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Specialized
Rockhopper A1 Comp FS
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Submitted by
Chris Schuele
a Weekend Warrior
from Florence, ky, usa
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Idlewild | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$669.00 | | Purchased At: | Montgomery | | Strengths: | The Frame is very light with a good feel,and everythings is very respectable for the price except what is listed below. | | Weaknesses: | Fork is very soft and isn't very good for trails with creek crossings and jumps/drops of any kind, wheels,and tire slip everywhere unless it is perfectly dry and hard. | | Similar Products Used: | Giants, Haros, leader, GTs(2001 and before), Treks | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for upgrading fork to Fox Float 100RLC and tires. Wheels will upgraded in near future to | | Bottom Line: | This is a very good bike for XC and trail riding and is holding up very well in the trails I have taking it on. I ride hard and all it still working good except for the tires and fork. Great bike for anyone planning on trail riding. I would recommend this bike to anyone as long as you plan on upgrading tires. This is also a good bike to race.
stock weight on this bike: 27.5 lbs
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matts Thompson
a Cross Country Rider
from Montreal, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Random Bike Store in a small small town | | Strengths: | VALUE!!! Do not let the lower rating this bike recieved fool you (should be very close to a 5). Amazing frame, reasonable fork, very respectable components (KEEP IN MIND THE PRICE!!)
You cannot find a better beginner/intermediate bike. They dont exist period. | | Weaknesses: | The tires are absolute a$$. I ride in Eastern Canada where mud is ever present, these tires spin out like mad, are terrible in corners and will frustrate you when you try to get up hills you know you could make on a half decent set of tires. They are reasonably fast on hard stuff, so the good people in hot dry climates might not mind them so much. | | Similar Products Used: | a couple of brodys, cannondales (not mine but friends) | | Bike Setup: | Stock with a tire upgrade. | | Bottom Line: | Specialized makes a lot of bikes. They purchase components in bulk and pass the savings to you. Subsequantly you get a better bike for your dollar.
Rides brilliantly in everything, goes up and down smoothly, corners well. Do not leave the shop with the stock tires. Change them immediatly and sacrifice to the god(s) of your choice.
The best part about the bike is that it is so upgradeable. You can turn this bike into a super star over time without busting the bank. First things to go will be the stem, handle bars and cranks (remember the tires do not leave the store on the bike).
I might be wrong about a better valued bike for someone who wants to start getting serious. If you can find something better your homework deserves an A+. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ben knight
a Cross Country Rider
from chelteenham
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | leisure lakes | | Strengths: | good sprinting due to the geomitry and frame | | Weaknesses: | weak fork, best upgrade to a stonger 80mm fork for best performance | | Similar Products Used: | hardrock and cannondale caad3 | | Bottom Line: | good bike but upgrade to make sucha better bike. good hanling on single track and not to bad on decents.sprints perfectly with new cranks and forks and the rest of the groupset is textbook perfrmance
great for people who would enjoy a crosscountry bike and dont have a lot to spend. the best for the money by far | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Fullerton, CA, U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: December 17, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Jax Bicycles | | Strengths: | when you turn the pedals with your feet the big moves forward. Great bike for beginner. | | Weaknesses: | cranks, front shock, tires, seat, and bright red paint job. Red is to flashy! | | Similar Products Used: | I tried a Trek in the same price range and liked the Specialized better. | | Bike Setup: | lx/deore stuff, mavic rims, and etc. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for beginner. My fork broke and it took 5 weeks to get it fixed. It was a nightmare! Also, my bike had to be constantly tuned or greased by the bike shop but that's probably any bike.
You better off spending a couple hundred more dollars for a cheap full suspension bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ted
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Worth, TX
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Shop | | Strengths: | Sweet strength-to-weight-to-price ratio, quick and responsive, climbs all day long, stops when you ask it to, shifts well while you're at it... | | Weaknesses: | For my 220lb weight, 95% of the stock componentry is a broken collarbone or missing front tooth just waiting to happen. | | Similar Products Used: | A lifetime's worth of cheap bikes with good frames, worthy of being transformed into backwoods bruisers. | | Bike Setup: | Uncle Jesse bars and RaceFace I-beam stem (yeah, it's ugly, but there's zero flex up front), Chris King headset, 'Zoke X-fly's, new Alpes de' frenchiesomthing saddle, XT-shifters and brakes (ask your wife if you really need XTR), and Profile cranks on the way. When the stock wheels finally explode, I'll build my own set. | | Bottom Line: | Except for the brakes, wheels, and derailleur, you should immediately remove every component and bury them in 6-foot deep hole. Do it near a local trail so that you get the pleasure of rolling over them ever time you start a ride...
