A1 Premium Aluminum frame with butted seat tube, RockShox Judy Special fork, Shimano Deore LX rear derailleur, Team Control / Team Master tires, Specialized Sport saddle with Body Geometry technology.
RS Judy fork and shimano deore v-brakes - first components to be replaced. Saddle, rims and front der. might be better, too.
Similar Products Used:
Some Meridas and Kona Blast.
Bike Setup:
full stock
Bottom Line:
Really good bike for the money. Of course only for novice. Good mix of quality components and great frame for upgrade. After 120 miles of driving only good feelings.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James W
a Cross Country Rider
from kingston Date Reviewed: January 2, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Fort Hennery
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
kingston
Strengths:
The strenght of this bike is extermly fast single track and large up hill.
Weaknesses:
There is one huge weakness. It is that the fork doesn't absorbed anything if you weigh 125pounds or less.
Bottom Line:
The bottem of the line is that the bike is a good bike if you are just getting into the sport.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Damon
a Cross Country Rider
from Crested Butte, CO Date Reviewed: August 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
401
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$325.00
Purchased At:
Buddie@Bikeshop
Strengths:
Lifetime frame warrenty
Weaknesses:
Rox Shox
Similar Products Used:
GT backwoods with manitou se.
Bike Setup:
Stock.
Bottom Line:
That shock sux! It is an empty cylinder with a spring. I called RS and said how can I beef it up and they said buy something else cuz you cant. Bouncy trouncy. First time I tried to wheelie ove a creek the thing was so light I fully went over backwards and jamed my shoulder. Same ride I hit a rock garden and the thing just bounced out of control instead of absorbing like my old Manitou, I went flying and broke my wrist. I Hate THIS SHOCK! Otherwise...well see when I'm healed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Cross Country Rider
from Belchertown, MA Date Reviewed: July 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Amethyst Brook
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$399.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Excellent price (allows for all the needed upgrades) good strong frame pretty light weight
Weaknesses:
stock generic brakes stock manitou magnum specialized crank no disc mounts on frame the grips keep slipping off the shiny handlbars
Similar Products Used:
This is my first new bike in five years, so my old Jamis Explorer doesn't really count.
Bike Setup:
stock, with manitou X-vert fork (yes!), avid arch rival brakes and levers, nashbar clipless pedals (the $20 ones) and nashbar Ti saddle.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that this was a great bike for 400 bucks. However, I knew when I bought it it would need a bunch of upgrades. The first thing to go were the pedals- I slapped the clipless ones on right away. Next was the crappy magnum fork. I waeigh 200 lbs., but even all the way stiff the fork would bottom out on 1 ft drops and even on hard banked turns. Once I got the new fork (which kicks ass) I needed new brakes because the stock ones just couldn't stop me on fast downhills, even with new pads. I spent another $20 for a new saddle after my grundle took a beating one to many times. The crank is the next thing to go. You have no idea how frustrating chain suck is until you experience it over and over again- even with a spotlessly clean drive train. I've already snapped a chain because of that peice of crap crank. I'm now quite happy and for about $700 I have a pretty kick ass bike. With a new crank I think I can really leave the bike as is. The deore derailers are much better than I expected to be and the Specialized handlebars, stem, seatpost, tires, and hubs all seem to be fine. If you can find a '01 rockhopper at the back of some shop, buy it, do some upgrades and you will come out with a much better bike for your $800.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stu
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: June 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
around blue mountain
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Bike Fit <--- NOTE: Price paid in CANADIAN DOLLARS
Strengths:
Great frame, and decent components. I was out looking for a new bike last month and was stuck between going for the new 2002 or a 2001 rockhopper. Although I liked the fact that the new 2002 has a manitou fork, the 2001 had a better paint scheme (red/white)
Weaknesses:
Body Geometry seat takes time to get used to. I went from using a wide sport seat on a 1995 HardRock to this. Although the PROMAX brakes perform decently, I would have liked to see Deore or LX brakes.
Bike Setup:
Mostly Stock, plan to upgrade to Hayes Hydraulic Discs with Bontrager wheelset this summer, and upgrade to manitou fork.
