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Specialized
Rockhopper A1 FS
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Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Münich
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Any Single Track | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Strengths: | Frame Strength-weight-geometry-, Deore Shifters and Front Der, LX Rear Der | | Weaknesses: | Seat, Rims and Hubs, Pedals, Manitou Comp Forks | | Similar Products Used: | GT | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded seat, seat post - Ritchie Comp, Shorter Ritchie Stem, Mavic 223 Rims and Deore Hubs, Magura Julie Disks, V8 Pedals, Gel Grips etc etc | | Bottom Line: | Awesome Frameset for the Price, I love my Rockhoppoer. Sure i have upgraded a lot of components, but what do you expect for the price ? I haven't ridden serously for over 5 years and I now have a pretty good starter config that i really wanted to begin with. The forks will definately be the Next to go. The Stumpjumper was just to expensive and the RH fitted my budget perfectly. Everything i throw at this bike street and trail it loves. So for value this has to get 5 Chilis and Overall 4. What a great bike to start on and upgrade !! Wicked !! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Fremont, CA
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Pleasanton Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$549.00 | | Purchased At: | Hayward Cyclery | | Strengths: | Frame is super strong. I'm 200+ lbs and this frame takes it all and flexes very little. Components are great for the price. No problems with over 1,000 miles on the bike. Love the geometry and the look of the bike. Very sturdy and robust design. | | Weaknesses: | Seat was brutal at first. Since I've worked it in however, it's much better now. Tires are OK. Decent in soft ground, great on anything firm. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6XXX, GT, and Giant. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with added rack. Shimano Deore and LX components. Mity computer. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the absolute best value for the money. Great for weekend warriors like me and those with less and more experience. Have had friends with much more expensive bikes tell me they love this bike. Has taken all I have thrown at it and not given me a problem yet. This bike is as good as a stumpjumper, and is hundreds less. The frame is awesome and the rest of the bike is solid and will last for years. Downhills great, climbing is smooth, and riding is generally very comfortable. Buy it and keep it for years of riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Teague
a Weekend Warrior
from Menlo Park, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | The Off Ramp | | Strengths: | Frame is extremely strong, rims=ok | | Weaknesses: | manitou fork springs are crap - always bottom out, i reccomend getting a spring upgrade from dealer. Seat terribly uncomfortable. Tires have minimal traction. | | Bike Setup: | so far all stock | | Bottom Line: | Nice bike but needs upgrades - especially if you want to beat it up around town. Springs need to be stiffer. Could do with better rims. Otherwise ride the crap out of it. It takes a beating. If you want a good off and on road bike for a nice price this would be the one to get. For a rider wanting to start on his interest of urban freeriding this bike works out ok. Takes stairs, ledges, jumps. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
duane
a Cross Country Rider
from aurora colorado
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | colorado trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | treads aurora | | Strengths: | shifting, climbing, weight. | | Weaknesses: | seat, pedals, tires. | | Similar Products Used: | diamond back ascent, trek 930 and 830. | | Bike Setup: | stock except for pedals,tires,seat, and race face diabolus stem, | | Bottom Line: | this bike kicks butt as a trail climber. the fork is too soft,but it costs half as much as the bike to upgrade. for rythym and dirt jumping purposes you will need a much shorter stem.this bike is still the best value for a 2002 hardtail that i have found.absolutely no buyer's remorse after a year of almost daily riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, TX
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Arbor Hills | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Richardson Bike Mart | | Strengths: | Componentry, frame. | | Weaknesses: | Tires, seat | | Bike Setup: | stock (deore LX components) | | Bottom Line: | This is my first bike, but here's my assessment after a few weekends of trail riding. The stock seat is HORRIBLE. I traded it in after two rides and found that I wasn't the only one... the trade-in bucket was full of the same seat. The tires are also lacking. Not much grip and very prone to flats. But for everything else, it's great so far. Seems to take everything I dish at it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Scottsdale, AZ
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Trail 8/1A/220 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$560.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Ranch | | Strengths: | Low price, entry level mountain bike | | Weaknesses: | Seat post, hubs, and cranks will all fail quickly, with use. | | Similar Products Used: | Yes. | | Bike Setup: | From stock, to full XTR... | | Bottom Line: | I rode this bike 3-4 days a week for 6 solid months. The good news is that I didn't break the frame. The bad news is that the frame was the only thing I didn't replace. The seat went first...dang that thing was uncomfortable. Then the seat tube went to the junk pile. The stock clamp simply doesn't work. All the while, the stock crank was giving me extreme grief, most likely because it didn't spin true. That was replaced with an XT crank and front der, and life was much better (and less injury prone).