Actually, the bike is a great deal for anyone wanting to throw down a good ride straight from the showroom floor. Yes, I've upgraded mine, but I've ridden it hard WHILE upgrading (this is important). The only parts that are truly dangerous are the fork (Jell-O soft) and the “Forearm” cranks (surprisingly, also made of Jell-O). The forks were immediately removed and given to a buddy who thought he was getting a good deal. A year later, I've yet to see these things make it off the workbench. One of the oil fittings blew off during a low-intensity ride. I don't know how good Manitou’s customer service is, but it reflects poorly when you have to call them after your first ride. The cranks are embarrassing too. Nothing screams "trail dork" louder than a non-stop crank arm squeak, which is seriously magnified by your sweet oversized aluminum frame. Don't get me wrong. I like people to stare, just not out of annoyance or contempt... With the addition of a few select components (some people actually like the fork), you can make this bike a serious contender. If you take the time to shop around, you can get great deals on all of your favorite components. Building-up is the only way to go and this bike is an excellent place to start. Buy this bike if you want to rule the trail some day, but don't mind building it up as you go... | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
FiL
a
from England
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | This bike is extremly light! Smooth shifting, ok forks. Good saddle. | | Weaknesses: | Tires slip all over the place, weak rims, my brakes buggered within 3 months but this may just be the way they where set up. Chainset bent but this was proably due to the front mech braking. | | Bike Setup: | new tires (forgotten which ones), 2003 gold lx gearing ( which was excellant!) Lx V brakes. | | Bottom Line: | I loved this bike. It was very light and made riding a pleasure. It was a nightmare when the brakes broke (!) and sat on the rim at all times. I had just upgraded to new gold lx drivetrain when my bike was stolen. I wish i had this bike back but im now lopoking for something a bit stronger as i would not trust this bike with jumps. I suppose it aint what is was designed for! An excellant xc bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a Racer
from Connecticut
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Penwood | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Valley Bicycle | | Strengths: | Very light bike for its price, extremely responsive to your every move, good starting components for price paid. | | Weaknesses: | tires have little or no traction, shifters are great for the price but need to be upgraded when you have the money. | | Bike Setup: | upgraded to wtb velociraptor tires, new tubes cause the stock ones arent very durable, eggbeater pedals | | Bottom Line: | A great bike for beggining and intermediate racers, with extremely good components for the price. I strongly reccomend as this is one of the best xc bikes in terms of value. The only part on this bike that really needs to be upgraded are the tires because unless you are riding on packed dirt they are energy consuming and useless | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
D Faz
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Slickrock Trail, Moab, Utah | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | SPOKES | | Strengths: | This bike takes a beating...It can take take 6 foot drops easily (or as easily as the rider can take them), and the wheels ARE strong for the weight. Hey you Downhillers! If you're worried about bending the rims, then just replace them. This is a cross country bike that's meant to be light. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals...but I never like stock pedals...just get a pair of BMXer's. Also, the fork is too plush for jumping. You can bottom it out on a 3 foot drop pretty easy, yet most of the time it is perfect. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant XtC 2- better bike, but also more expensive?