Bottom Line:
This is a damn fine bike. Good Value. Good Performance... I really couldn't ask for anything more at this price point. I still wish that this bike came stock with a manitou fork, but you can't get everything. I would strongly recommend this bike to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darren
a Weekend Warrior
from St Paul, Minnesota Date Reviewed: June 8, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Giant's Ridge
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$680.00
Purchased At:
Erik's Bike Shop
Strengths:
I love the frame geometry. The ride is fantastic, and responsive. The brakes are great, the rapid fire shifters are very nice too. The blue and white color scheme is sharp.
Weaknesses:
Forearm Crankset (See reviews at: http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Crankset/product_20788.shtml) My long story is there... I am amazed that anyone finds it satisfactory. It is terrible. Replace it before walking out of the store with Shimano LX or better. Also, the paint doesn't stay on very well. It scratches very easily. Other than that, it's really a great bike.
Similar Products Used:
1994 Diamondback Topanga with Alivio components, 1994 Diamondback Sorrento upgraded with LX components.
Bike Setup:
I am a wilderness biker, not a racer. I need a comfortable, responsive bike that can carry some gear on a rear rack. This bike does a great job at that, assuming your replace the crankset
Bottom Line:
If you have an urge to experience cronic chainsuck that will make you have bad dreams, and maybe even break your teeth out, buy one of these and leave the stock Chinese sweatshop special crankset on it.
Since you'll probably want to swap out the crank, you need to add an extra $130.00 or so to the pricetag (because the bottom bracket isn't compatible with the Shimano). My ratings below are assuming that this $680 bike actually costs $810 with a REAL crankset and bottom bracket on it.
In spite of all that, I still do like the frame and other components.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chuck
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlotte NC Date Reviewed: May 9, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$550.00
Strengths:
Frame
Weaknesses:
everything that shopped on it
Bottom Line:
The frame is awesome, but at 6'2, 280lbs the rest of the bike left a lot to be desired. I've since upgraded and am riding this one with Thomson Elite Seatpost Tenacious D Riser bars Chris King headset Rave Face cranks/BB sram cassette shimano xt rear d shimano xtr front d sun mammoth rims xt hubs mythos xc 2.1 rear tire kujo dh 2.35 front tire marzocchi 01 xfly bomber
it absolutely rocks. if you want a good beginner bike that you can build up over time this one is a great buy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean Conneely
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh PA USA Date Reviewed: May 5, 2002
Favorite Trail:
North Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$525.00
Purchased At:
Gatto cycle and fitness
Strengths:
strong frame, good rear derailluer, specialized crank set
Weaknesses:
fork, brakes, fork, front derailluer, fork, paint job, FORK
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
I've upgraded to XTR brakes, XT shifters/brake levers, XTR front derailluer, shimano 515 pedals. rest came on bike, manitou magnum fork, deore rear derailluer, specialized cranks, specialized headsets and handlebars
Bottom Line:
not a bad bike but not great either I only paid 525 for it. but put about 500 into upgrades so now it's great. I like it alot but the fork sucks, no way to adjust it and it bobs to much going up hills. terrible fork. The rear derailluer works like a dream. The front derailluer wouldn't shift to the granny gear so I bought an XTR one and now it is perfect. The new XTR brakes make it even better. Good buy for the cross country entry level rider. I'll keep it a long time. With some upgrades it can be great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Sheirman
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, CA Date Reviewed: April 23, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Alameda creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
Hayward Cyclery
Strengths:
Value is awesome. This bike is as good as Trek's and other Specialized bikes costing $500 more. Super strong frame.
Weaknesses:
Seat takes a little getting used to.
Similar Products Used:
Tried Stumpjumper, Trek and Moab
Bike Setup:
Stock with Blackburn rack and Cateye computer.
Bottom Line:
Great quality bike. I have over 150 miles on it now and it's just perfect. I ride on gravel/dirt and it is rock solid. Frame is the same as Stupjumper at 1/2 the cost. Lx and Deore accessories work great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ronald Pope
a Cross Country Rider
from Ft Worth, Texas Date Reviewed: February 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Trinity River Trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Bicycles Inc
Strengths:
Super strong frame, excellent brakes, strong fork, good tires & rims.
