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Specialized
1999 Rockhopper A1 FS
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Submitted by
Carl Sessler
a Cross Country Rider
from Queensbury, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Light sturdy frame, Fast and sleek. Ready for anything. Comfortable riding position. | | Weaknesses: | Some of the standard components tend to wear out quickly and need to be replaced, but I guess that’s the normal wear and tear in the field. | | Similar Products Used: | GT, Schwin | | Bike Setup: | Currently: custom upgraded, added bar ends, front and rear XTR derailleur, Fox Float 100RL shocks, New OCR saddle, Panaracer smoke and dart tires, Avid ball bearing disc brake in the front, with a XT front Hub. Replaced the BB and crank set to shimano XT. I'm also doing a new personalized paint job during the winter. | | Bottom Line: | Excellent bike. I have put well over 3000 miles on this bike. (Mostly ruff trail riding) It's taken more than it's share of abuse, and it's still looking for more. I'm still amazed at some of the places I can go with this bike. It’s a great frame, and if you hop it up with the right components it’ll be unstoppable. I don’t think I could ever buy any kind of bike other than Specialized, after what I’ve been through with this one.
Great Bike never let me down. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pepijn
a Weekend Warrior
from Leiden
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them :) | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Hermes tweewielers bergen op zoom | | Strengths: | light, strong frame. has perfect geometry for me. its friggin fast, on the off-roads as well as when bashing around in the city as an urban biking terrorist :) | | Weaknesses: | saddle, replaced it with a BBB Anatomic, ritually burnt the original.... Stem was too long for my liking. fork isnt the best either, killed the preload adjustment on first run | | Similar Products Used: | older rockhopper, some trek, cannondale and scott models... | | Bike Setup: | everything standard except for riser bar, BBB Litestem, BBB anatomic saddle, platform/spd combo pedals, Magura HS 22 brakes, Carbon fibre bar ends, oh, also added a sigma targa computer | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, fast on all surfaces and it can take a LOT of abuse :) Never broke anything on this bike, just replaced parts coz I didnt like the originals...
Great bike for beginner or biker on a budget, or anyone else who wants a good lightweight hardtail.
In other words, good bike, good price, great fun, too bad it isn't for sale anymore... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex A
a Cross Country Rider
from Tehk, Ont, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Laxative Run on Manitoulin Island | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Medics | | Strengths: | The frame is strong and light, making it great for cross country, and the paint has stayed on quite well. This is the kind of bike that a beginner can buy to get hooked on biking, and then upgrade evberything on it, and have a bike worthy of the more expensive hardtails.. the frame holds up really well. | | Weaknesses: | none... well the cranks are cheese, but work until you feel like upgrading. They fell off while riding one time because I was listening to my walkman, but thats my fault.. tighten them and theyre fine. Also the seat is hard as a rock. | | Similar Products Used: | any hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | XT bb, sun rhyno lite rims, rock shox judy xc, race face turbine lp cranks and rings, lx chain, lizard skinns chainstay protector, riser bar, lx brake levers, platform pedals, some stickers, and a new seat... | | Bottom Line: | This is an awesome bike to upgrade. Its really fast! Even stock. My friends were amazed at how effortlessly it would cruise over the trails, and it's won me a couple of xc races. I ride with some more extreme guys from around here, and this frame holds up to 6-7 foot drops with no problem, and I use it for dirt jumping also. As good as this bike has been to me, I've decided to upgrade to a stumpjumper FSR XC pro.. but not because theres anything wrong with my bike now.. just because. So does anybody want to buy a sweet used rockhopper????????????????????????????????????? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, OR
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Surveyor's Ridge Loop (Hood River) | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | University Bicycles (Boulder, CO) | | Strengths: | Solid frame with good geometry and good components for the price. Give it a little love and it gives plenty back. | | Weaknesses: | Derailleurs and chainrings are both pretty weak. I bent the middle ring within a few months and the derailleurs just don't shift accurately even if properly tuned. Seatpost and bars were unusually short also. | | Bike Setup: | I won't bore you with details. Suffice it to say I added barends and a few randoms, changed the pedals, post, bars, derailleurs and rings. | | Bottom Line: | This bike took me from a decent rider to one that can tackle pretty much anything a trail can throw. I would recommend this bike, and more recent models, to anyone looking to improve their skills who isn't quite ready to break the bank. This bike, with a few mods, has seen much of Colorado's high country, along with St Helens and Mt Hood, and took a ton of beatings with surprisingly few complaints. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Cowlitz County, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | River City Bikes, Portland OR | | Strengths: | Light, responsive, great cockpit | | Weaknesses: | weak shifter/rear derailer (LX sucks), manitou spyder r | | Bike Setup: | added bontrager clipless, bar ends | | Bottom Line: | sweet bike, havn't had any problems with the cranks, but multiple probs with the shifter and rear derailer, no biggies though. Fork kinda sucks, mines broken right now but still ridable. Though it sounds like i'm bashing the bike hard core, those are really the only things wrong with it. Still love it, arguably the best entry level hardtail thats out there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Weekend Warrior
from Winchester, UK
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$760.00 | | Strengths: | Quite light, pretty good components responsive ride | | Weaknesses: | Rear wheel was not built right 4 spokes broken in a short time. Wheel was eventually rebuilt under warranty. Headset prone to corrosion. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock (1997) | | Bike Setup: | Standard except for Shimano 535 SPDs | | Bottom Line: | Used mainly for weekend ride on tracks in South Hampshire UK. Responsive and good handling, comfortable for longish (50+ miles) rides. Sure footed in slippery conditions. Great climbing even on really steep slippery chalk tracks. Front fork not good in very muddy conditions - tyre gets sticky with mud then picks up leaves and other vegetation and jams completely solid. Overall very good for covering real distance off road in southern UK. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Porter
a
from Ramona
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Noble canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike USA | | Strengths: | The frame is a light weight pretty durable frame. Front headset is very stiff and responsive | | Weaknesses: | Back Derailure is junk. Have to adjust after every ride.
