Submitted by
MTBiker483
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Collins, CO Date Reviewed: October 6, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Ones I haven't ridden yet
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Peloton Cycles
Strengths:
Great bang for the buck, 29" wheels+21" frame for someone my size (6'4" 240) I finally feel like I'm not riding a circus bike. Rock Shox Tora has little on the trail adjustment capability but performs really well.
Weaknesses:
You've heard it before and you're hearing it again. The stock rims on this bike are such garbage you'd be better off pulling some off of a 30 year old huffy from the bottom of the dead sea. BEWARE!!!! I completely inhialated two sets (both front and rear) of these. First set on my first ride, 2'nd set on my 2'nd. Peloton cycles gladly replaced them with DT Swiss 470's for me, but I still think some people at Specialized should get slapped in the face for putting garbage like this on their bikes.
That being said...
I have noticed the BB seems low, I've smacked the crank arms on rocks here and there but it hasn't caused me any real concerns. The brakes seem weak also, they get very hot and I can smell them burning away so I expect to replace them before long.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Kula
Bike Setup:
All stock other than the DT Swiss 470 rims, and I never used the stock pedals - I alternate between BMX platforms and clipless.
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the money, try to get out of the store with different rims from the get-go. Will obviously need some upgraded replacement parts here and there but an extremely solid frame and a lot to work with!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
xedrrider
a Weekend Warrior
from Wilmington, NC Date Reviewed: October 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Blue Clay
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Bike Cycles
Strengths:
-Low bottom bracket is great for stability
-Tora 318 SL fork is much better than I thought it would be
-Sick Paint Job
-BB5's are great if you have them set up correctly and take care of them
-Braided cables are always nice
-Grips are excellent when wearing gloves
-Derailleurs and shifters work great
Weaknesses:
-Grips get very slippery when not wearing gloves and a little sweat drips onto them.
-Wheels seem to be weak
-Pedals are absolute crap
Similar Products Used:
Redline Monocog, Raleigh XXIX (Both had a completley different feel to them. The RockHopper felt more like a nimble Mountain bike and the others handle more like a road bike)
Bike Setup:
Stock, new pedals
Bottom Line:
Bad @$$ ride for the money and worth it. In my opinion it takes a little bit of time to gain confidence on any certain bike. After about 5 mintues of riding I felt like I had the confidence to ride it aggresively. It feels very stable and nimble due to the low bb. I can ride skinnies better than I have ever been able to. Fork is great, has lockout, rebound/compression control; very responsive with the motion control and uber plush. Ofcourse its not going to feel like a Fox but...good fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
walkerhoundvm
a Racer
from Loveland, CO, USA Date Reviewed: September 26, 2008
I'm going to sound a lot like some of the posts below me, but I'm 6'7, +/- 200lbs, and this is by far the first bike I've ridden since my big wheels that has made me feel like I'm on a normal sized bike. Compared to others at the same level of extras/weight/etc, it is by far the best value. I absolutely love riding it - when I'm riding it, but so far I've been hoofing it more than riding it. The stock rims suck, and I assume this may be why many below had problems with collapse early on. My experience has been that the spokes begin to loosen, the wheel comes out of true, and if you don't get it taken care of right away, kablooey. I got mine taken care of in time, but the replacements - Mavic A317's, already have two loose spokes after ~25 miles of riding. We'll see...My only other complaint, as I mentioned above, is the low bottom bracket. This doesn't make much difference on XC trails, but there are plenty of local trails I've got to take care not to bang it, though I have knocked the crank arms senseless pretty frequently.