Weaknesses:
Quirky derailleurs, uncomfortable seat.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 4500
Bike Setup:
All stock except for bigger Body Geometry saddle,Specialized Hemispheres road tires and Rock Shox suspension seatpost.
Bottom Line:
A terrific bike for the money(I saved $200 since the 2002 is out). I only go off-road occasionally, so I probably bought more bike than I needed, but I'm a big guy(6'4" and 260 pounds) and didn't want to take any chances on a weaker frame. Don't listen to some of the other reviews that may say this model needs refinement; there are some better equipped bikes out there, but you'll pay a grand or more to get one. You get what you pay for, and for the price, this is the strongest, best equipped bike on the market.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hicky
a Cross Country Rider
from Beckenham UK Date Reviewed: September 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Keston Ponds
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
Bromley Bike Co
Strengths:
The build of this bike is solid just what I needed for a good X/C ride.
Weaknesses:
Pedals,Seat
Bottom Line:
Great bike for X/C. It comes in some large sizes 21" for tall people like myself(6'2).Really well priced for the components that come as standard,especially over here in the UK. There is also a big network for spares.Change the pedals and your on to a winner in this price bracket.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alan
a Weekend Warrior
from Birmingham, AL Date Reviewed: September 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Anything at Oak Mountain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$620.00
Purchased At:
Bob's Bikes, Bham, AL
Strengths:
This bike is has a great frame to serve as a base for a real machine. I am 5'11" and 145lbs. I have not had any trouble whatsoever with flex and such. The brakes are great and the bike has performed excellently in technical ascents. The geometry of the frame suits me well and of course it as a steal for the price.
Weaknesses:
Don't get me wrong-I do recommend this bike because it is great but there are a number of smaller things that need attention. The saddle doesn't suit me all that well, personally, I would like a slightly shorter stem, xt deraillures would be nice, the rims went out of true the first ride, but I absoluetly raped them, its what one could expect, and the tires are worthless. Don't discount this bike because of these things! I will probably replace the bar (an xc riser?). Crank arms seem to be a little long.
Similar Products Used:
First real bike
Bike Setup:
essentially stock-new barends, skins, and some michelin tires are a must (drool)...
Bottom Line:
THIS IS AN INCREDIBLE BUY! I bought this bike planning to put about 200 into it plus a new fork. The components are just fair, but if you compare the comp and pro setups-200 dollars will get you twice as much stuff than the difference between the models. This really is a great bike/frame to build into a true xc machine. Wonderful for anyone who is looking for middle-market bang for the buck. If you really get into it, you have a great bike to really invest in. If not, you still have an above averge ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chuck Player
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte, NC Date Reviewed: August 31, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Bike Source
Strengths:
Frame, cost
Weaknesses:
Front derailluer is horrible, rear is a little better. Will upgrade pedals soon.
Similar Products Used:
none - first bike
Bike Setup:
stock, new seat (gel -gonna lose it for something lighter)
Bottom Line:
Good bike for the money, I'll be tweaking it some over the next few months. At 6'3 290lbs it has taken some good abuse so far. We'll see how it holds up as I get better/more advanced.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
William Wickham
a Weekend Warrior
from Beaverton, OR, USA Date Reviewed: August 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Hagg Lake
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
Bike n Hike
Strengths:
Well made machine Light, agile frame Adequate suspension Well matched components Nice gear range
Weaknesses:
Quirky Shimano Deore front deraileur needs frequent adjustment. The seat is like a sitting on a rubber washer on the end of a baseball bat. It is that comfortable. Grips are cheesy
Bike Setup:
Stock.
Bottom Line:
For other bikes in this price range this one had the most consistent componentry. Overall the bike handles very well. Hill climbing is made easy by this bike. Specialized did a nice job putting this together.