Rims need truing a lot after a ride. And tires hold too much mud in them on a ride. Need to tighten cranks a lot because they come loose a lot. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500
| | Bike Setup: | Rock Hopper with Manitou sx-r Front suspension. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a good bike for beginers riders that are not doing very tecnical stuff. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Miller
a Weekend Warrior
from BC
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Strengths: | Price, Components (for price), durable | | Weaknesses: | Headset was crap, manitou spyder something to be removed/replaced, Avid brakes | | Bike Setup: | replaced the avids with Shimano LX, replaced the headset with aheadset. otherwise was stock | | Bottom Line: | I learned to ride on this bike. It was great. After 1.5 years, riding 3-4 times per week, I had to replace the Ritchey rims and specialized hubs. Replaced em with Rhyno Lites and LX, and it is still ridable.
Except I just purchased a 2001 FSR endure Expert. What can I say, I love this sport!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike W
a Weekend Warrior
from Fairfax, VA USA
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$569.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike | | Strengths: | Great Frame
Great Price
Can Take a beating
Good Geometry | | Weaknesses: | Shifters,deraileurs and brakes | | Bike Setup: | Added Shimano M545 Clipless pedals, XT Front Deraileur, Specialized Geometry Sport Saddle | | Bottom Line: | For the price it's sweet. I am also liking the Manitou Spyder it came with. Buy it if you want to get an AWESOME entry level bike. I am slowly upgrading it as i get more into this sport and the better components i add the better the bike gets. Light & strong frame for the price.
The only problems I have experienced have been a broken rear deraileur & shifter but it was coverd under warranty. I plan on putting an XTR in the rear. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary C
a Weekend Warrior
from London, England
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Shooters Hill to London! | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Frame, forks, brakes, gears ... the lot. | | Weaknesses: | None why does everyone go on about the brakes? | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Factory but with new saddle, tyres and toeclips. | | Bottom Line: | I would like to say bang for the buck, but being a Londoner I'll say you'd be quids in. I haven't really tested any other bikes, but if there's a better bike out there for around 600 quid let me know. I ride 100 miles a week on potholed roads and this bike has never let me down. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vance Strader
a Downhiller
from New Berlin, WI, USA
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Bang for the buck, good looks | | Weaknesses: | No damping in fork, seat leaves a bit to be desired | | Bike Setup: | Stock beside computer, bar ends | | Bottom Line: | No problems at all. This bike has taken a fair amount of abuse and held up well. Having read other reviews about weak cranks and poor brakes, I've watched those two things closely. I have no issues with the brakes and have regularly torqued the cranks to eliminate problems with them. I'll soon be replacing the seat and installing clipless pedals. Overall, very satisfied. It would probably not be the ideal bike for the hardcore racer, but for a decent rider that wants a good bike to abuse occasionally, it's hard to beat. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rockhopperlou rockhopperlou
a Weekend Warrior
from san leandro, ca
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | east bay trail for now | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | big bang for a buck, solid set up, comfortable ride, good lookin bike, good drivetrain, fun to ride. | | Weaknesses: | saddle sucks, tires weak, and the toe clip. | | Similar Products Used: | gt rebound, gt backwoods | | Bike Setup: | sbg pro $69 bucks at bicycle.com. pana fire xc kev. 545 spd, thompson elite, xt hollow tech crankset. | | Bottom Line: | this is my second rockhopper after my chromo was stolen 3 yrs ago. tried gt rebound, backwoods frame had a cracked on the frame on my first ride. still rockhopper is the best. i fell hard twice with rockhopper and still bring me home everytime, tackle the most tehnical trail you ride rockhopper wont complained, ride after ride, wrecked after wrecked rockhopper will be there for you just like my schnauzer dog apollo. bottom line rockhopper is fun to ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Watson
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, NSW, Australia
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | finger post | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Good, strong, light frame. goog shocks (answer manitou spyder r 99) changed to syncros cranks, mavic 317. | | Weaknesses: | weak chainrings, weak rims, could do with better brakes. | | Bike Setup: | syncros cranks, mavic 317 rims, answer manitou sx ti 99, shimano xt brakes, race face chainrings. | | Bottom Line: | After i changed a couple of things (rims, spokes, chainrings) it is an awesome bike that i could ride almost anywere. changed to xt brakes. this bike is good for riders who ride most weekends. and a little on weakdays. great bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Lewis
a Cross Country Rider
from Arnett,WV
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Local Strip Roads | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Bulletproof drivetrain
Solid Frame | | Weaknesses: | Mushy fork | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh M40 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike! It is a great XC for the money. I had the bike for only a few weeks but I've tortured it. It took it well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JW Whitmarsh
a Cross Country Rider
from Lancaster, CA
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Still dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Frame, gearing, tires, brakes (yes, brakes), climbs hills like a frightened rabbit | | Weaknesses: | Saddle, saddle, saddle. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, plus a Trico Sports gel saddle (best saddle on the market) and a Cateye Enduro 2 computer | | Bottom Line: | **UPDATE**
Put nearly 300 road and trail miles on the bike in almost a year's time. This thing is FAST, FAST, FAST. Tires have been extremely durable. Brakes still stop the bike on a dime. Haven't had to adjust a single thing since I bought it. Got a slight squeak in the bottom bracket and the rear derailleur still blows about one shift per ride. It deserves a tune-up anyway... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Clough
a Weekend Warrior
from Bradford, Yorkshire, England
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Kielder Water | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Mega-Light Frame, Good Components, Good Colour, Good Rims | | Weaknesses: | Brakes, Brakes, Brakes, No disc-mounts on frame | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing (first suspension bike) | | Bike Setup: | Standard but with Shimano M535 Clipless Pedals | | Bottom Line: | The Frame is great, the bike is great - I just wish they could have sorted out the brakes which let this bike down. They lack power, eat pads at a rate of a pair per ride, and completely grind to a halt in the winter or bad weather. I have spent hours setting them up but to no avail - they just don't want to work right!!
