out on technical singletrack almost every weekend. This bike is built to take abuse and anything thrown at it with no problems. The handling is excellent; all you have to do is think and it reacts instantly - the overall balance is superb. One of the best characteristics of this bike is its climbing abilities: it climbs like a cat. On two different occasions, I have met other riders at the base of super steep, rocky, monster hills who basically thought the hill was unclimable. Calmly I said I'll give it a try. This bike is so balanced and nimble that it is effortless to pick a line and climb. To their amazement, I accomplished the climbs. Perhaps it helped that one of the other riders was on a full suspension Pro-Flex. I was only a little behind him on the downhills, but I smoked him on the climbs and flats. A great feeling considering that my bike cost a third of his!In all fairness, my rating is based on my current upgraded bike. Besides replacing minor parts due to wear (grips, chain, tires, cassette, etc.) I have upgraded both front and rear deraileurs to XT. My next major upgrade is to get a Mavic wheelset with XT hubs and an 8 speed cassette. My only current complaint, though very minor, concerns the stock Grip Shift 400 shifters. With proper bike maintenance, I have never experienced any horror stories - only shifting that is not quite as fast as I would prefer. I'm leaning towards replacing the Grip Shifts with Sachs Powergrip Extremes as a riding buddy highly recomends them. Rapid fires are nice (both my wife and brother have them) but I prefer twist shifting. Just a matter of personal preference. Overall, 5 chilies for a flawless steel frame (excellent construction and geometry) that is perfectly suited for upgrades. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roland
a cross-country rider
from Grand Rapids, Michigan
Date Reviewed: January 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I spent many months looking for a new bike last year. Looked at everything from Cannondale to Voodoo. All I can say is I rode the Rockhopper first and two months came back to buy it. After riding it for entire season, I can not notice anything wrong with the frame. The components were another story: STX Componets - You get what you pay for. I am upgrading the components for this season.Thanks SPECIALIZED for a great ride | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stewart
a weekend warrior
from Portland, Oregon
Date Reviewed: January 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Okay, fellas first of all let me thank everyone who has written a review on this site. I read lots and lots of reviews and found them a valuable research tool. I do find that there are very few bad reviews and I feel like the number of peppers given is generally too high, leaving little room for improvement. I really did my homework before buying my new mountain bike. I read everything and rode everything in the $500 to $750 price range. My overall impressions are that this is a great year to buy a bike. Money in this range buys a whole lot of bike from any of the quality manufacturers.I do feel like there are good bike shops and poor bike shops and used that as one of my criteria for which shop to by from. Some of the shops I dealt with were really unhelpful. One in particular, which I had driven across town to visit would not let me test ride their bikes because it was raining! Now, this is Oregon. The chance of a sunny, non-work day between now and June is slim. Besides, I was willing to ride in the rain what’s their problem. Anyway, I eliminated their shop from contention on the spot. Other shops I found went out of their way to make a sale. Me: I am 6’1, ~195# and this would be the second mountain bike that I have owned. I was upgrading from on older Nishiki steel bike that has seen better days but has always performed admirably. Fortunately (?) that bike was stolen at the end of summer and thus the shopping began. I was looking for a deal on a ’98 or close-out ’97 with either steel or aluminum frame, front shox, decent component group, rapid fire, v-brakes, but most of all racey, nimble geometry that felt fun every time I rode it, light weight and the ability to climb. Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo: My LBS sold a ton of these last year. The reviews on mtbr.com were generally favorable from a feel and component level but none of them ever said much about whether or not the bike is fun to ride. I rode one and found it to be sluggish and long. It felt exactly like my old Nishiki steel stud. Smile factor: low, blah blah blah. Conclusion: Eliminated from contention.Trek 6500zx: I rode a close out ’97 one of these that the bike store guy was going to make a smokin deal on ($499 with LX v-brakes). I really wanted to like this bike but just couldn’t. The ride was nothing exciting. That coupled with the non-replacable rear derailer hanger and the less than exciting components and I was able to pass on this without regrets. Smile factor: low. Conclusion: Eliminated from contention.Trek 7000zx: I rode a used ’96 Trek 7000zx with about 100 miles on it and was really impressed. This thing was feather light and really nimble. It desparately needed a tune up and the guy simply wanted too much money for it. Plus it had grip shift (ugh!!) and cantilever brakes that could not stop the bike. I did the math and could not justify buying used when new bikes were available for the same money with all the things I wanted. Smile factor: High. Conclusion: buy new, Eliminated from contentionSchwinn Moab: I rode the Schwinn bikes along with Specialized at the same LBS. I rode a top of the line Schwinn as that what they had on the floor and compared that to a Rockhopper FS by Specialized. The Schwinn frames felt fun but just did not feel comfortable to me or my 5’8 friend. They seem to have value at this price point but I could not like the geometry. Smile factor: Medium. Conclusion: Eliminated from contention.I had narrowed the field down to two bikes that were both excellent as far as I was concerned. The Specialized Rockhopper FS versus the Kona Lava Dome. Kona Lava Dome: This bike is fun, fun, fun and loaded with great components for the price (’98 ~ $550 at LBS). I immediately like the ride and new that this would be a front runner. Nimble, light, quick, climbs like a cat. Shifted and stopped perfectly and literally shot out from under me with a push on the pedals. Smile factor: Ear to Ear. Conclusion: Great Bike. I recommend it highly. Best buy in this price range.Specialized Rockhopper FS: This bike was in contention for first place. Great frame, flawless construction, super feel and response. Components were less than exciting and the bike was being sold heavily on frame and upgradability. Despite the lackluster compo group I almost bought this bike (’98 ~ $550 at LBS). Smile factor: High. Conclusion: Great bike but make them upgrade the front derailer. Best buy in this price range.In the end: There it was; time to decide between the two. But, what’s that in the back of the rack? A ’97 VooDoo with LX rear, LX shifters, LX v-brakes, STX-RC fd, WTB saddle, more. Rode it, rode the Kona again, haggled awhile, bought the VooDoo. Super feel, steel bike, light, agile, cat-like, precise, and on and on. Smile factor: Off the charts. Conclusion: What can I say, I bought it. Price? $575. Happy? You cannot know. JSteel bikes still rule. I rode everything in aluminum and everything in steel. Give me steel.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JOHN
a weekend warrior
from FAIRFIELD CALIFORNIA
Date Reviewed: January 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I LOVE MY ROCKHOPPER. IT JAMS. I BOUGHT IT FOR TRAINING PURPOSES TO INCREASE MY CARDIO VASCULAR INTAKE AS WELL AS DEVELOP MY QUADRICEPS. BUT I ENJOY RIDING MY ROCKHOPPER JUST AROUND TOWN, AT MT. TAMALPIAS, ROCKVILLE PARK WHERE EVER. IT'S JUST A FUN BIKE. I RACED TWO GUYS AT ROCKVILLE LAST WEEKEND AND I SMOKED THEM ON A STRAIGHT AWAY SPRINT RACE. I BOUGHT MY BIKE ON SALE AT RAYS BIKES FOR 625.00. ONE GUY HAD A TREK FULL SUSPENSION Y FOIL AND THE OTHER HAD A CANNONDALE MT. BIKE HARDTAIL. I WHIPPED THEM. THEY COULDN'T BELIEVE IT. IT JUST GOES TO SHOW YOU THAT IT'S NOT THE BIKE BUT THE MAN. I LOVE MY SPECIALIZED ROCKHOPPER I GIVE IT 5 STARS. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Unberg Heischelbeigen
a weekend warrior
from California
Date Reviewed: January 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a supoib bike! Supoib! Solid, with a feeling like, I'm great! Hit me with a rock, and I won't fall off on this bike! I got the base '97 model. Wonderful! I upgraded to barends (Fisher Fish Fins on sale for $9), got some Serfas grips. It feels wonderful. I didn't like the saddle, but problem solved! It got stolen! I wasn't too happy, but now, I'll get a Velo Live Wire with Ritchey Expert seatpost.Got in a little fall, and it scratched to paint down to the cro-mo! Oh, well. Good bike overall. One complaint; on the 15.5 inch model, the crankarm is too small! (170mm) I can't extend fully for power. One minor complaint for one major cool bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick
a cross-country rider
from Montreal
Date Reviewed: January 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my Rockhopper Comp Fs the last year they were making them out of steel, which is about 4 years ago and I've had no major problems. I'm fairly tall and I've tried several other bikes and none of them seem to fit like my Rockhopper. This bike is a great upgrade bike. I've changed a lot of components: Judy XC, XT deraillers, BB, pedals,brakes, Specialized handlebar and crankarms.