Good bike for a weekend warrior like me. Good value for those wanting to spend a few bucks but not go all out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel
a Weekend Warrior
from Russellville, AR, USA Date Reviewed: August 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Snodgrass Mountain in Crested Butte
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$580.00
Purchased At:
Highlander Cycling
Strengths:
Frame, componentry, price, frame geometry
Weaknesses:
Weight
Similar Products Used:
1999 Gary Fisher Marlin, 2001 Giant Iguana SE
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Shimano clipless
Bottom Line:
Love the bike. Hard to beat for its price range. Not exactly a featherweight, but it has a nice drivetrain, decent fork, and okay frame. The geometry feels great to me too- Tall guy, 21" frame, and the long/low rise stem makes things much more comfortable out of the box. Power transfer feels great, control is wonderful, and it jumps and hops like a rabbit. If you're on a limited budget, seriously consider this fine machine- It's really solid. And it's on model-year-end clearance some places now, even cheaper than usual.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a
from Tucson AZ Date Reviewed: August 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
technical singletrack
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
good value, sweet saddle, OK brakes & decent deraileurs. climbs like a dream
Weaknesses:
ugly-ass frame, POS pedals, pathetic fork, twitchy ride, wheels totally out of true (after two @#$! rides) bad tires
Bike Setup:
It's still loaded with stock components, but sometime in the next month I'll swap the pedals for clipless, and screw on some new components (XTR baby!)
Bottom Line:
Excellent beginner bike with good value. It's wonderful on smooth singletrack, and the special edition fork takes small bumps & washboards on pretty well. Be prepared for a thrashing when things get rough. Likewise, the tires lose their grip easily, and the rims aren't much better. It's agile and light enough, and an excellent bike for fast singletrack. If you ride anything rougher, settle for something less flimsy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
da kid
a
from bc Date Reviewed: August 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
fast singletracks
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
nice frame, hasn't broke yet. ride's very nicely after some upgrading. very inexpensive.
Weaknesses:
pretty low end mix of components.
Similar Products Used:
rocky oxygen (friends), crappy infinity bikes
Bike Setup:
the 17 inch frame with toiga 2.3's, mammoths, xt disc hubs, xt hydraulic brakes, raceface stem, amoeba riser bars, lock jaws, xt/lx derailleurs/shifters, splined truvativ hussefelt cranks/guard, platform pedals, stock judy sl.
Bottom Line:
this is a very nice frame with a great warranty. i ended up breaking or wearing out most of the original components since i bike a lot every day. with all the upgrades now though it is a sweet ride if not for the fork. this fall i will buy a z1 mcr and the bike will be complete. even with a lot of big dh/freeride parts it still wheighs a reasonable wieght (29 pounds). a good bike to buy if you are just starting and would like to upgrade when you can or have to.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tyler lacy
a Weekend Warrior
from san angelo texas usa Date Reviewed: August 8, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
pro bike of San angelo
Strengths:
everything not a weakness
Weaknesses:
specialized uses own products:crank,hubs,tires fork sucks, brake and levers, paint
Similar Products Used:
schwinn mesa gs
Bottom Line:
okay i cant complain i got it on sale and it is a great first bike it can take a beating needs upgrading
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
da stuff
a Racer
from where its at Date Reviewed: July 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
if its technical i'll ride it
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$599.00
Purchased At:
sport haven
Strengths:
Lots of specialized components kept original cost down. A1 Direct Drive frame
Weaknesses:
Shimano Accera front (D) Fork, but can't complain for the price
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Homegrowen pro, and Rocket 88 stage 2
Bike Setup:
Just the Rock Hopper A1 fs 17" frame and every thing else was swaped out except stem spacers which really kick ass.(don't ask why)
Bottom Line:
Specialized is a great bicycle company they build a great frame. I had no problem warranting the frame when I broke both chainstays and twisted the seat tube a year after I bought it. Three days was all it took to get a replacement from them. It looks like they will be around for a while unlike schwinn. I recomend swapping out all components for Shimano XTR, or Deore XT,LX. All of those other reviews can lick um because they don't Know what the hell they are talkin about. IT WOULD BE NICE IF SPECIALIZED COULD THROW A MANTOU MARS FORK ON THE NEXT GENERATION.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cass
a Cross Country Rider
from Arlington, VA Date Reviewed: July 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anything off reddish knob
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$625.00
Purchased At:
bike shop
Strengths:
Good component mix (none are specialized)
Weaknesses:
Unstable frame Can't handle the hard stuff
Similar Products Used:
GT Avalanche
Bike Setup:
Stock except for wellgo clipless pedals and bar ends
Bottom Line:
Good for someone riding mostly gravel roads or packed dirt. Feels shaky when riding in serious terrain. Middle of the road pricing gets you a middle of the road bike. I recommned spending more money for a better bike. Otherwise there are equivalent bikes that cost less.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chuck
a
from Pueblo, CO USA Date Reviewed: July 14, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$625.00
Strengths:
Frame, Descent Components, Good Brakes.