The hubs then blew out and were replaced under warranty. That prompted a new wheelset, with XTR hubs, cassette, and rapid rise. Somewhere along the way, those really heavy baskets were dumped for XTR pedals.
The front fork is pretty heavy for a 3" travel fork, and quite honestly does very little shock absorption. Mostly the input is transmitted as the output, acting very much like a very heavy rigid fork. If you ever get a chance to ride a good fork that actually erases a bump, you'll know what I mean.
The LX rear der and deore shifters and levers work well. As well, the deore V-brakes are more than adequate. It's too bad there were more of this quality part on the bike.
To be fair, for the money, it's difficult to get a better bike...perhaps a Giant? Instead I would encourage those seaking an entry level hardtail to seriously consider a Stumpjumper over a Rockhopper, if they actually plan on using this bike on trails, and not just on the sidewalk. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Raleigh Cox
a Weekend Warrior
from Provo, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$510.00 | | Purchased At: | Mad Dog Cycles | | Strengths: | Good components & nice frame for the price. Shifts smoothly. | | Weaknesses: | My biggest complaints are the fork and the seatpost.
I thought that the Manitou fork was way to plush--I'm only 150 lbs, and when the preload is maxed out, it's still too soft. I already upgraded to an '02 Marzocchi MXR and I love it!
The seat will not stay at the angle that I like for more than a minute before it starts to slip back--it creaks like crazy, too. I'm upgrading to a Thomson.
I will eventually upgrade the pedals to clipless, and the cranks will have to go, too. | | Similar Products Used: | '94 Marin Bear Valley SE | | Bottom Line: | I'm just getting back into the sport after not riding for a few years.
Despite all the weaknesses that I listed above, I love this bike! As soon as I get my Thomson seatpost, I will be set for awhile. I don't think that this bike can be beat for the price. You pay $150 more for the A1 FS Comp, and the "upgraded" components wouldn't be my first choice anyway.
I wish that Specialized sold just the frame--that would be the best for me, because then I could put exactly what I want on it.
If you want a great value, then buy this bike!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Weekend Warrior
from Canberra, ACT, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Stromlo Forrest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | ACT Bicycle Superstore | | Strengths: | Solid and upgradable frame, great components for the price | | Weaknesses: | The tyres are crap, the seat takes a while to get used to (if you don't replace after the first couple of rides), and the seat post won't hold the seat in place. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Standard except for a set of SPD pedals, Michelin tyres and a Ritchey seat post. | | Bottom Line: | I am relatively new to mountain biking so I wanted a bike with a great frame, without breaking the bank, that I could upgrade as my skills improve. This bike delivers on all accounts. I have found climbing and all day treking a breeze, but you need to replace the tyres before trying any testing single tracks as the tread is crap. The bike could be better served from a better seat post out of the factor as the one it comes with threads very easily, but a minor replacement. Overall I give this bike a big thumbs up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Myers, Florida
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Any trial to ride | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$549.00 | | Purchased At: | AJ Barnes in Ft. Myers | | Strengths: | The components for the money. Value compared to other bikes tested. Deore LX rear shifts well. | | Weaknesses: | Stock pedals and Tires. The pedals are week, The tires have no grip for trials in Florida. Specialized feels the need to write !Specialized! all over everything... | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher-Tassajara | | Bike Setup: | Stock, Panaracer Dart Classic Tire for front, Panaraver Smoke tire for rear. Getting Clipless pedels this week. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the Price. I shoped around for a while and this bike had everything I was looking for. I dont think you can get a better Bike for the price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Markus
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | That's not the point | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Tommy and Lefevbre | | Strengths: | Frame, levers, shifters. | | Weaknesses: | everything except the 3 mentioned above. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | psylos, avid mech, new pedals, funn seat. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is garbage. I have to redo my whole drivtrain and wheels because it's all falling apart. It Ghost shifts like crazy won't catch on the cogs of the cassette, screws fall out of everywhere and it's loaded with all this specialized crap!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 14, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$499.00 | | Purchased At: | Greggs | | Strengths: | Deore components for the price, A-1 frame, body geometry comp seat, Manitou adjustable pre-load fork. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals, go clipless. The grips are a little ugly if you get the silver/orange paint job. | | Similar Products Used: | *((all similar products cost over $100 more))* Trek 6500, K2 Zed 4.0, GT Avalanche 0.0 | | Bike Setup: | Stock w/ M424 pedals | | Bottom Line: | $500 bucks and only 28 lbs! All intermediate through advanced riders will appreciate this bike, without breaking the bank. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gordon
a