Stumpjumper- Yeah, M4 alloy is better, but again $1200 compared to $870 list price? | | Bike Setup: | Like you really care what I've upgraded on the bike. Not much...just the tires, pedals, and crank set including rockguard. | | Bottom Line: | Hey...if this is your first bike, or if you just want a great hardtail for under $900, this is your bike. If I'm wrong, then show me a better bike? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin Boehm
a Cross Country Rider
from College Station, TX 77840
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Champions Cyclery | | Strengths: | Only thing I found so far is the Frame. Im just waiting to see if I can break that too | | Weaknesses: | MY FORK BLEW UP!!!! I hopped up a curb and the fork exploded and the cap hit me in the shoulder, fluid spashed all over my face and eyes. THIS FORK IS UNSAFE! ....and Ive broken just about everything else but the frame. Good luck if you plan on buying this bike. Just get your face out of the way when it explodes. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Tassajarha Kona Stuff Trek 6800 | | Bike Setup: | XT derailer (LX broke) Race Face bashguard, platform petals, Rhynolite wheels Deore hubs (wheel bent). Mostly replacement upgrades. | | Bottom Line: | I really like the bike, I just wish I didnt have to deal with all the broken componests all the time. Taking it to the shop to get warrenty repairs is a pain in the A$$. With a fork and wheel upgrade you have a good bike. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy Whittaker
a Cross Country Rider
from Simi Valley, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | China Flats | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$675.00 | | Purchased At: | Super Go | | Strengths: | Great frame, good LX Shimano parts, awesome fork, can take punishment | | Weaknesses: | Tires and wheels are weak and need to be changed out. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6700 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I have been aggressivly riding this bike down since I got it. This was my first real XC mountain bike and I put allot of time into searching what I wanted and this badboy came out and caught my eye. I have taken the bike all over from Chico CA down to San Diego and have ridden it on all skill level trails from begginer hard fireroads to courses I shouldnt have been on like steep Down Hill trails with tons of drop offs and jumps. This bike has been able to stand up to some awesome bails and comes out without a hitch. The only issue that has come up about the bike is I tweaked my front wheel after about 4 months of hard riding. I dont think it should need truing this soon but none the less thats the only problems I have had since I have been abusing the hell out of it. Great bike over all and perfect for beginnging and Intermediate XC riders. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chad
a Racer
from College Station
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | not Lake Bryan | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$610.00 | | Purchased At: | Aggieland Cycling | | Strengths: | sturdy frame, fork rocks, very stiff and responsive | | Weaknesses: | stock tires are pitiful in corners; | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Univega | | Bike Setup: | Eggbeaters, Panaracer Fire XC Pro 26x1.8(these tires rock) | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the money if you paid what i paid. The tires are horrible; replace them immediately. I really like Specialized frame geometry. Did i mention how great the fork is? Cuz it's really great. Good entry level racer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chester Short
a Weekend Warrior
from Straight out of Compton
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Black Tip Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Mud dock | | Strengths: | Its strong | | Weaknesses: | It has NONE, ...its the rocky dennis of bikes! | | Similar Products Used: | Coventry Eagle | | Bike Setup: | Two wheels, brakes, and 'quick release' | | Bottom Line: | BICYCLE, BICYCLE ...I like to ride my bicycle, i like to ride my bike, ...i like to ride my BICYCLE.
(...As in the word of Queen) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charlie
a Weekend Warrior
from Dunedin,FL
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Pinellas Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | My Boys Shop | | Strengths: | The bike is very light,and the components are reliable but not good enough for this frame. THE 515 SPD's are great and reliable as a stock pedal. The tires and Tubes are EXTREMELY light.I UPGRADED a WEEK After i got the BIKE. | | Weaknesses: | The Deore and LX Components and also handlebars.Upgrade as SOON as possible. And you will have the PERFECT bike. I USED THE OLD PARTS FOR MY GIRL'S HARDROCK AND NOW SHE LOVES THAT BIKE. | | Similar Products Used: | 02' rockhopper.Basically the same except the fork and cranks. | | Bike Setup: | Had to upgrade Big time to get it the way i wanted it. Easton EC90 3Degree handlebars, XT Shifters ,XT Front Derailleur and XTR Chain and Rear Derailleur,LX CASSETTE NOW I LOVE IT!!! | | Bottom Line: | The bike is AWESOMELY LIGHT the price is a little HIGH but with spending more money you can make it better than a STUMPJUMPER in COMPONENT wise..I Paid the same for this one as i paid for my ROCKHOPPER , so i couln't go wrong With UPGRADES. MY NEXT BUY ARE XTR BRAKES. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Cim
a Cross Country Rider
from Macedon, NY