Weaknesses:
Crankset/Chainring, Seat, Handlebars, Rims.
Bike Setup:
Stock except upgraded seat and handlebars.
Bottom Line:
Good bike for the price. However, when in highest gear, the crank/chainring deflect enough to rub the front derailleur (it will drive you nuts)(I am 6', 190lbs). Replaced the handlebars before I even took the bike out for a ride (the aren't very wide for those of you with monkey arms like myself). Everyone who had rode my bike commented on how uncomfortable the seat was. After a 12 mile ride last weekend, I replaced the seat. It just killed me. On my ride tonight, I noticed that the rims appear to be out of round. Will have to upgrade them as well.
Overall, not a bad bike but if you bike alot, plan on spending some money on upgraded components.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Ann Arbor, MI Date Reviewed: July 12, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$680.00
Bottom Line:
I use this bike for commuting, long rides and some off road. Does great in all aspects. Stands up strong against all macho squirrels with attitudes around here, and can easily outrun them. This bike's a great substitute to an automobile if you're in a pedestrian oriented environment. (i.e. college campus) Even if you're a winter sissy, you're better off riding this thing to class than driving a car cause it's fun when you wipe out on ice. Cars suck, I hope I never own one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from NY Date Reviewed: July 8, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$630.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Light for the money pretty(if that is a strength) some good components
Weaknesses:
crankset fork seat is tearing and bent, but comfy.
Similar Products Used:
GT
Bike Setup:
Stock except Shimano SPD pedals and Shimano XT crankset
Bottom Line:
I beat the crap outa this bike, and it holds up well. The wheels bent first time out, but now that they have been trued and tightened I don't have much trouble with them. The chain rings were the worst part of this bike. I ate them up after the first week. I went with a whole new XT crankset. Now it shifts like a dream. Of course those toe clip killers had to go!!! I told the bike shop to keep them. The fork isn't all that great. The seat is ripping a little, and it is bent, but it is the most comfortable seat I have ever had(besides a 1 ton gel seat). The tires serve me well on single track, but the SUCK on the pavement. I can deal with that, 'cause I don't really ride on pavement. I'll give it 3 chilis cause I already had to spend money on it. Over all, it gets 4.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trevor Panas
a Weekend Warrior
from edmonton, alberta, canada Date Reviewed: June 19, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$590.00
Purchased At:
georges cycle
Strengths:
-Good component group for the money- Rear derailer is smooooth- Takes a F#$*ing beating- Love the feel of that prostrate saver saddle- ???the fork???- bang for the buck
Weaknesses:
???the fork???- doesnt come in a 20" size, jumps from 19" to 21". The 19" fits me quite well, but I think a 20" would have been perfect, or even a 19.5"- The frame is not the same quality as the rocky mountain I tested- Rims constantly need to be trued, and I'm only 6'1" and 165lbs, I would definately reccomend a heavier rider immedietly upgrade to some sturdier rims- the stock specialized parts seem to be holding up well, but I think that some of them could be lighter- paint is allready beat to hell- rust on the stem bolts for some reason
Similar Products Used:
rocky mountain soul Kona caldera GT avalanche 2.0
Bike Setup:
stock: specialized hubs, handlebar, saddle, seat post, cranks and V-brakes. Deore front/LX reare derailer, deore brake levers and shifters.