from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | kelso conservation - snakes and ladders | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclepath Mississauga | | Strengths: | Great frame, good parts, decent price. | | Weaknesses: | The tires are awful on anything but dry hardpack and pavement. Get a lizard skin to protect the chainstays, the gear ratios make for some nasty chainslap all the time. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized 2002 Hardrock
Infinity 1998 Incline | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Shimano M515 pedals | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for entry level competition (if you change the tires). The bike is solid, light, and the rider position is comfortable on even the longest trips. Though a few of my friends found it too upright. The seat takes a while to get used to if you haven't used the "nut-saver" seats before. Also, the shocks seem a little soft, I'm only 140lbs and on max preload it still bottoms out now and again. If you do road biking, the shocks are way too soft and you'll probably need to purchase the lockout upgrade from manitou. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$479.00 | | Purchased At: | Center Cycle | | Strengths: | I think thid bike a great value. I had a Cannondale 400 with a softride stem that was wonderful but it got stolen. I needed a good replacement that wasn't going to break the bank. The Rockhopper was it. Great value and excellent quality. | | Weaknesses: | Non so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Treck 6500, Kona Cinder Cone, or Schwinn Moab 3 | | Bike Setup: | stock...adding a Rock Shock seat post and heavier fork spring | | Bottom Line: | If you are looking for a great value that you can feel good about upgradeing in the future then this bike is the one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fat Tony
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft.Myers, FL US of A
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Snow Hill, Orlando FL | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | AJ Barnes in Ft. Myers | | Strengths: | Solid Frame, nice fork... just all around a nice starter bike. I like the components included | | Weaknesses: | the pedals are garbage. first thing that should go. The rims are decent, but I bent one hitting a tree... (that was a fun ride back...) Somehow I bent the bottom bracket when the pedal slammed into a huge stump. I have yet to replace that cause I've gotten use to it by now. | | Similar Products Used: | I rode my uncle's REALLY old rock hopper before I rode this one. | | Bike Setup: | mostly stock... Titec Hellbent bars, new grips, Sun Mammoth rims, Kore GASS Pedals (I don't recomend these unless you are on a tite budget), some non-stock rear tire (I forget exactly what it is), and a new set of rear pads (I need to learn to ride the front brake) | | Bottom Line: | Overall, I give this ride a pair of thumbs. It's a good entry level bike that will even go a little past that. I love mine and intend to keep it for a while, just upgrading parts..I'm a heavy fella so, you lighter guys might not have troubles with rims and all, but you know how it goes.. I suggest this to anyone that is trying to get the most bang for their buck. I'll be riding mine for somw time, and once it dies, I'll probably get another specialized. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Karin
a Weekend Warrior
from Golden
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$520.00 | | Purchased At: | green mountain cyclery | | Strengths: | good control, good brakes, and its real purrty. its a well constructed bike. | | Weaknesses: | having some problems with my shifter, and i've been told that i may need to replace them. it seems they may be defective. phooey. | | Similar Products Used: | this is my first mountain bike! | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | although this is my first mountain bike, i don't have much to compare it to. however, i have gone on several 25+ mile rides and the bike performed superbly. i always felt in controls. i have quickly grown to love mountain biking. this is a good bike for someone just starting in mountain biking who is athletic enough to try all different trail types immediately. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charlie
a Racer
from Dunedin,FL,USA
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Chainwheel Drive | | Strengths: | good components for the money paid. | | Weaknesses: | Seat could be more comfortable and the tires are a little weak. | | Bike Setup: | I still use all the original parts that the bike came with, but will upgrade as soon as i kill these parts. | | Bottom Line: | The ROCKHOPPER is a great buy for the person who enjoys riding on road or off road because of its light weight and and great handling that i think only SPECIALIZED BIKES can offer. Originally went to buy the HARDROCK but tryed the ROCKHOPPER and fell in love so i ended up buying both for my girlfriend and I. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Derby,UK
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$842.00 | | Purchased At: | Samways for the highways | | Strengths: | Nice light frame and good geometry. Deore LX rear mech shifts well. | | Weaknesses: | Stock pedals, seatpost and stem are poor. Wheels and tyres are a good place to upgrade performance. Seat is uncomfortable. | | Similar Products Used: | Marin Palisades Trail. | | Bike Setup: | Panaracer Trailblaster tyres, Mavic X517 rims on Deore XT hubs, Titec Big-Al Stem (0" rise), Titec X-wing seatpost, Titec beserkr-cx seat, DMR V8 pedals, DMR chainstay protector. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a great starting point for off-roading and performs well against the competition in it's price range. It has a great frame for the price; light and has good build quality. However, the bike calls to you to upgrade the pedals, stem, and seatpost. Also, the seat seemed uncomfortable to me, but some may like it. The wheels are basic and upgrading to a good set really makes the bike perform better. Adding a good set of tyres is a must too if you want to take it off-road at all. Also consider a better fork if you can afford it, but the Manitou Comp Six has severed me well so far.