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$760.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Nice Frame & Fork | | Weaknesses: | Cheesy Stem & Seatpost, Tires Suck | | Similar Products Used: | Raliegh M200, Older Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | Basically Stock | | Bottom Line: | Nice looking frame, beefy yet light, fork is plush, 4 in. of travel, good bang for the buck on components. Replaced the cheesy looking house brand stem & post with a Profile Stiffy & Raceface XY0. The stock Rockster Pro tires look good and roll fast and that's about it. They suck in the corners and are whimpy even for semi-treads. 505 pedals are ok, too much release tension even after adj; I prefer my Ritchies. Geometry is right on the money for a 19". Nice Bike overall. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from England
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Some local one is good for a local ride! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$525.00 | | Purchased At: | (price above = English £) Local shop | | Strengths: | Everything:
Weight mainly (it's the weight of a trials bike);
The saddle if it is set at the right height. | | Weaknesses: | The saddle if it isn't set at the right height. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Tissajara;
Mongoose;
Giant. | | Bike Setup: | As sold | | Bottom Line: | We love you Specialized! I need some SPD shoes, what do you think people? Please help! Buy this bike if you want a good bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a Cross Country Rider
from College Station
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Champion Cyclery | | Strengths: | Great Strong Frame, Forks are pretty good, decent componets for the money | | Weaknesses: | Needs better wheels. Im always afraid Im gonna bend the crap out of them. The clipless are crap. And dont let some shmo adjust your real derailer or you will get it caught in the spokes and freakin bend the hell out of them | | Similar Products Used: | trek 8900, Giant Ranier, Gary Fisher Tassajara | | Bike Setup: | Bone Stock | | Bottom Line: | Good bike for the money, the geometry of the frame is different from that of most bikes so becareful when your sizing it. Other than that I'd say a good bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a
from Somewhere in Texas
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Too many! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles Inc. | | Strengths: | Great product! Light and great components. Value, Value, Value! | | Weaknesses: | None so far and I hope I don't find any either! | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 820 (with a lot of work done to it) | | Bike Setup: | Standrd components; Manitou Six Elite fork, Shimano LX rear and front, Shimano Deore shifter/brake combo, Ritchey headset. Installed different crank (Shimano XT), different wheels (Mavic X517s)with XT hubs. | | Bottom Line: | I have only had this product for about a month now, but I love it! It has been on a number of different terains here in good old Texas, as well as New Mexico. It is a little different from riding a chro-molly frame, but it has done well for me so far! Components respond very well and it shifts great, breaks great, climbs like a mountain goat on Jolt cola, and it's pretty fast too. The Body Geometry saddle takes a little time to get used to, but I promise it is possible! The fork is a little too plush, but can handle a pretty good amount of hits. I am about 215 lbs and I currently feel comfortable on it, but more than likely am going to install a heavier spring for a stiffer ride. This is great for the week-end warrior (or warriet to be P.C.) to the more intense rider. If you see one, especially at this cost, and are thinking about purchasing, do it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jarrod Thompson
a Cross Country Rider
from Birmingham,AL, USA
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bankhead Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Strengths: | Climbs well. Light for the money. Shifts well. Last but not least, looks cool. | | Weaknesses: | No real problems out of tires, but plan to go to velicoraptors. | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback Apex(LOVED IT), Giant Rainier, Cannondale 500 (NO). | | Bike Setup: | Everything stock except Specialized bar ends and cat eye mitty 3 computer | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is I really like this bike. Yes there are better bikes on the market, but for the money I think this bike is worth a look. If you want to stay in the 750-1000$$ range, do yourself a favor and check it out. It does everything I want it to do. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave G
a Weekend Warrior
from Bishop Auckland UK
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Chopwel Woods in the north east of UK | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1062.00 | | Purchased At: | Hardisty Cycles-Newcastle | | Strengths: | Great frame.Light for the price.Looks cool.Rockets uphill.Sails down them(within reason). Jumps good aswell | | Weaknesses: | Stock sadle was a nightmare,swapped for my 8yr old Flite titanium.Brakes fade quickly.(Gona buy a disk setup so I don't spend a fortune on replacment V pads)Forks could be stiffer. | | Similar Products Used: | N\A Salemans dream I am.Walked into shop said I had seven hundred quid to spend and off I was 20mins latter with my new rockhopper.Fair credit to the salesman though he did give me a good bike for my cash, from what I've seen of other bikes in this price range | | Bike Setup: | Added Crane Creek bar ends(look well smart),Icon spuds and a few stickers advertising my local bike shop, which I have noticed make it go faster!!!!!! check out www.mountain-high-cycles.com.!!!! Go on have a look he needs the buisness. | | Bottom Line: | Like I've said it was a spurr of the moment buy but I am extremelly happy with it.As my confidence is comming back(been out for a few years) the bike is handling anything I'm throwing at it.Even been down a few downhill course's with it and it's done well.!!