Once things get taken care of, I expect this to be my best racing bike to date, and my hopes are to continue building it up and making it better. Would recommend to anyone my size with similar goals.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
walkerhound
a Racer
from Loveland, CO, USA Date Reviewed: September 26, 2008
I'm going to sound a lot like some of the posts below me, but I'm 6'7, +/- 200lbs, and this is by far the first bike I've ridden since my big wheels that has made me feel like I'm on a normal sized bike. Compared to others at the same level of extras/weight/etc, it is by far the best value. I absolutely love riding it - when I'm riding it, but so far I've been hoofing it more than riding it. The stock rims suck, and I assume this may be why many below had problems with collapse early on. My experience has been that the spokes begin to loosen, the wheel comes out of true, and if you don't get it taken care of right away, kablooey. I got mine taken care of in time, but the replacements - Mavic A317's, already have two loose spokes after ~25 miles of riding. We'll see...My only other complaint, as I mentioned above, is the low bottom bracket. This doesn't make much difference on XC trails, but there are plenty of local trails I've got to take care not to bang it, though I have knocked the crank arms senseless pretty frequently.
Once things get taken care of, I expect this to be my best racing bike to date, and my hopes are to continue building it up and making it better. Would recommend to anyone my size with similar goals.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MrBanjo
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Gatos, CA Date Reviewed: September 22, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Forest of Niscene Marks
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great ride for a big rider like myself (6'5", 300+ pounds), good components for the price. Frame feels substantial (so, it's a bit heavy) but I need that from my bike. Works great on XC trails, fireroads and (with different tires) makes an awesome and comfortable road bike for a big guy.
Weaknesses:
The wheels were a bit stressed by my size. I had to go back to LBS to have them trued about three times early on. But, they have been true as can be since the first month. I think it can be used by big riders, but I would negotiate with LBS to help with the wheels before I wrote them a check. The BB5's are ok, but they get a bit stressed by my size as well.
Similar Products Used:
GT - 4000
Bridgestone MB5
Bike Setup:
All stock except swapped the pedals and have switched the tires for Schwalbe Big Apple when I ride it on the road. Just put hydraulic brakes on it last week and they make a big difference, but I waited until I hammered the originals.
Bottom Line:
I love this ride. Plenty comfortable, does fine on the road, trails and fireroads around here. Great value. Great for a big guy looking to get in shape. (I've dropped 60 lbs in the last year) Looks like they've upped the features and price for 2009 as this version of the Comp in 2008 is more like the Elite in 2009.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dilipmaharaj
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary,Alberta,Canada Date Reviewed: September 13, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Kananaskas park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Strengths:
The specialised Rockhopper Comp is a spectacular bike. It is low to the ground and gives a very stable ride. It is excellent in dirt and fire roads. It is also useful in low level snow.The bike feels lighter than the posted weight.The original tires may wear out prematurely on concrete and on pavement.
Weaknesses:
None
Bottom Line:
Great bike for many different conditions. Great deal for the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sonofswimfan
a Weekend Warrior
from rochester, mi, usa Date Reviewed: July 24, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Bloomer Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1050.00
Strengths:
I'll agree - decent quality components at a good price.
Weaknesses:
Heavy is an understatement. I bent the front rim after about 2 weeks & had it replaced with a stronger wheel by the LBS.
Similar Products Used:
None, I've ridden only road bikes.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for the money. However, IMO, if you're looking to be competitive spend a little extra & get something lighter. If you're out to have fun & want a nice-looking bike with good componentry, go for it.
"Climbs great," "climbs like a mountain goat." What does this mean? If this means that it holds traction well & rolls easily over rocks & roots & ruts while climbing, then I agree completely. If you don't like other riders blowing by you on long, smooth hills then you may want to consider another bike.
"you *will not* fall over on a 29er" - wrong!!! :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
warcricket
a Cross Country Rider
from somerset, new jersey, usa Date Reviewed: July 18, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1050.00
Purchased At:
efingers
Strengths:
-29er
-tora
-great climber
-upgradeable
-interesting paint scheme
-sliding vertical drop outs for easy ss conversion
-27 lbs for 1000 isn't bad
-aluminum(more responsive but not as forgiving as steel)
-comfortable geometry
Weaknesses:
-shifters(deore) have been nothing but trouble
-change the pedals
-brakes(bb5) are hard to dial in as they keep loosening
-i'm not too crazy about the tires(fast tracks)
stock so far (spent all my money on this) except for
-eggbeater pedals
-all city xc top cap
Bottom Line:
This is my second mountain bike and it's definitely huge upgrade over my old diamondback coil ex. Hardtail 29er is definitely the way to go. The purchase of this bike has allowed me to start racing and all in all have a better time on a bike. I ride trails, bmx, and road on other bikes and this bike for cross country/all mountain type stuff. It climbs great and is overall a fun ride. Come winter i will convert it to an ss for training and ease of maintenance. The shifters have given me nothing but trouble so i'm looking to up the components after i up my tires(mt. kings probably).