This bike seems very much at home on cross-country riding and climbs well.
So, if you want to get a good entry-level cross-country bike with scope for upgrades on a decent frame; then this is a great purchase! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Uk
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | A bike shop in Bristol UK | | Strengths: | Good brakes, agile, good components for the money and a nice colour | | Weaknesses: | Tyres are absolutely crap, buy some Panaracer Trail Blasters for the dry and some proper winter tyres. Seat post is crap too, couldn't do it up tight enough to stop it sliding backwards without striping the thread, use a Race Face job now, much better | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Cinder Cone | | Bike Setup: | Panaracer Trailblasters and RaceFace seatpost as the stock ones are cack | | Bottom Line: | Marvelous! Just needs the details sorting then it would be
Super! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Pelham, NH, USA
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | $600 | | Strengths: | Good components, solid | | Weaknesses: | Stock seat, tires appear to be weak point, | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | WTB Speed V seat and Cane Creek Thudbuster seatpost | | Bottom Line: |
I'm a rank newbie, but I wanted a good quality hardtail at a good price. This bike "felt" the best at the dealership. I've been out a few dozen times now and the bike just holds up. I've been over the handlebars, into the trees, over rocks and stumps, flipped, washed out, etc.. Except for bending the deraileur hanger, replacing the stock chain (original was kinking), and replacing the seat (the original was damaged in a wheelie incident) nothing on the bike has given me issues. I had the drivetrain adjusted after several rides and it's shifting better than new with the new chain.
I'm not good enough to know a good tire from a bad one, but I've had a number of "traction" issues with these.
All in all, I'd recommend it to others getting into the sport looking for a solid bike that will hold up to the learning curve. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank Johnson
a Weekend Warrior
from Magnolia, TX USA
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$499.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Barn | | Strengths: | Frame, components, value compared to other bikes tested | | Weaknesses: | Either the seat is bad, or my ass ain't as strong as it needs to be. I hate the clips on the pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | Tassajara, Iguana, Trek 4500, Raleigh M80 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Not knowing a damn thing about MTB's, I had to start from scratch. Probably woulda been just fine with an entry level bike, but I wanted somethign I could grow into and not have to deal with upgrading soon. Had the Rockhopper not gone on sale for $100 less than MSRP, I think I'd still be shopping and comparing. BUT for $500, the Rockhopper couldn't be beat. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Gunk | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Tommy & Lefevbre | | Strengths: | Good geometry, awesome welds, strong for an xc bike, awesome components for the price. Light. | | Weaknesses: | The seat hurts like crazy!!! The crank, the shocks. The pedals. Tires(average). | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | A1 FS, RS Judy SL , Truvativ hussefelt w/rockgaurd. avid cps mechanical on the front. Mavic x221 with deore disc hubs. Funn Full throttle seat. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great. For an xc bike it's damn strong. I do light urban and drops 3-5 feet and it holds up. It has awesome components for the price Lx rear derailleur, deore front. The manitou six comp sucks it bottoms out everywhere. The crank fell apart after 3 urban rides. The tires get filles with mud like cazy!!!! Despite the this bike is excellent the frame is strong and if you put a bit more money into it you can turn into a killer bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from fairfax, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | carrs pond (rhode island), wakefield/accotink (virginia) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | hudson trail outfitters | | Bottom Line: | i had been riding for a while, but my old mongoose with stiff forks wasn't cutting it anymore. i chose the rockhopper because every knowledgable biker (and/or salesperson) said it gave the best components for the price. i was tempted by a fisher '03 tassajara, but after trying each, i knew i wanted the rockhopper. most of the sales people even talked me down from the A1 FS Comp, saying that it wasn't worth the increase in price for what it gave. so i actually ended up spending a little less than i expected to, but the bike is nothing short of what i was looking for. this is my first time with front suspension, but i had to stick with hard-tail because it's what i'm used to. so far i have taken this on 16 mile flat endurance runs as well as some access-road forest runs and single-tracks. by far, the single track is most fun. i have done some jumps and climbed over some fallen trees and it's holding up strong. a lot of people complain about the seat, which i haven't had a problem with. the tires, however, seem to be the downfall. i keep mine a bit soft and they seem to grip ok. what's odd is that my friend's specialized hard-rock (a lower end bike, no?) is equipped with tires much more fit for roughing it. that doesn't make a lot of sense. so far i like this bike a lot. the aesthetics are nice too. and tires can always be replaced. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn Edwards
a Weekend Warrior
from Irving, Texas, USA