For £699 you carn't go wrong and it's only gona get better as I upgrade some bits. Brakes first,then gearing.
It's twice the bike that my old Klien Attitude was and that was £200 more (but that was 3 years ago) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brandon
a Weekend Warrior
from Port Elgin, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | kemf's trail @ macgregor provincial park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$830.00 | | Purchased At: | Martin's Bicycle Shop | | Strengths: | strong, stiff frame, climbs well,not too heavy | | Weaknesses: | tires, pedals | | Similar Products Used: | jamis eureka | | Bike Setup: | magura hydraulics, psylo xc, lx/xt, race face prodigy stem | | Bottom Line: | The rockhopper is a good bike for beginners or intermediate riders who want a half decent frame to add on to over time without laying down a boatload of cash. It soaks up most trail imperfections well and shoots up inclines like they aren't even there. I did some homework and shopped around a fair bit and this was the best bang for the buck. I would but it again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Bennett
a Racer
from London UK
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | central London | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Action Bikes | | Strengths: | Light and strong, look the part | | Weaknesses: | From Suspension is a bit to soft, as i commute to work on roads throught the london trafic | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Hopper 2000 model which was heavy | | Bike Setup: | SPD pedals, armdillo Slicks for maxium speed and duralibity | | Bottom Line: | This bike is strong and relialable ( i have been knocked off by motorists a few times )and light nobody overtakes me!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lawson
a Weekend Warrior
from West Chicago
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$570.00 | | Purchased At: | spokes | | Strengths: | you might wonder how i got it so cheap. i had to talk the guy down. i love the bike its light and has good components. | | Weaknesses: | my front brakes are to tight but thats easy to fix | | Similar Products Used: | schwinn homegrowns and GT avalanches | | Bike Setup: | Stock but i want to get disc brakes | | Bottom Line: | I think its a great bike. (if you ask me its the best bike in its price range) its awesome and it comes disc ready. great for trails and single track. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Strengths: | The bike is my first "good" bike so far and its been awesome. Light, relativly tuff, climbs good, fast, and looks great. | | Weaknesses: | The Manitou. Hate it. Lots. Why you ask? Well I didn't hate it until today when the preload adjuster blew off and the spring shot out. It cliped my colar bone on its way to smacking my jawbone. I can still count.... 10 or so coil imprints on my chest, blew a couple hours ago, and it hurts to do anything with my mouth. The clincher... it blew while I was riding on a sidewalk. b4 that it rode fine, a little bob climbing but its never clunked or bottomed. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain models | | Bike Setup: | Stock till I get a new fork...... maybe upgrade the brakes/levers someday | | Bottom Line: | The bike is awesome, on hardpack it goes like a raped ape. It climbs like a homesick angel. Some more agressive tires would be better for the trails. No complaints about the components. Something breaks you replace it until then go crazy. The fork.... come on, blowing on a sidewalk??? something wrong with that. Its a great entry level bike, I drop about 2/3 feet now with it and smoke my buddies on the hills just get a diffrent fork. If it wasn't for the fork i'd give the bike top reviews. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ben
a Racer
from minnesota
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anything in crested butte | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$833.00 | | Purchased At: | superior north outdoor center | | Strengths: | nice wheels, fast tires, good;upgrade worthy frame, good drivetrain, fun. | | Weaknesses: | the brakes/levers are bad so swap em for some Avids.and while youre at it get some different shifters,too.also, the stem and seat post are generic and homely, so get some different, swankier ones.oh, yeah, seat hurts.one more thing-if you do any XC racing or riding of that sort, you may wany to switch the stock Manitou Six for a Mars because it is very plush, and it seems to defeat the purpose of having a 100mm fork if youre going to have the it on the stiffest setting possible. | | Similar Products Used: | specialized hardrock, bridgestone mb-80 or sumthin like that. | | Bike Setup: | added:salsa shaft,specialized evo seat,titec carbon bar ends,raceface prodigy stem,avid levers and brakes,LX shifters,hopefully I will soon have a Mars Super on it too. | | Bottom Line: | I pointed out many faults in the bike,but after you fix those the bike rides like a dream.I can cruise down technical singletrack with utmost confidence. I really love my bike.