The only other problem (apart from the brakes) is the lack of disc-mounts on the frame.
Apart from these two things, the bike is spot-on (especially the colour)!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RJ
a Cross Country Rider
from Amsterdam
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Light good looking frame, perfect geometry for me. I ride it anywhere, beach, country, mountains, never feels like I need something else. | | Weaknesses: | Brakes, changed them to Magura HS33, Headset gets stuck all the time, just broke the bottombracket but this seems to be a known problem and will be changed freely. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Terrago | | Bike Setup: | STX-rc LX Magura HS33 | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, with some weak components, never feel the need for a full suspension bike. I just keep upgrading the parts.
Maybe switch to a Stumpjumper in future. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mercer Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Fredericton, Nb, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Geometry, frame is light.
solid drivetrain
| | Weaknesses: | brakes are garbage
| | Similar Products Used: | kona Nunu
Schwinn Moab's | | Bike Setup: | Stock, with shifter/lever/brake upgraded to XT ($125 from Nashbar)
Mythos XC's | | Bottom Line: | Couldn't take the brake/lever combo after a couple of months, the levers were weak and flexed, and the brakes were impossible to keep tined in properly.
Got a good deal on XT stuff, and since the change I have been REALLY enjoying this bike.
It climbs well, and with the new tires, I really like how it handles in the muck. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Evan
a Weekend Warrior
from VA
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Fountain Head | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Strong frame, good tires, awesome orange color | | Weaknesses: | My shocks seem to be messed up from riding, i think they just need to be cleaned out, though.... | | Bike Setup: | Original setup | | Bottom Line: | Good bike, i'd probably get the RH FS if i had to do it again, but i got mine for $450 so it was a steal....the shocks could be better, but if you're really serious all you have to do is upgrade, strong frame, decent, components, good ride!
This definitely has a good value for the price, other bikes are same priced, like the Gary Fisher line, but the parts are worse....But, i'm a stickler for ratings....so 4 falaaaming' chilis it is! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David LaGarde
a Downhiller
from Woodbridge VA
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
Fountain Head Park | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Its a fully equiped bike for a good price. Light, and manuverable. | | Weaknesses: |
The seat is hell on your ass. And the seat clamp needs to be quick release please. | | Similar Products Used: |
Giant Warp
Mongoose Sycamore
GT Kukakaram
K2 (something?) | | Bike Setup: |
regular set up | | Bottom Line: | I like the bike, but suggest looking for a step up. The A1 FS Comp will cost a little more, but gives u everything the Fs has, but higher quality. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Evan
a Weekend Warrior
from VA
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
Fountain Head | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Nice, strong but light Aluminum frame, awesome orange color, can't miss it! | | Weaknesses: |
Seat pretty uncomfortable, recommend buying another one | | Bike Setup: |
Original set up | | Bottom Line: | Decent shocks, I would probably go with the FS instead 'cause you save $100 and still get decent shocks, but if this is what you have your eye set on I say go for it.....it's a nice ride! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from W. Lafayette, IN
Date Reviewed: December 23, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
? | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Looks
Price
Component mix | | Weaknesses: |
Stock seat is rotten
Stock grips destroy hands
No bar ends
A little heavy (but not much)
Pedals | | Similar Products Used: |
2000 Trek 6000 | | Bike Setup: |
Stock + Magnum grips and Schwinn bar ends, Specialized body geometry Sport | | Bottom Line: | Haven't had this bike for long, and have cut my riding back while it's cold. So far, though, this is a pretty dope ride. It's very manuverable, and takes bumps pretty well. Excellent welds along the frame. It came with a pretty good component mix (all Deore except for the Specialized crankset). Other than the Raleigh M80, there isn't another bike that has this kind of bang for the buck. For you buyers, the first thing is to lose the stock grips and that !@%$&* seat. Next to go for me are the pedals (I'll upgrade to clipless eventually). 5 flamin' turds for value and components. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CB
a Weekend Warrior
from Shreveport, LA
Date Reviewed: November 29, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
A lot of bike for a reasonable amount of money. The Dia-Compe DP-7N/VC733 brakes are great; Others who have tried them,who have XT and XTR, were very impressed. | | Weaknesses: |
House brand cranks suck-I tore mine up within the first month but the shop where I bought it replaced it for free with an LX.
Saddle.
The LX rear Derailleur ghost shifts on hard impacts. The STX-RC has problems getting up on the Big Ring after a few hours of riding w/o minor adjustments or if it gets a little dirty. The Ritchey rims will not stay trued. | | Similar Products Used: |
GT Backwoods.
Litespeed Obed.