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Johnson Branch? | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$529.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles Plus | | Strengths: | Value, value, value. The gear on the bike for the money is sweet. It's the perfect mix for someone who wants to take biking a bit more seriously but doesn't have the 1000 bux to dump. I really did a lot of research on the bikes and felt that this was by far the best bang for the buck. I think that all the deraillers and gearing components are great. I like the Manitou shox better than the comparable Judys on the Trek 4900s. Bike weight is awesome in comparison to similarily priced bikes. Seat is great for longer rides and doesn't "get in the way". I like the slimmer seat even though the first 4 weeks or so it's put a whippin on my arse during the first 5 minutes of riding, and of course the next day. | | Weaknesses: | Seat is a bit hard, but when you get used to it, it shows much better. Tires suck big time. If you are buying this bike to ride around the streets, then giddyup. But if you want to take it trailing then the tires gotta go. I've wiped out at least twice on each trip when hitting a turn with some soft sand/dirt on it. I can get over the wipe out but what really bums me out is the psychological damage. Ever soft turn after than I slow to a creeping halt. I have noted however that if you soften them up (say 35~40 psi) they handle much better. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Standard setup with minor accessories (pump, saddle bag, etc) | | Bottom Line: | Value for the money is the best part of the bike. It has great gear on it and doesn't empty your wallet. The shortcommings it does have are minor and can be replaced for 40 or 50 bux. I've road it at least ever other day for the past 4 weeks and still love it. I would very highly recommend it. Research the bikes, compare the gear and dollar values, then go get this bike! Only exception would be if you are looking for a higher-end bike, but then you shouldn't be looking in the 500-600 dollar bikes! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Terry
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, OR, USA
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Dog River | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Fat Tire Farm | | Strengths: | Frame, Fork, Shifters, Crank Set, Brakes | | Weaknesses: | Tires, Seat, Steel Chain Rings | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain, Trek 4900, Fisher
| | Bike Setup: | Bontrager RE-1 Clipless Pedals, Reversed Stem, Salsa Bar ends | | Bottom Line: | This is my first MTB and was bought to suplement my road riding. Overall a great ride. The handleing is great, the fork is smooth. The deore components are an upgrade to the mix of components found at a similar price point on other bikes. The shifting is crisp. The repalceable hanger is a god-send I trashed mine on the first serious ride.
At first, I didn't like the seat which is consistent with the other reviewers; however, after a long-ride I've determined that it is more comfortable the longer you ride it. It's as comfortable as the Selle Italia on my road bike, mine stopped creaking once I slid it back. Also, I don't expect any bike to come with the pedal set-up I want.
I do take issue with the tires and the chain rings. The tires are fine on hard-pack but are quite squirely on anything loose. It has three steel chain rings which don't inspire much confidence.
Originally, I planned to replace the tires once they were worn, but that will need to come sooner. Also, I'll be replacing the steel rings with alloy ones. I give it 5 chillis on the value and ding it one for the tires. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete Kearney
a Weekend Warrior
from Dubin, Ireland
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Glencullen, Wicklow | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycleways | | Strengths: | Great frame, thick drop outs, very stiff. All round good componentry for the price. | | Weaknesses: | The stem didnt inspire confidence, Tyres suck for anything other than commuting and I wont even start in the stock pedals. I bought the disc version with Magura Julies, they've got plastic levers which I am still not confident with, they feel like they strain under hard pulling. | | Similar Products Used: | Gt Timberline, 95 Rockhopper. | | Bike Setup: | Tioga stem, Tioga downhill tyres and V8 BMX style pedals | | Bottom Line: | I shopped around for about 2 weeks before deciding on this purchase. All other bikes in the same price range had similar or worse componentry but would have generic big brand v-brakes, this was definitley a lot of bike for the money. Bottom line, if want a great frame and would definitely customise any bike you buy I don't think you could get a better bike for the money. dont forget to hit your bike shop for trade ins or discounts on any parts you decide to change. And if they won't tell em to ( add expletive here ) and buy it elsewhere. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Czesnikowski
a Weekend Warrior
from Essex, England
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikescene.com | | Strengths: | Decent frame, generally good components, sharp brakes, nice looking. | | Weaknesses: | Tyres - not particuarly good off road, seat was uncomfortable at first but have got used to it. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4700 | | Bottom Line: | Excellent bike for the price, has decent components, although will probably upgrade the rear and front mech to XT. Manitou forks have caused me no problems as of yet and have taken everythnig i have thrown at them. Will look at getting some new tyres soon, otherwise more than happy with the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Palos Forest Preserve | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Village Cycle (Chicago) | | Strengths: | Good Frame with a good setup for the money. The fork seems to be a plus over low end RockShox. | | Weaknesses: | -I agree with the others that the tires are meant for urban (street) usage, not trails.