It screams "upgrade me!" so I obey. :) Five Flamin Turds!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RichieT
a Weekend Warrior
from London, UK
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Coed-y-Brenin | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Evans Cycles | | Strengths: | All-round value, good components, looks cool | | Weaknesses: | Stock tyres | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale F700 (tested) | | Bike Setup: | Stock + Panaracer XC Fire 2.1 tyres | | Bottom Line: | This review is for the A1 Pro FS Disc with Deore discs and Duke fork. I have jumped from a 10 year-old Trek (no suspension) to this baby, and after a couple of hours acclimatisation am very pleased with my purchase. It seems very well put together, the front fork is great, the clipless pedals OK on a loose setting. I put on the Panaracer tyres to replace the stock tyres that didn't look suited to the Welsh mud, water, roots, rocks and manure that I ride through. Disc brakes are still bedding in, but seem absolutely fantastic after my cantilevers. I can lock the rear with one fingertip, which leaves the rest of my hand to grip the bars like hell. I still fall off, but much less! This isn't the lightest bike in the world, but it's totally fine uphill and feels reassuringly solid.
Value rating takes into account ridiculous UK prices for US bikes. This is a great package for someone who wants a good simply designed bike, and doesn't want to spend their life upgrading each and every bit from day one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Lynnfield, ma
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Lynn Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | North Shore Cycle | | Strengths: | First mtb, feel solid, smooth, looks great. Components decent but will be upgraded as i break them, perfect bike for my needs at this time! | | Weaknesses: | Tires in mud turn to slicks, but thats easy to swap out, seat was a bit firm till my butt adjusted. | | Similar Products Used: | None, first real bike, other was a steel monster. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, added bar ends, computer, may switch out pedals for eggbeaters in future. | | Bottom Line: | Love the bike. Rides Great, looks great, feels great, im a little light guy so the weight feels fine and it is very agile. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George
a Weekend Warrior
from Mesa, Az, Usa
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mcdowell Mtns Long loop | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$799.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | This is my first bike and i love it! Lightweight, strong, good brakes, great tires(for what ive done so far),overall good components, and it fits in my car(96 Honda Accord)when the front tire and seat are removed.In addition i like the color, red and white. | | Weaknesses: | I have problems with the clip in pedals, and shifting is a little off, probably just needs adjusting. | | Similar Products Used: | Demoed a cannondale that was 200 more, like the way my Specialized rode over the Cannondale, and it fit my body type more, 6'2" | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I feel this was a great bike for the price, and for a beginner such as myself. I would reccomend it to another begginner. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron Kelly
a Downhiller
from Holland Michigan
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Boyne down hill | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$830.00 | | Purchased At: | Cross Country Cycle | | Strengths: | Strong frame,and the components on it[LX] work great. chan hasent fallen of yet.forks are nice for rough terain. | | Weaknesses: | my friend got a mrp on his rock hopper 1 month ago and still hasent got it two work.[keep the cain on] | | Similar Products Used: | GT pantara | | Bike Setup: | every think stock.
im putting a mr.dirt gizmo chain tensioner on. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the price.works for all riding styles.I havent had a problem yet.