Bottom Line:
bottom line is I love the bike. For the money, you get a sturdy ride thats still light enough to sprint up those big hills. The Judy "special edition" is capable of handling some seriously outrageous grief, and has probably saved my ass a few times when I discover a washed out section of trail at the bottom of a big hill. However, its not very adjustable. The rims should be upgraded if you do any crazy offroad riding, mine are always out of round. I still have to upgrade to clipless pedals, cause toe clips suck ass. Specialized should have thrown some clipless on the bike stock, in my opinion. It's a great entry level buy for someone whose just getting serious about off road biking, and wants a bike to do it all: XC,technical singletrack, and doin some for fun trials stuff. Also, the thing bunny hops like a rabbit (-:
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
aaron sanchez
a Cross Country Rider
from denver co Date Reviewed: June 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
slick rock
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$549.00
Purchased At:
bicycle village
Strengths:
Looks. Durability.
Weaknesses:
Shocks,paint,weight,pedals,derailer and pedals.
Bike Setup:
Still stock but upgraded the pedals.
Bottom Line:
Overall good bike I think. Looks good and its good practice until you are good enough to actually upgrade.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Roman Krajewski
a Weekend Warrior
from Pasadena, CA, USA Date Reviewed: June 1, 2001
Changes: Sun Rhino w/LX hubs, MOSH platform pedals, Panaracer FIRE XC tires
Bottom Line:
Good bike for the money, Brakes are ok, rear derailleur ok, gearset ok, frame great, shifters great, seat ok.
I'm 6'8" 235 Pounds. I put a lot of stress on that bike. Pedals were thrashed after first run off road. Also, rear ZAC rim was tweeked beyond repair. Rode it once more but it just got worse. Just put on some MOSH pedals and some new Sun Rhino Lite rims w/LX hubs. We'll see how those work out.
Overall I love the bike, need to change some of the stock "specialized" genaric components. Bought it more for the frame and the ability to upgrade.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Oliphant
a Cross Country Rider
from Medicine Hat, Alberta Date Reviewed: May 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
All and Any
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Cyclepath
Weaknesses:
Tires and pedals.
Bike Setup:
Stock except Primo Super Tenderizer pedals.
Bottom Line:
Good bike for the money. Would have bought a better one but I am only a kid and couldn't afford a more expensive bike. Good bike to ride anything from road to downhill. When bought, buy new pedals because the pedals it comes with are brutal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Leo
a Cross Country Rider
from Brooklyn, NY, USA Date Reviewed: May 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Any and All
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
Roy's
Strengths:
Everything that's not a weakness...
Weaknesses:
The fork, the tires, the pedals and the paint job.
Bike Setup:
I swapped the Specialized Team Master/Control SL's for W.T.B. NanoRaptor's and the toe-clip pedals for Bontrager RE-1 clipless. Otherwise stock.
Bottom Line:
All in all not a bad bike for the buck. To be honest, I got this bike 'cause I couldn't afford a better one. But next season... :-) The Judy "Special" fork sucks. It bobs under heavy pedaling and makes a clicking noise everytime it tops out. The preload (or sag) is the ONLY thing you can adjust, so if you don't like the fork as is you're screwed. Be prepared to upgrade. Change the tires a.s.a.p. They're heavy, they're slow rolling on asphalt and the tread doesn't do very well on any surface. I put on some kevlar-beaded NanoRaptor's and what a difference! Those tires are sweet. The stock pedals are your typical toe-clips and straps affair, so I got rid of those and put on RE-1's. Despite some of the things I've heard about these pedals, they're doing fine by me. Plus, I only paid 40 bucks for them. Lastly, even though I've only had this bike like 3 and a half months, it looks like I've had it for years. Not a very durable paint job. Not a big deal to me, since I hope to get another bike next year and I don't care how my bike looks anyway (pretty bikes get stolen, quickly). But if you want your Rockhopper to stay pristine, don't ride it 'cause it will get scratched.
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