-Don't like the position of the rear brake cable on top of frame, bad placement. | | Similar Products Used: | ~1995 HardRock | | Bike Setup: | Stock except swapped out pedals for Shimano 324 (combo-SPD) | | Bottom Line: | My old bike was stolen recently, was just going to economize and buy a new HardRock. For anyone else who is contemplating a HardRock and plans on riding a bit (besides to the beach), it is definitely worth the extra $$$ to go with the RockHopper. I've beaten on it for a few weeks now, and I'm pretty satisfied.
Hardened rims, much better fork, Deore components (27-spd).
The fork seems great, though this is my first shock fork so I'm not an expert. I will pursue firmer springs, though it is not bad as-is.
I am afraid that I will gouge my paint and mangle the rear brake cable, as it runs right across the top frame member. No problem so far, but it bugs me.
For those who complained about the toe-strap pedals, you shouldn't have left the store with them--my shop gave me $25 off my upgraded SPD pedals.
I concur, the tires are lousy. My trails were a little wet this weekend, and the bike flew out from under me several times. You might ask about swapping those out when you buy it as well.
All in all, I'm pleased so far with the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Tulsa,Oaklahoma, U.S.A
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | T-Town Bicycles | | Strengths: | Awesome geometry, light, Good for upgrades. | | Weaknesses: | none yet | | Similar Products Used: | devinci taos, but the rockhopper is better!! | | Bike Setup: | marzocchi mxr shocks, hayes hydraulic on front and back, specialized tires, shimano lx stuff, mavic rims and this sweet intense grips that have special clamps on the end. | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks it combines good components and a great price when you get it, and is extremely easy to upgrade. No downsides to it whatsoever. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete
a Weekend Warrior
from Camberley, England
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | woodland trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Hot Pursuit, Totnes, Devon | | Strengths: | great frame and components | | Weaknesses: | arse splitting saddle, questionable tyres and pedals | | Similar Products Used: | old Trek 7000 | | Bike Setup: | std. except swapped saddle, longer stem + sensible accessories. | | Bottom Line: | Having sold my old bike I walked into Hot Pursuit (recomended to all in UK) asking about a more modern equivalent to the Trek. Though it was late on Sat.aft. they built up a bike for me to try, having just sold my size, and sent me out for a test, as my legs are short and I prefer a lean forword position I went out 4 times before we had the right stem and setup. I was sold on the service and the fact that they kept the shop open for me as much as the bike and bought it! my first ride the next day convinced me that the seat was awful (should never have let the Brooks saddle and HiteRite go with the Trek) and swapped it for my riding buddies spare wider body geometry item. Apart from that and the iffy tyres (they give no confidence) its great, the fork works well and the brakes and gears are smooth, the bike is comfortable now and I've fitted the accessories I want. The tyres will go when I find some really good dual purpose ones and the pedals will probably be changed for SPD items. Specialized, change the tyres and seat and this will be the best bike at the price! I deduct a chili overall for these short comings. For a weekend rider like myself who wants a good spec without breaking the bank this is going to be hard to beat.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan Warren
a Weekend Warrior
from Newport, Maine, USA
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Local | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$599.00 | | Purchased At: | matheaus Cycle and Fitness | | Strengths: | great frame, I like the fork would like to stiffen up the shocks. | | Weaknesses: | Seat was horrible, tires are sad, (not very agressive) and should have had step in pedals. I added stepin pedals, new seat and tires. | | Similar Products Used: | Upgraded from 10 year old Mongoose | | Bike Setup: | Stock except seat,tires and pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Great overall bike for the cash. I ride almost everyday mostly off-road. This bike has gone through mud up to the axel, over stairs, little cliffs and has been crashed 4 times this month and still going.