The only bad thing was the factory tires, they were the worst I swithed them right away to Panaracer Dart & Smoke and later to Specialized Control and Team Masters
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kian Kaeni
a cross-country rider
from San Fran
Date Reviewed: December 30, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The BIKE? Oh yeah-IT's great.Suggestion: Upgrade the rear derailler. Otherwise, I have had no problems whatsoever. The handling is great and the A1 is rather light and rolls right along whether it be in the HEADLANDS or across market street on my way to work. It is rather compatable and I will soon (hopefully tomarrow) put better suspension forks. One final thought: Get the bike one size smaller as it seems that mine rides rather high. GOOD BIKE and a GREAT TIME | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Hodges
a weekend warrior
from Huntsville, AL
Date Reviewed: December 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I got my BLUE closeout 97 RH A1 for $400.00 this past fall. I immediately upgraded to Rapid Fire, barends, and a 97 Manitou Pro-C front suspension. I have a good 2 months of riding on various types of technical terrain and this bike has not failed to do anything I've ask it to. This is my first bike and I absolutely love this bike AND this sport. I'm satisfied with everything about this bike except the Alivio FD, I've had some problems with it. I will likely upgrade to LX or XT when these deraillers wear out, but they work fine for now. I also love the Dia-Comp brakes and my Manitou fork (didn't like the yellow/red decal, so I called Answer and they sent me a white/grey/red decal that looks much better), it soaks up the rocks and roots we have here in N. Alabama very well. Enough of my rambling, go get yourself a ROCKHOPPER... 5 BIG ONES! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Matoba
a
from Sacramento, CA
Date Reviewed: December 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Bombastic! A really nice bike for the price. It's been dramatically upgraded: Judy XC, XT brake levers, XT deraileurs, XT V Brakes, Zoom Handlebar, Yeti Grips, UN 72 bottom bracket, King Headset, Synchros Seat Post, WTB Kevlar Seat, Mavic 217 rims, and WTB tires. Two major complaints: 1) The original Ground Control and Master tires suck and 2) the orignal rims are like rubber. In other words, after 25 miles of cross country riding, the beads of the Specialized tires were completely shreded. After one trip to NorthStar Ski Resort during the summer, the original Specialized rims were beyond repair. Otherwise, the Rockhopper is a nice bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William Perez
a weekend warrior
from San Juan, Puerto Rico
Date Reviewed: December 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Did you say that you're on a budget? You can't afford the Stumpjumper?Forget about it....get the rockhopper..either in cromoly or aluminum..it works and for the money you won't get suckered out of your cash.My girlfriend has had the bike for six months now, I'm the one who services it and let me tell you that the bike is flawless!!Sometimes you will have to adjust the gripshift more often than not but it's no big deal..I've ridden the bike..the indy C shock is a little too soft for me and I would convert it to a 24 speeder as possible upgrades to the bike.
Did you say it was heavy? Let me tell you somethin' I got the stumpjumper and yess it's a tad heavier and if you can get up a hill with the rockhopper..take up knitting clases...'cause the weight difference of 2-5 lbs. in a bike is bullsh*t.It's a great bike I give it three chilies plus one on the upgradability factor this bike posseses.= 4 chillies!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erazm
a cross-country rider
from California!!!!!
Date Reviewed: December 10, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased the '96 version of the Rockhopper A1 Fs and it works great. It has great handling and is easy to control. It works well as a bike for the amount of money that it costs. Sure you could get one thats more expensive but will you use what you buy. If you ride every day, it works wonders for control and you can lock it up where you want. Clipless is an excellent thing to do on this bike and Shocks are What ice the cake. Only thing bad is that I can't have two!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
No Coment
a weekend warrior
from Greenville, NC
Date Reviewed: December 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
i mainly ride on weekends but i do ride in a racing comp. that has 1 race a moth and it last for a year top three finishers when the best stuff. no offense but the bike sucks the stumpjumper is much better and so are sevral other bike it mite be a deal for the money but not compared to the bike you need in an all out fight for glory.realy i would give it no stars | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hedgehog
a cross-country rider
from California
Date Reviewed: December 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the cheaper cromo frame. But this bike's ride is awsome. It has all the precise handling of a hardtail. But the steel frame is not as unforgiving as an aluminum frame. The only drawback is that cromo bikes weigh more. It actually weighs more than my aluminum full suspension bike. Half the problem is the cheaper (heavier) components that came on it. But with the modified quadra21r (england internals) this bike is very fun to ride. Even with the couple of upgrades I have, the bike was less than 600 bucks. Steel bikes rule. | | Overall Rating: |
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