recommended for:
people looking for a cheap but quality way to drink the kool-aid but don't want to get a rigid ss(yet).
if you've got the money, go for something better tho.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Everyzig2101
a Cross Country Rider
from Wisconsin Date Reviewed: July 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Blue mounds overload trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Eriks
Strengths:
Decently fast 2.0 tires, relatively light frame, Good for climbing, anything up to the most technical of XC trails, Very fast. Low center of gravity.
Weaknesses:
Rims could be stronger, Low quality pedals. Doesnt handle switchbacks very well.
Similar Products Used:
None, just started riding.
Bike Setup:
Switched to SPD pedals. Will be upgrading rims, crankset, and fork soon for racing.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line: I am 6'7" and this bike handles and rides like a dream. It was the only mainstream mass produced bike that fits me (23" frame). I switched from a broken down 40lb steel Giant Boulder and the rockhopper is worlds better.
I ride probably around 30 miles per day on either roads, hardpack gravel trails, or technical singletrack. This bike can handle everything except the most expert of singletrack - which it would be able to handle with better rims and wider tires. I feel very fast and am able to keep a lot of speed in corners due to the 29er stability. People say the 29ers roll over rocks and roots better, but dont overlook the power to roll over log piles and other large obstacles that would be nearly impassable on a 26" bike.
I cant stop riding this bike!! I ride with the fork set on rigid through everything except extreme rock gardens - the tires and the large frame eat up a lot of the bumps and soften the ride considerably!
I would recommend this bike for all tall riders, people who are getting into the sport and want a real mountain bike that will outpace full suspension bikes without sacrificing ride quality, and to people who like to do some serious leaning and banking in curves (you *will not* fall over on a 29er)
I would not recommend this bike to heavy riders (the rims will bend)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kn0bby8
a Weekend Warrior
from Manassas,VA Date Reviewed: June 21, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Wakefield
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1099.00
Purchased At:
Spokes Etc. in Vienn
Strengths:
Decent entry level 29er...
Weaknesses:
Pedals are terrible when wet...Extremely weak front wheel.
Similar Products Used:
Haven't been on a bike in years.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for wheel and hub upgrades (DT Swiss 470 rims with Hope Pro II hubs) do to damaged front wheel.
Bottom Line:
Definatly a decent 29er bike for the beginner who thinks they will get into the sport. I wish the front wheel was stronger as I am very upset that it bent on me after minimal miles.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Plats
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, Tx Date Reviewed: June 19, 2008
Favorite Trail:
RHR
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1050.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Sport Shop
Strengths:
Fast, Smooth
Weaknesses:
Transmission
Similar Products Used:
Hard Rock 26er
Bike Setup:
Thudbuster, BMX Platforms, S-Works Tires
Bottom Line:
This is my third bike in a decade, Hard Rock fixed fork, Hard Rock comp (v-brake), now the Rockhopper 29er. This bike has given me more thrills than any previous bike, its fast and smooth and I take much less of a beating than my previous 26er. I wouldn't say it handles any better than a 26er, but it maintains forward momentum much better (on the road, and the trails). If you like to go fast, try a 29er on 2.0 tires. The Shimano Deore transmission has been fussy, but the LBS has helped me keep it dialed in. Ran the Fast Track tires for a couple of months, however just got some S-works tires and they are definitely an improvement (even faster, and carve better lines)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
acasillo
a Weekend Warrior
from newburgh, ny, usa Date Reviewed: June 17, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Stewart buffer Zone
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1050.00
Purchased At:
Dark Horse Cycles
Strengths:
The big tires roll over rocks and tree roots with ease and absorbs the bumps very comfortably. Geometry is good and allows you to feel stable in all conditions. Front shock feels like it can handle all types of hits and can be adjusted to anyone's liking.