If you are an intermediate rider who has fantasies of comp. this is a good bike for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joe d
a Weekend Warrior
from wv
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$630.00 | | Purchased At: | wamsley cycles | | Strengths: | good frame, like the bars | | Weaknesses: | the fork sucks wen i bunny hop the fork bottoms out, the tires suck anus so buy some new ones | | Bike Setup: | factory except platform pedals and a new rear tire | | Bottom Line: | this byke is pretty good except the fork and the tires the saddle may creek a bit but i dont really care and im cheap
about the fork u can order and upgrade 4 about 40 that will stiffen it up thats wut im doin | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cory Smith
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco, CA
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$555.00 | | Purchased At: | Foxy Flyer | | Strengths: | Great frame. Great componentry for the money. Forks seem to take anything I throw at them so far. | | Weaknesses: | Not so sure about the stem and the handlebars yet. They're growing on me, but I tend to like straight bars with no rise on the stem. We'll see. Also, the tires don't seem quite aggressive enough. I feel a little less than confident when taking a fast, sharp turn. But that's an easy fix. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Tassajara/Hoo Koo E Koo, Trek 6500/6700 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, so far. | | Bottom Line: | Wow. Great bike. To be perfectly honest, I was torn between this and the Fisher. On that note, I was actually leaning towards the Fisher. But then I saw a coupon for this store and it could be used on the bike. So, I opted for the Specialized. After bringing it home, I still wondered if I had made the right choice. Then this past weekend came along. All reservations were erased. I took this bike up on Mt. Tam and rode for about 3 hours, ascending for the first hour and a half for so, then it was all downhill. That's when I fell in love with this bike. It took everything I could throw at it. Shocks were smooth and responsive, the gears never slipped. Basically, this bike plotted along and was ready for more. I did notice that I was putting my foot down coming around fast turns...I'm still not sure about those tires. But everything else is solid. A great bike for the money. I would definitely recommend it. 5 flamin' chilis for value, 4 overall because those tires are questionable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shane
a Weekend Warrior
from College Station, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bryan Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$649.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Sports Shop | | Strengths: | The frame feels great as opposed to the other bikes I tested. The Manitou Six Comp fork is top notch for the riding I do, I can't say enough about it so far. The componentry seems par for the price when you figure in value of the frame. | | Weaknesses: | The straps and clips and the tires are a little disappointing. While in loose material you feel you need to watch how you ride more than usual on the tires. The seat is a little rough. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6700, Klein Attitude, Gary Fisher Big Sur | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Shimano 525 clipless (hand-me-downs, Thanks Roger) | | Bottom Line: | When in reference to all the bikes ridden above, there was no beating the feel of the Rockhopper when I sat on it and turned the cranks. When I think of a bike I want to ride it comes down to comfort and confidence. On my bike I have a huge amount of the two most important factors in riding mountain bikes, and that is why I am being honest with a good review of the Rockhopper A1FS. I would recommend the bike to another person like me, i.e. lower budget, amateur skills, with the desire to move up and make use of the frame in concert with higher end componentry application. I like my bike so much, my wife and I went back last week to the Bicycle Sports Shop in Austin, Texas, to buy her a Rockhopper Comp A1FS (a little break on the weight for her, plus just a sweet little ride). I recommend both Bikes! Thanks to Monte for all the friendly help at Bicycle Sports Shop. Thanks for the read. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jordan
a Weekend Warrior
from West Chester, PA
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | West Chester Bicycle | | Strengths: | Very strong Frame with a great paint job. The components are all Deore or higher. Brakes are very strong. This thing can take a beating. I crashed pretty hard the first time I rode it and it didn't get a scratch. Light weight! | | Weaknesses: | Seat is a little hard and it tore the first time I went riding. Probobly should come with clipless pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | Ridden my friends Tassajara a few times | | Bike Setup: | Stock with clipless pedals and computer added. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike that will stand up to anything I can throw at it. Its comfortable and very light weight. I am thrilled with my purchase and have no regrets. There is nothing about this bike that I don't like. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Seattle Area Bike Store | | Strengths: | The frame is great. The rims seem solid. Other components are about what you should expect. | | Weaknesses: | The original seat is terrible, replaced it immediately. The small chain ring bent on one of my first rides, not sure if it was cheap. Tires suck. | | Similar Products Used: | Test rode many bikes in similar price range before purchase, including Giant Ranier, Kona, Gary Fischer Tassajara. | | Bike Setup: | I've already upgraded pedals (clipless), brakes (shimano XT deore), seat, tires (+ other accessories) and plan on more upgrades. | | Bottom Line: | If you are looking for a decent bike that you can ride immediately (while expecting some components to boch quickly) , but plan on upgrading, this is good. I particularly bought it because I liked the frame, and planned on upgrading anyway (as opposed to dropping $1000 immediately, dropping $600+$500 upgrades over time fit my budget better). The frame is awesome, worth the price to me.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike C.
a Cross Country Rider
from Iowa City, Iowa USA
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Peterson Pits | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Obviously, Specialized makes a great frame. It is the lightest of the bikes that I've tested in this price bracket. It also "feels" the stiffest and most responsive. And at 600 bucks, it seems worth it for the frame alone. | | Weaknesses: | Unfortunately, Specialized also puts an ugly, ugly paint job on the thing as well as making the geometry pretty odd. Riding the bike, I feel like I should be downhilling; I'm sitting way back over the rear wheel and with my hands way up on the riser bars. I personally don't understand the trend towards the "downhill" bike feel but I don't like it at all. | | Similar Products Used: | I've testridden the Trek 6500, Fischer Hoo Koo E Koo, and the specialized described here. | | Bike Setup: | I just rode the stock bike with a manitou six fork (the fork felt nice and smooth) and deore components | | Bottom Line: | All the reviews in this section are positive. That's because everyone wants to like their own bike (and also everyone has his/her own tastes). I didn't buy this bike so I don't have to like it. And I don't. Geometry is goofy, paint job is ugly...if only specialized could deliver their sweet frame in a better form. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Many | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$579.00 | | Purchased At: | Planet Bike | | Strengths: | Lots of decent components- good geometry. | | Weaknesses: | seat is TERRIBLE. Some sort of ancient torture device was installed on this bike instead of a seat! | | Bike Setup: | stock except for wellco platform pedals | | Bottom Line: | I am a former BMX racer and raced Enduro motorcycles as well. This is my first bike of this type- and so far I am very happy with it (other than the seat). So far I have been able to conquer everything I have wanted to and nothing has broken/fallen off the bike. Time will tell.
Gave it a jalapeno popper less on value because I will need to replace the seat. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Sylvester
a Cross Country Rider
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Forest Park, Rotorua, NZ | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | The frame. | | Weaknesses: | The frame deserves better components in places.The bottom bracket only lasted 7 months before it started to creak. At the time it was in London and used mostly on road, so there was not realy any excuse for it giving out so soon. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek6500 | | Bike Setup: | Only the frame, brakes, and 'post clip are original. Now carries LX, XT and Syncro components. Forks are Manitou Spyder R, which have done well but are not now up to the riding I do, so upgrade soon. | | Bottom Line: | With out a doubt one of the best frames you can buy for the price. It's all round ability and longevity outweigh some of the lower end components found on the bike as a whole. As a bike to start riding on, it's solid and fun. Then, as you develop as a rider, it can be easily be upgraded with the better bits to develop along with you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Indianapolis, IN, U.S.
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Matthew's bicycle garage | | Strengths: | Decent fork, decent components, looks okay i guess | | Weaknesses: | Not a very good value. You can get the same bike cheaper or a better bike for the price. Everybody i ride with has this bike too | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Iguana, Gary Fisher Tassahara, Diamondback topanga comp | | Bike Setup: | Stock w/shimano 515 clipless | | Bottom Line: | I was actually happy initially with this bike, but with further resarch i found out that this bike isn't a great value, i sold it for $400 and then bought a giant rainer(much better bike) The A1FS is decent, fork is okay, but you may have to change the spring. the main drawback is that sooo many people have this bike, but that can be a good thing for service repair if you will need that. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom McGeachy
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore MD
Date Reviewed: February 15, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$359.00 | | Purchased At: | Hudson Trail Oufitters | | Strengths: | Frame. The bang for the buck is best part. | | Weaknesses: | SEAT!!!!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | older rockhoppers (3) | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Hey fellow weekend warriors. You can't beat this great setup from Specialized (ok maybe the seat could be better). Great price, good geometry, nice forks, and it looks good. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Angel Chiclana
a Weekend Warrior
from North Miami, FL USA
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Oleta River State Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$488.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Tech | | Strengths: | Frame, decent specs for price. Got it for 25% off. Lucky me! Nice seat post, rims and grips. | | Weaknesses: | Seat stinks. Creaks like my great grandma when she walks. Pedals should prob be clipless and they are not. Tires are weak! | | Similar Products Used: | Old Trek 850. Kona Nunu (for a short period) | | Bike Setup: | Mostly Deore rear LX. | | Bottom Line: | Pretty decent bike. Gotta get used to the aluminum frame. Get a lot of "nice bike dude". Time will tell when I get to change the seat, tires and add clipless pedals. Big guys can buy this bike. Weekend warrior types are for this bike. For more hardcore XC prob should go in a higher price bracket. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al
a
from Salt lake city Utah U.S.
Date Reviewed: December 30, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Strengths: | Good climbing geometry with good xc suspention | | Weaknesses: | Could be lighter.It has shimano Deore components;
as well some of the sukiest tires ever. | | Bottom Line: | The Rockhopper A1 FS is a good buy.Keep the drops under 6ft
and you'll be okay.I like to do a few freeride things and it's done just fine. If you like xc but a few jumps and drops this is the bike for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rockhopperlou specialized
a Weekend Warrior
from san leandro
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | lake chabot | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | alameda bicycle | | Strengths: | 90% stumpjumper at 10% price. | | Weaknesses: | tyres and saddle. | | Similar Products Used: | gt avalance the frame had a crack after my first ride. | | Bike Setup: | lx hollow tech crank, titec x wing seatpost, a1 stem, qr seat post, michellin lite s tyres,sbg saddle. | | Bottom Line: | this bike can smoke any high end bike. like they say its 90% rider and 10 % bike. ive been riding rockhopper from steel to aluminum. ive been praising this bike after a long hard ride, this bike will survive any trail you can ride on. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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