Trek Y33? ( I think thats the right model) composite Y-frame. | | Bike Setup: |
All factory with the exception of an LX crankset and XTR front and rear Derailleur within a few weeks | | Bottom Line: | The frame is GREAT. Specialized could choose better parts but that would probably shoot the price up. If your looking for a bike to get started on for a reasonable price the A1-FS is your bike. If you fall in love with the sport upgrade the components. I read most of the reviews and the main complaints are about the components not the frame. The frame is tuff, light and, for me, the geometry is perfect. I love my bike and with a few new parts here and there It will be just the way I want it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Albuquerque, New Mexico
Date Reviewed: November 24, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
trail 365, Sandia foothills | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
most of the components
shifting
handling
Manitou fork | | Weaknesses: |
stock brakes not easy to control
stock pedals - throw away immediately
stock rims are susceptible to scouring - recommend replacing pads w/ Kool Stop | | Similar Products Used: |
GT backwoods | | Bike Setup: |
replaced brakes with LX
replaced pedals w/ Wellgo clipless
everything else is out of the box stock | | Bottom Line: | I think this bike is a great deal for the price. Replace the brakes - the stock DiaComps are hard to modulate. The fork works great for me - I only weigh 145 so I might have a different opinion if I were heavier. The shifting is very crisp and the gearing is good. The stock saddle is OK but that is a personal choice. The weight and handling are excellent for a bike of this price - you could pay 3 times as much and not go any faster. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross-Country Rider
from Little Chute, WI
Date Reviewed: November 5, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
anyone with hills and jumps | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
weight, easy to handle, price, LX components | | Weaknesses: |
stupid Manitou Spyder sucks ass, the brakes suck | | Similar Products Used: |
GT Backwoods | | Bike Setup: |
out of box other than new crankset, added specialized comp computer, Shimano 535 clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | I think the bike is excellent for the cost. I feel that the manitou shock sucks and I will change it when I get enough money. I broke the stupid crankset in 1 month so I added the Shimano LX which is much better and only cost me $59 from Jenson USA. I will also replace the brakes when I get enough money since the Dia Compe's are terrible. Overall it is a good bike to start with I feel and for the price $524 I couldn't go wrong. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
britt halsell
a Weekend Warrior
from williston, florida
Date Reviewed: October 30, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
frame, brakes, price | | Weaknesses: |
seat, grips, shifting | | Bike Setup: |
Manitou Magnum, Body Geometry Sport seat | | Bottom Line: | The bike is really nice so far. The price ($580) was maybe a little high, but I was filled with lust, so it didn't matter at the time. The frame is solid. The brakes are amazing. I almost never use more than one finger to stop. The only downers so far are the shifting is slow to me, just not very crisp. But no adjustmant problems, yet. The Magnum shock is kinda bouncy, but not bad. The seat is the worst. Specialized should refund on the seat. The trim came off the side on the first ride, and after two weeks my butt was still screaming, so I upgraded to the Specialized Body Geometry Sport seat. Awesome improvement! Now I'm going to change the grips next. The factory ones are to hard for my taste. Pretty minor stuff. Overall, I'm really happy with the bike so far! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Belleville, Ontario
Date Reviewed: October 25, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Batawa Ski Slope | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Frame
Components | | Weaknesses: |
Manitou Spyder Shock
Saddle | | Similar Products Used: |
GT Timberline | | Bike Setup: |
Rockhopper A1 FS 21 Frame
RockShox Judy XC
Ritchey Seatpost
Ritchey Logic clipless Peddles
Specialized Body Geometry Sport Saddle | | Bottom Line: | The only real issue I had with the bike was the Manitou Spider. I am a 200 lb rider and could not get suitable performance from this shock (too soft and little damping). My dealer tried the firmest kit available for this shock but I found it still behaved like a pogo stick when climbing hills. I swapped it for a RockShox Judy set up with the firm springs and 15 wt oil. The bike performs exceptionaly with RockShox. Shifting and handling is flawless. I have had no issues with the braking (works great). I replaced the saddle with the Body Geometry (far more comfortable) and also required a longer seatpost due to my height 6'5. All in all I am extremely pleased with the bike although my view might have been different if I hadn't had an excellent dealer (Dougs Bike) willing to work on the shock probem with me. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JW Whitmarsh
a Cross-Country Rider
from Lancaster, CA
Date Reviewed: October 16, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
dirt | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Frame
Rear Drivetrain
Forks
Gearing | | Weaknesses: |
Stock saddle is atrociousNo quick-release on the seatpost | | Similar Products Used: |
Looked at several others with same equipment and higher prices. My last bike was a Peugeot Canyon Express (8 years ago) | | Bike Setup: |
Stock, plus Trico Sports Gel Saddle (see separate review), Cateye Enduro 2 computer | | Bottom Line: | This is a very well built, well equipped bike. Shifters are for the most part very crisp. The brakes will put you over the bars if you're not careful (I dunno what everyone else's A1 came with for brakes; the Dia Compe VC 733's on mine kick ass, although the pads pick up the occasional piece of gravel and score the rims.) Brake levers could stand to be made out of a little bit stronger material. The front derailleur has had occasional problems with dragging the chain in the top ring, and once in a while the rear misses a shift (and has upshifted on its own a couple of times). Manitou Spyder fork bottoms sometimes on hard landings (I weigh 200 lbs), even with the preload set near the top. Tires work quite well in moderate sand. Toe clips are easy to exit when you overdo it. Replace the stock saddle with a gel immediately. Overall, a steal for anyone looking for just enough bike to get themselves in trouble, and not be concerned with it falling apart or letting them down in the middle of nowhere. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich Hulme
a Weekend Warrior
from Reading
Date Reviewed: October 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
dont have one | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Frame
Forks
Weight
Price
Components | | Weaknesses: |
Saddle is quite hard
brakes in the wet handlebars arent wide enough | | Similar Products Used: |
kona Nunu, very nice
Scott stuff
GT something | | Bike Setup: |
Havent changed anything.
shimano LX
manitou spyder | | Bottom Line: | I'm very pleased with the rockhopper a1 fs,the forks are still quite hard and they havent been worn in enough yet I can only get 2 max out of them.The frame is very lite and the LX mix is great to ride up or down mountains.The brakes are good in the dry but pants in the wet and the rims are not very stable at all also in the wet.Although I got this bike reduced to £500 and it is great to ride appart from the rather hard saddle.5 burning craps | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JEREMY
a Weekend Warrior
from RUSS AR.