Weaknesses:
Bike is heavy and the brakes do not provide enough stopping power. I changed the pedals to clipless pedals before even leaving the bike shop.
Similar Products Used:
Klein Pulse Race Hardtail
Bottom Line:
Deore components are ok but i will be looking to upgrade to higher Deore components. The bike is heavy and i have gained weight as well as i hit 40, so an upgrade to hydraulic brakes is in order. Overall, a solid bike that will not break the bank.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
detours
a Cross Country Rider
from Arvada, CO Date Reviewed: June 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Evergreen, CO
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Wheat Ridge Cyclery
Strengths:
This is a 29er, so all the great things about big wheels apply ... climbing, soaking up the bumps, stability. But what impresses me most is its agility. It turns on a dime and tracks right where I need it to. The low center of gravity lets me yank and bank on tight singletrack. Plus, I'm only 5'10", so I appreciate not feeling like I'm on stilts when I ride. It also has precise and predictable steering in my slalom course ... much better than the X-Caliber I compared it to. Climbing and braking are also very strong. Its Deore components are also a plus (I never got into SRAM), and the shifters are dual-action, so SRAM junkies should be happy too.
Weaknesses:
The Avid BB5 brakes don't allow enough tuning. I like tight brakes, but I had to loosen these more than I wanted to stop the rubbing and squealing. Also, I find myself shifting a lot more than before, probably due to the larger wheels. On my Trek 6000 24-spd, I spent most of my time in the middle crank gear. But on the Rockhopper, I have to use the high and granny gear to get the ratios I like. The shifting isn't as light as I prefer, but I'm going from Deore LX to a generic Deore system. Also, the cranks are pretty low to the ground. This helps with center of gravity, but I swear I hit more rocks on the Rockhopper than I did on the Trek.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher X-Caliber 29er
Bike Setup:
Stock, except for SPD pedals and a lower, extended stem
Bottom Line:
I tested several models of Trek and Specialized 26ers and the Rockhopper and X-Caliber 29ers, but the Rockhopper Comp 29er put the smile on my face. The X-Caliber was nice, but its steering geometry pulled too eagerly back to center on turns, hampering my wheel placement and slowing me down in the tight spots. The frame geometry also created a higher center of gravity, making it less agile and canceling out its advantage of being further away from the rocks.
Meanwhile, the Rockhopper was without a doubt more agile, with its lower center of gravity, balanced steering and tight geometry. It transferred more power to the ground than the X-caliber, making it the better in sprints and climbs. And after all was said and done, the Rockhopper was just more fun. As I raced through the slalom and rocketed off the jumps of the test course, I knew it was the one.
One last point ... the X-Caliber's Fox F80 shock was far superior to the Rockhopper's Tora 318SL. They're both custom designed for 29ers and have 80mm travel, but the Fox's action was smoother, more responsive, and better at soaking up the bumps. Meanwhile, the Tora is still very good. The lockout is handy, and it will perform fine after I break it in and fine-tune the pressure and rebound. The X-Caliber is an inferior bike with a superior shock, and not worth the extra $500. But when it's time to upgrade my fork, I'm getting a Fox.
The Rockhopper Comp Disc 29er is an amazing bike, better than its competition, and ready to go.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joebob
a Weekend Warrior
from Waco, TX USA Date Reviewed: June 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
California 56
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$949.00
Purchased At:
Bicycles Outback
Strengths:
Avid BB5's have plenty of stopping power for the brief amounts of downhill I do. Rockshox Tora 318 Air is a great fork for a beginner like myself-easy to set up and maintain. 29" tires are the bomb.
Weaknesses:
Lower bottem bracket than my 26". I believe that might be typical in 29" bikes though.