If your rcing or riding dh you will most likely get upgrades. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Johnson
a Cross Country Rider
from Aberdeen, Scotalnd
Date Reviewed: March 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Pitfichie | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Edinburgh Bicycle | | Strengths: | Lightweight, smooth transmission (once setup properly)with a great range, relatively durable components (except as below), highly chuckable,sweeet forks off-road and great traction through mud or snow. Even up to a bit of downhilling with the seat dropped.You can ride it all day without suffering, granny bail-out ring might prove useful towards the end. | | Weaknesses: | Standard pedals are awful. Wheel rims and hubs do not inspire confidence over hard, fast terrain - anticipate changing these out. Not to sure about the bar-grips | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Marlin, Trek 840 | | Bike Setup: | Standard:except pedals changed for Time ATACs and saddle changed for Selle Flite Trans Am. But I'm fussy about the points of contact with the bike | | Bottom Line: | As an entry level XC bike it is a good start. It does everything you expect well, the bits you don't like can always changed out as budget allows. The basic dynamics are sound. A good mud plugger for the highlands ( and anywhere else with copious amounts of the sticky stuff) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lau Enrique
a Cross Country Rider
from Macau, China
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Strengths: | (Rebuilt) nice frame, good for climbing | | Weaknesses: | The chainstays look a little bit weak. | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Specialized Hardrock A1 FS(Deore 9-speed), Parkpre Pro Image, | | Bike Setup: | (Rebuilt) Marzocchi Z3 Air, Mavic X221/XT disc hubs, Shimano Deore/ XT, Sram 9.0, Raceface Prodigy ISIS, 2002 Shimano Deore hydraulic disc brakes, Kore/Tioga finishing kits. | | Bottom Line: | The Rockhopper I bought(800) was only Deore/ LX settings so I Rebuilt it. The frame I bought is very slope because it's small, 16in. with 100mm travel fork. which makes good for climbing but weak on road. Tt's a very nice, good frame but not many people know about Specialized bikes in Macau. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a
from Goffstown,NH,USA
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$680.00 | | Purchased At: | Good Dale's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | this is one of the best bikes i have ever gotten, the whole bike can really tough and has survived the beating i have given it so far. the frame is just superb for my kind of riding. | | Weaknesses: | the brakes could be better if u want to fine tune it, but i think it doesnt have any weaknesses that i have noticed. | | Bottom Line: | this bike is really good for a kid like me who is just starting to love the speed and danger of mtn biking. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ash
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Strengths: | Looks sweet, rides great, light and strong. | | Weaknesses: | Forks area a little plush, seat takes some getting used to. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | It's a great looking bike that rides very well and has good geometry. Components can't be faulted, apart from the forks, which are too soft for my liking. The seat is quite hard, but I'm getting used to it, but it's probably not suited for everyone. I can't comment on the value a RRP, coz I got the bike for quite a good deal.... but at the price I paid it's outstanding value.
I'd recommend this for people like myself (just starting XC riding). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Feris Bueler
a Cross Country Rider
from md
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | patapsico park | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | princeton sport | | Strengths: | frame, shifters are nice, rims seemed strong the bike as a hole seemed prety solid. | | Weaknesses: | the fork did not seem great, and the pedels will need to be replaced | | Similar Products Used: | avalanch 1.0 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | great bike if your looking for a cross country bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Morgan
a Weekend Warrior
from Swindon
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Total Bike (sucks) | | Strengths: | Looks the dude (with the red frame and white forks), aluminium frame, very plush 100mm fork, gears (which work), spd pedals..... | | Weaknesses: | Tyres don't work well in the mud and ye can't fit a crud catcher | | Similar Products Used: | Marin Eldridge Grade | | Bike Setup: | Standard | | Bottom Line: | This bike is very nice. It climbs like a goat, and descends like a very good descending thing. The fork soaks up every little bump, which is nice.
The aluminium frame is lightweight. The only problem i have with it is that it is near impossible to fit a crud catcher without mucking up the cables.
The tyres don't work in the mud at all. I have been slipping around all over my local trails.
This bike has been a major upgrade over my last bike, a cheap steel monstrosity. The bike is good... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jordan Erdmann
a Racer
from Manitowoc WI USA
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Hells Enterence DH park | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | This bike is beautiful. It has very good geometry,stiff frame, 3 clearcoat paint job, plush fork, bike kicks A$$ | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | DB Topanga Comp Upgraded
GT Avalanche 1.0
Specialized S-Works FSR | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | If you're looking for a bike that can give u a fast ride, and want the chics to stare at u as u go by them 38 mph, go to the bike shop and get it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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