Date Reviewed: September 12, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
FRAME COLOR WEIGHT PRICE COMPONETS | | Weaknesses: |
BRAKES WHEELS | | Similar Products Used: |
GIANT SCHWINN | | Bike Setup: |
MAN SPYDER | | Bottom Line: | THE SPECIALIZED RH A1 IS A KILLER MOUNTAIN BIKE FOR THE BUCKS.WHETHER YOUR INTO RACING,MOUNTAIN CLIMBING,OR PERSONALLY MY FAVORITE JUST GUBBING AROUND, ITS A EXCELLENT BIKE. I'VE UPGRADED MY WHEEL SET TO BONTRAGER RACE,AND PLAN TO UPGRADE MY BRAKES SOON. THE RITCHEY WHEELS WERE OK,BUT I FELT LIKE THEY WERE A LITTLE WEEK UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES. WHEN I BOUGHT THE BIKE IT WEIGHED A TAD OVER 26 LBS;HOWEVER, I PLAN TO DROP IT TO 24LBS RANGE AFTER MY FINAL UPGRADES ARE THROUGH.I GIVE THE FRAME A 5.5 OUT OF 5,AND THE COMPONETS A 4 OUT OF 5. IF YOUR LOOKING FOR A KILLER CLIMBING MACHINE THAT'S FAST,AND HANDLES LIKE A DREAM I REALLY RECOMMEND THE RH A1. RIDE ON DUDE!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Kanata, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
a;dfjbng | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
-great frame
-aawesome handling
-light weight
-mostly good components
-great tires | | Weaknesses: |
-front derailleur never worked well, and even worse after I chewed it up while backpedalling
-the brakes are absolutely worthless. Weak, hard to adjust, they look ugly.
-crappy shocks
-saddle took some getting used to, the first day I got it and rode it back from the bike store(30 km) my butt was sore for a week. Now it's okay. | | Similar Products Used: |
Schwinn Moab 3
Kona Nunu
Kona Lava Dome
Giant stuff | | Bike Setup: |
All stock, but added a Lizard Skin and a Sigma computer | | Bottom Line: | I'm updating my old review after I've owned this bike for a while. I still despise the brakes but I've found the tires to be really great. I'm as happy as ever that I went with this bike, the only big thing I hate is the crappy service from my LBS. Still 5 chillies. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sergio
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: September 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Forest Ridge | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
frame
price | | Weaknesses: |
saddle
front derailluer
rear wheel won't stay true | | Bike Setup: |
A1 FS
shimano 545 clipless pedals
bontrager crowbar
body geometry sport saddle | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike so that I could have a bike that my skills would not outgrow very soon, and so far i still think this is a very good bike. Especially for the money. I was a bit disappointed to see that there was no noticeable weight difference between this bike and the FS when i picked them both up at the bike shop, even though the A1 FS has an aluminum frame, i don't know, maybe the manitou fork is heavier, who knows. But you do get a better fork, and an aluminum frame with butted ends on this bike which is good. I've had some shifting problems with the front derailler (crappy stx) even though i clean and lube my chain regularly. The stock saddle really sux too. But this is a the kind of bike that I think is great for someone like me who is just starting to get into mtb'ing, since it gives you that base from which to build on due to its good frame. So the components aren't that great, but oh well, as you notice these things (and save money), you can keep adding them on to that good frame. The bike also climbs rather nicely. Overall, I'd have to say that i'm very happy with the purchase of this bike, i've ridden it hard and have had no problems with it's durability at all. This bike will take everything you hand it, and the wheels have held up well, no bending. Except that I have trouble keeping that rear ritchey wheel true. It just doesn't like it, and i've heard this complaint from other ppl as well. I'd give it a 4 1/2 if i could, based upon what you get for $699-$719. But i'll round up instead of down to keep that average number of flaming horse carcasses up. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JAMES BRYANT
a Cross-Country Rider
from BANBURY ENGLAND UK
Date Reviewed: August 23, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
The bike is generally light.
Solid frame.
Shimano LX.
Most of the bike!! | | Weaknesses: |
I find the saddle quite uncomfortable-even with padded shorts!
The brakes(mainly front) pull more one side than the other,even after setting up at the shop!
Gears are overshifting quite a bit. | | Similar Products Used: |
Looked at similar bikes from Kona etc. | | Bike Setup: |
standard setup, although I am looking for a comfortable saddle-maybe the SBC Body Geometry Sport! | | Bottom Line: | A very good bike for the money, generally speaking for £600 you can't grumble.Upgrade the saddle at time of purchase though. I would buy a full suspension bike next time. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rockhoppin
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 18, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Frame
9 - spd
weight
color | | Weaknesses: |
shock
breaks
seat | | Similar Products Used: |
Kona
Trek 7000
Rocky
All these bikes were in the same $ area. | | Bike Setup: |
spider
LX
etc - you all know the stock | | Bottom Line: | I haven't been a rider for a long time but I must say I spent 1-month trying different bikes. Me and my brother had spent 3 hours in the shop where we purchased the bikes, just ridding all different bikes. The RH may not be the best bike in the world but it serves more than it's purpose for the cost. Maybe in the future when I become more of an avid rider, I will purchase something better, as for now I will just look into purchasing a new seat (to save my poor ass). The shocks travel quite a lot and they have no stopping mech- to let you know when they are the stiffest or loosest. For those of you who don't like the orange, I am always surprised at the number of complements I get from every type of person. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Xtreme
a Weekend Warrior
from SPECIALIZED SUCKS TO THE EXTREME MAX!!!
Date Reviewed: August 17, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
yeah..Shimano LX stuff | | Weaknesses: |
SERIOUSLY non are good!!!especially the frame...ugly and the geometry sucks!!!the Dia-compes and Specialized parts are 1000000000% pure CRAP!!!!!
Oh...the Manitou Spyder fork is always bobbing ...slows u down!!!
Its damn Fat HEAVY | | Similar Products Used: |
Klien
GT Avalanche
GT Backwood
Santa Cruz Chameleon....this is the bike everyone should get!!! | | Bike Setup: |
Crap Rockhopper A1 FS
Bobbing Manitou Spyder... | | Bottom Line: | HEY!!!!u guys been bribed by Specialized or what....i can't believe that some even say that its geometry is GREAT!!!!...what the heck!!!the rear feels unbalance and the frame design is so ugly...Oh yeah, this bike is damn heavy and its really slow!!!* no joke...IM DAMN SERIOUS!!*If only i could sell off this Ugly bike and get a Santa Cruz Chameleon build up with LX!!!!!WHAT A LET DOWN SPECIALIZED!!!! | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zak
a Cross-Country Rider
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: August 6, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
KICK-ASS frame (same as my friend's '96 Stumpjumper A1 FS)
Deore LX Mega-9 Drivetrain
Manitou Spyder great fork in its class
Frickin' strong bottom bracket (take it out and take a look!!) and crankset.
Dirt Control/Master tires | | Weaknesses: |
Dia-Compe brakeset and brakelevers | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek, Marin, Cannondale, GT, others in the Specialized line (HardRock Comp A1 FS-which weighs like a rock; Stumpjumper pro/comp). | | Bike Setup: |
'99 Specialized RH A1 FS with a few changes, including bar, stem, seatpost, seat, brakeset, levers. | | Bottom Line: | FAST, LIGHT, RESPONSIVE; absolutely AMAZING performance for the price you pay. For those who had criticism, remember WHAT YOU PAID. You mainly probably got the bike for the FRAME, DRIVETRAIN, and PRICE. This bike is a STEAL. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BOYboy
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: July 31, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Frame only...... | | Weaknesses: |
Those lousy Specialized components.....Hubsets...Crankset....BB...Tires...Brakes and many more!!!!! | | Bike Setup: |
JettXC
LX/XT | | Bottom Line: | if u getting this.....swop all its component for a better one...the LX and Cogset are fine..
minus 3 chilis for lousy component mix!!!!i had detroy most of the Specialized parts...and recently is the rear hubs..... why???because its WEAK!!!!
| Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Olson
a Weekend Warrior
from Eugene, OR
Date Reviewed: July 26, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
none | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Good Frame
Nice weight
Color
Geometry
Smells nice | | Weaknesses: |
Paint chips easily
Crank squeaks
Paint chips easily
Cheap grips
New brakes needed
Could use better tires. | | Similar Products Used: |
Schwin Moab
Iron horse
Specialized full suspension
Hard Rock | | Bike Setup: |
Stock
99 Manitou x-vert | | Bottom Line: | Good bike, plenty of room for upgrades, too bad the paint chips so easily. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SuperFly
a Weekend Warrior
from California
Date Reviewed: July 1, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Excellent frame geometry and material (frame was used on stumpys in previous years)
Agile uphill climber
Derailleur set
Mega 9-speed cassette
Awesome super-loud paint | | Weaknesses: |
Buy from a dealer that will replace certain components: the brakes and levers (get AVID SD25s and Speed Dial levers), the seatpost (I got a Ritchey Expert black hard anodized - looks fantastic on this bike)
Dirt Control/Master tires are a bit beefy for me (I ride hardpack XC)
Shimano HyperGlide chain is a bit noisy on the extreme gears.
Manitou Spyder is a good shock for this price, but I'm picking up a Marzocchi z2 Atom Bomb. | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek 7000
GT '99 Backwoods | | Bike Setup: |
'99 Specialized A1 FS Rockhopper with: Ritchey Expert black hard anodized seatpost, AVID SD25s and Speed Dial 1.9 levers, Specialized Body Geometry Comp seat. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is very light and stiff; feels more responsive than the Trek 7k or '99 GT Backwoods. (Trek's frame is supposed to be only 3.7 lbs, but the thing feels sluggish compared to the Rh). The stock Specialized seat gave me a sore bum no matter how I adjusted it, so I picked up the Body Geometry Comp. Day and night, people, even on the longest rides; do you're 'nads a favor and pick up this seat. Overall, the frame on this bike is excellent, and I would (as with all bikes) make some selective upgrades to make it perfect for you. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ABU
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: June 22, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Frame!!!
the drivetrain | | Weaknesses: |
the front mech is damn it lousy!!!*watch out*
paint job
tyres look very dull
brakes are not powerful
Bottom pull front and rear mech!!! | | Bottom Line: | this bike has a bottom pull front and rear mech!!!
Very bad!!!!!i juz spoiled my front derailleur
and i had been to four bike shop here but still can't
find a front derailleur with bottom pull!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul B.
a Cross-Country Rider
from Columbia, MD
Date Reviewed: June 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Avalon at Patapsco | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Good Frame Geometry, Aluminum frame, Mega nine 9 speed cassette, Good price. | | Weaknesses: |
Saddle rails are weak, no bar ends (easily rectified), brakes are not to impressive. Cant find any replacment pads that fit the Dia-Comp setup! | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek 930, Diamond Back Z-Tech Comp. | | Bike Setup: |
Stock setup, added Shimano 747 clipless pedals, Specialized Barends, Specialized Prolong Carbotech saddle, Shimano LX V Brakes and Levers, and Ritchey Z-Max Hard Drive rear tire. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a very good value for the price. You get an aluminum frame, and mostly LX drivetrain and a nice set of Ritchey Rock OCR Rims. I bent the saddle after about one month of riding, the rails on the stock saddle are pretty weak. The Manitou Spyder fork is adaquate but upgrade if you can afford it (Depends on what type of riding you do). The Dia-Comp V-Brakes and Levers are pretty bad, I upgraded to Shimano LX V-Brakes recently and they perform much better. I also added Shimano 747 clipless pedals, but at this price range you cant fault Specialized for the toe clips they put on the stock model. Overall this bike has performed very well and like I said at this price range it is hard to beat. If you can afford a couple hundred more dollars get the Comp. version, it has better components and you will not need to upgrade almost anything. Also a set of barends will improve your climbing immensely and they are pretty cheap to find. Good luck finding a bike! This will be a good choice.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cybo
a Cross-Country Rider
from N.Kingstown RI
Date Reviewed: June 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Mt. Tom & Big River | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Rightous buy!
Good place to work up from(upgrades)
Good high end control with mountain baldy tire upgrade.
Its willing to take a beatin' and keep on going.
Light weight and comes in a flashy bruin's paint job black and yeller. | | Weaknesses: |
It doesn't come with a hot blond chick to cheer you on.
Shock should be ugraded once beat upon. | | Similar Products Used: |
Cannonball F800 (cheap accesories)
Moab 3
A couple of comparible Twrecks | | Bike Setup: |
Ritchey Logic cliplesses
Spec. Mt Baldyp.s. Wet brakes aren't even good on cars(its to be expected) | | Bottom Line: | Great bike regardless of the price. Rips it up on ups, downs, arounds, ins, and outs. As I said before with the proper upgrades this bike can be a shreddin' ride! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan
a Cross-Country Rider
from McMurray
Date Reviewed: June 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Arrowhead Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Good Shifters
Light
Wheelset is strong | | Weaknesses: |
Paint is weak
Brakes aren't powerful
Tires don't grip in wet terrain | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek 8500 LT
Trek 7000 | | Bike Setup: |
Specialized Clipless
99 Manitou SX-R | | Bottom Line: | The Rockhopper is a very good buy at it's price. Ritchey Rock Comp rims can handle very high amounts of stress. But, bike doesn't perform well in wet conditions. It takes about twice as long to stop when the brakes are wet, and the tires can't handle wet mud and soil. High speeds on hard pack is very easy to control. Climbing is a simple task on hard soil. The Manitou Spyder isn't very smooth, and hard to adjust. The Manitou SX-R fork makes the bike a lot more fun to ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Evans
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: June 15, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Best value bike around..
Nice geometry | | Weaknesses: |
The frame get scratched easily..
the spyder fork is too sensitive
the brakes and tyre are not up to standard.. | | Similar Products Used: |
Comp A1 FS
GT LTS-4 | | Bike Setup: |
Almost same as box except
few upgrades.... | | Bottom Line: | The only thing i dun like about the frame is that
it get scratches easily....
Anyway the RH A1 FS still deserve 5 hot,, juicy,,,yummy,,,,flamin red chilis!!!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Kanata, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 12, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
don't have one | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Light, good geometry, handles very nicely, cool-looking Specialized crankset, stem and handlebars, no really cheap components. | | Weaknesses: |
The tires are pretty bad, and the brakes should be more powerful on something this expensive. I've had to adjust the brakes already. Also, this bike isn't the best value out there. A Kona Nunu has the same drivetrail(STX/LX) and a Marzocchi Z-5 fork and costs about $100 less typically. This bike should come with something better than a Manitou Spyder. The saddle is as hard as a rock(though not too uncomfortable once you're used to it) and the stickers on the saddle are very cheap and have almost completely faded away after about 3 hours of riding(not a big problem), and in my opinion, the ugliest paintjob I've seen(that bright orange is way too flashy). | | Similar Products Used: |
Schwinn Moab 3(didn't want the Acera/STX drivetrain)
Kona Nunu(cheap crankset and cassette)
Gary Fisher Tassajara(Acera f. derailleur and crankset, ridiculous on something this expensive)
Giant ATX 840(Alivio/STX drivetrain, but a lot cheaper)I should have looked at some Trek bikes which would probably have been better, but I was feeling too lazy. | | Bike Setup: |
'99 Rockhopper A1 FS, Manitou Spyder
(all out of the box) | | Bottom Line: | I got this bike two days ago and I'm pretty happy with it. I went with this because I wanted something with high-quality components because I don't want to spend too much money upgrading. I don't do too much riding so an STX/LX drivetrain is plenty for me. If I was planning to upgrade, I would probably have went with the Schwinn Moab 3 instead. Although it has an Acera/STX drivetrain, the bike itself is probably a little better than this and the fork is also better(RockShox Judy C). I might have also went with the Kona Nunu, but then I would probably have to replace the crankset because I've heard a lot of things about it being crappy. There's only a few Trek dealers around here so I didn't bother looking into them. Anyways, right now I'm pretty happy with the bike(but I've only had it for two days and haven't gone on any rough trails yet) and I have no regrets. Only thing I might upgrade are the brakes(probably to LX or Avid SD10). I'm also going to get different tires when these wear out, the ones on here are miserable. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gropius
a Weekend Warrior
from Bristol UK
Date Reviewed: June 8, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Forest of Dean | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Great frame, light and stiff. Transmission components.
GEOMETRY TERRIFIC. | | Weaknesses: |
Brakes.
Suspension is adequate | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek, Scott, Marin, Gary Fisher....shopping around | | Bike Setup: |
Straight from the box. | | Bottom Line: | Simple, elegant offroad solution. Form follows function. Not flashy, I don't feel like a dork riding it in public. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chubber
a Weekend Warrior
from fredericton, new brunswick canada
Date Reviewed: June 7, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
weight, handling, solid components
LOUD paint | | Weaknesses: |
spyders aren't great | | Similar Products Used: |
kona nunu
specialized a1fs comp
brodie energy
schwinn moab 3 | | Bike Setup: |
stock, nashbar clipless pedals (ritchey, a great bargain for $25) | | Bottom Line: | at the price, this bike kicks, the weight is right, it handles well, looks a lot better than the bile-green comp, and get the job done.
it would be nice to have a better set of forks, but for the money, I cannot complain. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
P. White
a Cross-Country Rider
from Maine
Date Reviewed: June 5, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Weight
Components | | Weaknesses: |
Saddle | | Similar Products Used: |
Giant Iguana | | Bike Setup: |
Manitou Spider,
Rock Shox Seat Post,
Specialized Body Geometry Saddle | | Bottom Line: | This is a decent ride for the $. Change the tires and saddle and you're ready to ride with the best of em'. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from Clinton, MA
Date Reviewed: May 6, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Tight, light, cheap. | | Weaknesses: |
Front mech? | | Bike Setup: |
Stock RH A1 FS | | Bottom Line: | Sheared the granny gear on downshifting after 3 weeks - even though it's a warranty job, it's left me less impressed. So long as it doesn't happen again, I'm very happy with the bike. Added Specialized dirt rodz and Shimano M535 clipless pedals. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
juiceman
a Weekend Warrior
from cal
Date Reviewed: April 24, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
This bike is tuff!!! | | Weaknesses: |
brake surface on the rim's | | Similar Products Used: |
cannondale f400
gary fisher | | Bike Setup: |
set up is top line for this price range | | Bottom Line: | I had a very bad accident on this bike on asphalt my shoulder is broken. It was not the bike's fault I was hit by a construction sign that was blown down the bike flew about 20'. It is tuff!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
COS
a Weekend Warrior
from FLEMINGTON, NJ
Date Reviewed: April 13, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
CHIMNEY ROCK | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
FRAME DESIGN
DURABLE | | Weaknesses: |
TIRES
BRAKES WHEN MUDDY | | Similar Products Used: |
MT FUJI
TREK 950 | | Bike Setup: |
rockhopper a1 fs
manitou spyder
LX | | Bottom Line: | I HAVE HAD THE BIKE ON ALL KINDS OF TRAILS AND POUNDED IT WITHOUT PROBLEMS.Looked at designer
bikes but bang for the buck can't beat it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Palmer
a Cross-Country Rider
from SG
Date Reviewed: March 29, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Any muddy track!! | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
A nice bike!! | | Weaknesses: |
the rear wheel sucks!!!
no grip on wet weather!!
there was once i fell
because the rear wheel
ski too much!!! | | Bottom Line: | I just got this bike and it is great!!!!
the frame design is good!!!!i got the 17!!!
the dia compe brakes work out well except in wet
condition but its still a nice brake!!!
5 chilis onli????!!!!make it 6 chilis!!!!hahaha
NICE BIKE!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wat????
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: March 20, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Cheap....nice component
not very heavy.....nice
design and color!!!
The handling is good!!! | | Weaknesses: |
THE TYRE!!!!!
THE BRAKES!!!! | | Similar Products Used: |
GT LTS-4
99 Trek 6500 | | Bottom Line: | Overall a great bike for its price and component
except some......the brakes and tyre!!!
its a 9 sp with LX shifter and deraileur!!!
The manitou Spyder are ok....
Give it 4 chilis!!!A great bike!!!
Could have given it a 5 if not for those brakes
and tyre!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Communist
a weekend warrior
from Birmingham
Date Reviewed: March 4, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
The Rockhopper I ride, of which I received as a birthday present in February, handles smoothly and quickly, not only is the ride comfortable, but it also jumps very nicley. Since getting it I haven't even looked at another bike. Sweet, sexy, and truly worth the money. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chewy
a
from weekend warrior
Date Reviewed: February 24, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought the 98' version of the RH last month. I compared it to this years bottom line Stumper and it prevailed. I had a chance to purchase them both for the exact same price and went with the RH. Nice feel, the bottom bracket is lower then the BB on my Giant making for better climb and better all around geometry. The value for your money, components + frame design make it the best deal I've seen. I wasn't a big Specialized fan until now. I know enough to realize which companies are rippin us off. Sweet ride!!! I'll buy another one in a minute... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sammy
a cross-country rider
from USA, Georgia
Date Reviewed: February 9, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I got the 98 version of this bike and I love it. The 99 is even better though with its tight frame and great component mix. The frame is good enough to keep and turn into a race bike if you come into the funds. One gripe, the rims are heavy and come out of true easily. Brakes are a constant trouble too. One more thing if you plan to race save up the extra $300 and get the bottom of the line Stumpy. It's got great components and a top quality frame. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bandit
a weekend warrior
from tampa
Date Reviewed: January 20, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
six foot of air, didn't pancake rims. i used to ride a 13' huffy, what an improvement. the bike is strong and the manitou shock rules. smoke it up. peace.. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Kingston
a weekend warrior
from Tasmania Australia
Date Reviewed: January 13, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
i got my rockhopper this christmas and it is awesome it handles well although the tyres were slippery at first but my manitou spyder on the front handled really i got some platforms with the bike and i'm still trying to bunnyhop well with them so if youv'e got any tips on how i can improve my buunyhop or any other tricks write to me at robkingston@hotmail.com
apart from the slippery tyres this is a cool bike and is perfect for anyone who is a weekend warrior.the tyres are fine now.
so i give this bike a ... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a cross-country rider
from Connecticut
Date Reviewed: November 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Rockhopper is a very good bike if you don't have a large amount of
money to spend on a bike. I liked how it handled on fire road. I also like
the components that come on the bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pooh
a weekend warrior
from NYC
Date Reviewed: November 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've been riding a RH for about a month now...it's tight and light, not to stiff and crazy agile. I was looking to replace my old Trek 820 and since I was on a tight budget, I considered bikes around the $650 to $800 price range. Among the candidates were the GT Ricochet, Trek 6500 and Kona Nunu. Choose the RH...and a good decision it was. This bike has some of the best components for it's price...LX shifters, 9-speed, Dia-Compe brakes, etc...Bang for the Buck kids...peace! | | Overall Rating: |
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