Similar Products Used:
Owned a 2004 Rockhopper, Trek 4600.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Shimano SPD pedals
Bottom Line:
I bought my Rockhopper 29er comp about a month ago and have ridden about 50 miles on it since then. I was on a 1000.00 dollar budget and this was the perfect choice. I didn't trust buying used on ebay for a 'better' bike within my budget. I wanted 'new' for the warranties and to have the assistance of the LBS. I have been following the 29er scene and felt it was something worth trying. I enjoy a hardtail and that big rear tire rolls right over roots like they are nothing. My riding partner thinks by going with the larger tires, I have increased my capabilities by 30%. These tires corner like they're on rails, climbs, climbs, and climbs some more, and rolls over everything. Rocks or roots that would stop me dead in my tracks on a 26", don't even slow me down now. The bike fits me well too, as I am 6'tall, 210 lbs. Will probably never go back to 26 inch wheels.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Santa Cruz Mountains
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1050.00
Purchased At:
Bobcat Bicycles
Strengths:
29er feels like nothing else. Stable, controllable ride. Rides over big rocks, bumps, and holes like nothing. Really low gears for those steep climbs. Really high gears for those quick downhill jams. Excellent price. I thought the bike felt a lot lighter than some of the other bikes i was testing.
Weaknesses:
Pedals don't grip. Will be changing them out soon. Other than that, this bike rocks.
Similar Products Used:
SC Bullit SC Blur Specialized Enduro Gary fisher Cobia Gary fisher Ferrous
Bike Setup:
Stock so far. Will be changing out pedals soon. Additional components come after the money comes.
Bottom Line:
Perfect bike for cross country riding. If you are into steep climbs, this bike climbs like a mountain goat. Really fast going downhill as well. The 29er tires really let the rider feel like he/she is in control. Really fun and keeps riding every day. I would recommend anyone just getting into biking. If you are into jumps, i would recommend buying a bigger fork or buying a full suspension bike. A very fun bike to ride for a hard to beat price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don
a Weekend Warrior
from Williamston Date Reviewed: May 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Black Mountain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Central Park Bicycles
Strengths:
Rolls and rides great. Sliding dropouts are trick on bike this price. Looks awesome. Gets alot of attention on the trail.
Weaknesses:
None so far. Check the spoke tension when new.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher rig.
Bike Setup:
Put spacer in fork for 100mm travel . S Works Captain tires. Oury grips. Xt rear derailleur.
Bottom Line:
I just took this bike to Pisgah and it's really not like riding a hardtail. The differeance between this bike and 26" harttails is huge. Felt great on all of the long climbs. Almost like cheating against the FS bikes. I love the paint job also. I might add a XT Shadow and a Reba 29 if I come across good deals. This bike is worth upgrading.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Moe
a Cross Country Rider
from Pton,N,J, USA Date Reviewed: March 21, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
excellent frame, adjustable drop-outs, descent specs for the price. smooth shifting, w/cool color (poor graphics) except bomber girl
Weaknesses:
a bit heavy , pedals, schraeder valves
Similar Products Used:
tested: X-caliber, caffeine
Bike Setup:
Candy's
Bottom Line:
reliable, durable, no prob's, descent fork and tires, still tuning it in to my liking, will swap out some components over time. keeps me riding!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: March 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Race of Spades
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Alot of decent quality components for a fair price. The M4 Aluminum has a slightly softer ride than M5. More relaxed geometry and way cheaper than the Stumpjumper 29.
Weaknesses:
I'd be a little concerned about the low bottom bracket. Should be a nice, stable ride untill you smack your pedals on rocks and roots. This didn't happen on my 20 minute test ride. Cable disk brakes are a total bummer when your used to hydraulic. No better or worse than the Kula 2-9 I tried.
Similar Products Used:
Rockhopper Comp Disk 26'er Kona Kula 2-9 SC VP Free SC Bullit
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is a great entry level bike.
I tested the 26 and 29 inch version of the Rockhopper Comp Disk back to back, very different animals. The 26'er is more nimble and agile. The 29'er rolls faster, climbs better and it's more stable and smooth.
I'm 6'4" and looked silly riding the 26'er, the wheels looked child like. The 29'er felt comfortable and natural.
My first love is downhill, but I also enjoy XC. I can't really afford both. This bike might make it possible.
$
Overall Rating:
