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Specialized
2000 Rockhopper A1 FS
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Submitted by
atdrennen
a Weekend Warrior
from AL
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Oak Mtn | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Bob's Bikes | | Strengths: | Great starter bike (mine's a 2001 I believe), decent platform to build something more sustainable. This frame has put up with 8 yrs of abuse and is still surviving. Pretty good component group for the money compared to what you could buy today. | | Weaknesses: | The tires are !@#$. After 20 seconds, I immediately understood what 'rolling resistance' was. You could feel yourself clicking from knob to knob when on pavement. | | Similar Products Used: | First/Only mtn bike. | | Bike Setup: | I've replaced almost everything atleast once over the years, but it currently stands with a Sid Air, XT Der's/Shifter, Avid SD7's, Mavic CrossRide 2x on the rear and a radial Crossroc on the front, Easton 70 cockpit, Sram PG980 Casette, Original Cranks, rings, & BB! Michelin Front S and a semi slick Continental on the rear. Time ATACs and all the other random goodies. | | Bottom Line: | Im 5'11 weigh 140-170 depending on which year we are talking about, but wasn't insanely hard on the frame. I do 4-5 footers now and again, and have put ~4000 miles on it...however I haven't been riding very much lately. Great bike that let me learn to love riding.
The frame is around 4 lbs and nuke proof. Some stubby barends put a gouge on the top tube (I learned about handlebar clearance that day) atleast half way through the frame. That was 4 or 5 years ago and not a problem. I have crashed this bike into trees, rocks, steps, curbs, riverbeds, all the stuff that makes riding fun, and ne'er a problem. It's been very good to me. This frame will have a place above my mantle one day. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy Morse
a
from Brighton, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: December 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | vietnam & anything urban riding | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | Some used furniture store? (figure that out) | | Strengths: | Surprisingly strong & stiff frame with quite nice geometry. I've hopped up, down and all around all typed of terrain with no problems except my chain poppin off (fixed buy getting a chain reactor). Very stable in the air. Smooth shifts everytime. Sometimes i don't feel the shift at all. No need for xtr stuff. Nice front tire. The price even though i got a crazy deal, the list price was great. I actually like the weight, it feels balanced. The wheels took some serious beatings, as long as i trued em once in a while. Then I cased really hard on a wall gap (spokes everywhere with an unrepairable flat spot. | | Weaknesses: | The pedals are horrific, bent em the first day i had em. The cranks could be a little better for what i do, but i still haven't broken em. Bent the bars within a week, but the stem lasted 2 months then it broke. The rear tire wasn't the best but it wasn't that bad. Also blew out a seal on the fork (not a problem with a heavier spring) | | Similar Products Used: | First hardtail mtb in a while. Got a Gary Fisher and an S&M bmx/street bike. | | Bike Setup: | All stock except for bars (some no-name 2" rise cro-mos), Stem (sette stumpy 60mm), wheels (same rims w/cheapo depot hubs), seat (bontrager FS2000), tires (Kenda K-Rads), Changed to a heavier spring in the fork. Then the extras like a Salsa Bash Guard, and a Kore chain reactor. | | Bottom Line: | When I saw this bike for such a low price, i figured why not buy it, i could use it for transportation back and forth to work and things like that. Then i couldn't help trying a few tricks and hard trails on it. The frame really surprised me. I've had not one problem with 4-5 foot drops to flat cement and definately no problems with bigger drops in the trails. Even when i cased a wall gap and wrecked my rear wheel the frame laughed. I really like this bike. I couldn't ask for more for the price. It's very versatile. I use it for almost all my rides now. I'll take it jumpin, street ridin, and XC. Who'da though $75 at a used furniture store would be so worth it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john kelly
a Cross Country Rider
from parsippany,nj
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | the cannonball | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | marty's reliable cycle | | Strengths: | great start up bike for beginners! i am 225 lbs. and wanted a bike that i could grow with and beat on...awesome frame and great warranty...i cracked my 2001 rockhopper frame and got a brand new 04 frame free! in a week...love specialized! | | Weaknesses: | cheap components and bad tires on the stock frame..but plenty of room for improvements,and lots of room to upgrade. | | Similar Products Used: | rockhopper comp,trek fuel,cannondale and santa cruz. | | Bike Setup: | I now am riding the 2004 rockhopper pro,with a 2.8lb sid air fork,s-works rims with monkey lite bars,ritchey grips and full xt components,carbon seat post,witha bontrager stem.I put about 1000.00 into the bike for the upgrades,but well worth it..also the shimano 969 clipless with platforms and specialized pro tires..2.2.shaved the bike down to 26lbs.I beat on this thing and she never fails me. | | Bottom Line: | I have been riding the rockhopper for almost 4 years,through some of the hardest trails in jersey,won 2 24 endurance races with her and had too much fun! overall great starter mountain bike with alot of room to upgrade! cant beat the bike for the price either! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Celeste
a Weekend Warrior
from Arvada, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Mount Falcon | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Held up very well to beginner abuse..including, but not limited to, being thrown down the mtn side in frustration, my attempts at "fixing" various things, and being ridden (or abruptly not ridden) over some stuff it probably shouldn't have been over. Durable, reasonable weight, excellent deal for the price! | | Weaknesses: | Cheap components = frustrating adjustments. Manitou Magnum fork, which I learned had too heavy a spring for my weight, was obsolete as soon as I got it home (and therefore, I couldn't find an appropriate spring). I think the components are pretty cheap, but there's always the option to upgrade. | | Similar Products Used: | This was my first non-wal-mart bike. I'm currently shopping for an upgrade and realizing how nice mtn bikes CAN be. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except tires. Original tires SUCKED. Learned after a while that those were partly to blame for many a spill on turns. (yes, my technique sucked too, but the tires DID NOT help.) | | Bottom Line: | Excellent beginner bike, especially if you're not sure that you're quite up to the "whole mountain biking thing," and don't want to invest a lot of money. Definately room for upgrades. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ross Lafontaine
a Cross Country Rider
from Bridgeport, WV
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | "The Hill" | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Independent dealer | | Strengths: | Shifters, brakes, lightweight frame, fork, | | Weaknesses: | rims bend very easily, they are the Weinnman ZAC19 (Keep in mind i am around 200 lbs and don't land easy) I ruined the rear deralieur abouit 3 months after i bought it, its not very strong, the pedals are horrible | | Similar Products Used: | Dimaondback Response | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Specialized Rockhopper, Sun Rhyno rims, with Deore LX Hubs, silnet clutch system,XT rear der., Manitou Magnum, Welgo WPD-800 clipless pedals, Answer Protaper bar | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awesome with a few upgrades, i ended up putting about $1000 into it by the time it was in perfect shape. Get new rims and switch the fork if you have the money. this bike has lasted through some tough times, so i LOVE IT | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Max Mor
a Weekend Warrior
from seekonk, MA, USA (rox)
Date Reviewed: December 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | anything hardcore | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | east providence cycle | | Strengths: | great frame. good rear der.fine wheels. good hubs. low end but durable fork. | | Weaknesses: | front der. bad seat. brax | | Similar Products Used: | moab, p.3 (wish i could have afforded) trek | | Bike Setup: | stock BG seat | | Bottom Line: | great bike. i have had this bike for a year and has only givin me one problem, the font der. the fork could use some more travelbut over all has held up through everything i have hit it with. for $550 this bike is the best value ever! i have flown off 9 foot jumps on this bike, ran over 2foot logs, riden pro dh circuts on it and it has still held up!the brakes could be better so i'm upgradin to avid arch rivals but still i haven't put over $100 into it and it will last me for another year! any light young rider who knows that they will buy another bike in the future should get this bike! it will last 2 full seasons of hardcore trail riden, but if this is your bike 4 life definately spend some more $. bottom line it ROX like the USA!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Mass
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Vietnam Milford | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Alley | | Strengths: | Good Frame
Sturdy cranks
| | Weaknesses: | Crappy Brakes
Horrible pedals | | Bike Setup: | stock, no money for upgrades | | Bottom Line: | It's better than anything else I've owned, It gets me where i nedd to be, And It can really take alot of abuse.
Value is 4 cilis for me, But thats cuz I got a deal, Had I payed any higher , It would drop. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean Carlson
a Cross Country Rider
from San Dimas
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Frank G Bonelli singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | adventure's edge | | Strengths: | good componentry for the price, decent color, fun to ride | | Weaknesses: | seat, no quick release on the seat. | | Similar Products Used: | see dec. (or Jan.?) review | | Bike Setup: | stock, except for new seat and quick release for seat post | | Bottom Line: | Well, I've had the bike nine months now, and I take back what I said in my original review. the stock seat sucks. It looks cool, but after riding awhile my butt hurt and my legs were going numb (pinched nerve??). so I got a new gel racing seat. Also, I fell on a steep singletrack downhill and figured if my seatpost had a quickrelease I would be able to adjust the seat and be safer on the downhill. Now that I have it, I conquered that trail and it's fun. Havent' had chain suck, haven't had broken derailures, or any other problems that other folks have had.
Love riding it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a Cross Country Rider
from mass
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Vietnam | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | landry's | | Strengths: | Strong frame, climbs hills good, great front tire | | Weaknesses: | Crappy components brakes and especially (Deore) derailluer. pedals are really slippery | | Bike Setup: | all stock except for 2 inch risers new Quick release skewers hopefully new pedals and shock | | Bottom Line: | great bike wicked sturdy, can take a ton of abuse | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Lima, NY
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | H.H.Spencer, NY | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | My buddy Craig | | Strengths: | Chain-Suck (Reminds me that it's STILL a bicycle no matter how much you spend), it's orange (keeps me from getting shot), It's strong enough for a 6'3", 220 lb. fatty like me (only a 17" frame too... he he). | | Weaknesses: | It gets dirty and needs cleaning way too often. Also, I keep having to take the front wheel off to put it on my rack. This really sucks. Don't buy it. | | Similar Products Used: | GT, GT, and and old Royce Union. Boy do I have stories about the Royce. There was this time... | | Bike Setup: | Only with a kickstand does it setup really... Oh, parts you mean. Stock except tires, XT levers, and some expensive black 2" risers (Don't make me go downstairs to get the name, they work), and a cool stem that's black. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is this: You all take this stupid "sport" entirely too seriously. Just get out there and ride. I've been beating the living crap out of this bike for a couple weeks. It's fine and it's too small. It's got Tektro breaks: They're not cool as XTR, but ya know what? They stop my bike. Your seat sucks? Buy a new one! You have chain suck? Clean your chain! Your grips fall off! Ride with no grips! Remember guys, it's about the ride, the deer, the trees, the chipmunks, the hunters, the mud, and the sweat, not about the sucky orange and silver paint. By the way [mountian bikers] learn how to fix your own bikes so you don't wear the bikeshop kid out from chasing you through the woods. Can you imagine that. Sounds like pro golf. Go buy it and ride it until it breaks then go buy another one. You probably spend more than $500 on Taco Bell in a year. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Kailua, Hawaii
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Aiea Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Shop in Kailua, Hawaii | | Strengths: | Solid component package | | Weaknesses: | Chain suck, stock pedals, grip slip | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Big Sur | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for pedal replacement | | Bottom Line: | Would recommend for any average weight weekend warrior. Definately not for anyone who likes to ride HARD. Solid ride, climbs nicely and handles small drops and some technical very well. Anything bigger than that will result in... (see below) Should upgrade to stiffer spring in the shock for anything else. I am going to have to replace my frame due to some tweakage in the rear of the frame (probably due to riding hard at 250lbs.). Will probably have to spend more $$$ due to bike shop classifying my frame "tweak" as result of crash abuse. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a
from Texas
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Decent frame, handles well, good beginner fork | | Weaknesses: | Little on the heavy side,and with the exception of the Shimano drivetrain, the rest is all Specialized in house parts or other cheap parts made in Taiwan. | | Bike Setup: | Avid SD-3 brakeset, strongarm II crankset (previous off of Stumpjumper), XT rear der., flat bar, bg sport saddle, all else is stock | | Bottom Line: | Nice bike if you can get it at a highly discounted price ($400 - 450). More suited for beginner to intermediate riders and those who like to do some light off roading. Excellent fitness bike if you put some slicks on. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Howard
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Los Gatos Cyclery | | Strengths: | Lightweight frame, stunning black and blue color, good brakes, Deore derailleurs, fork | | Weaknesses: | hard saddle, had to get adjuster knob fixed, stock springs in fork were to hard | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock everything | | Bottom Line: | This bike rides like magic. The stock springs were way to stiff. i went to my bike shop and had them put in softer springs. THe preload knob was also difficult to adjust and i also had that fixed. I had to tinker with the derailleurs on the first few rides to get it right. The black and blue colors are great. The fork soaks up small to medium bumps quite well and is a great fork once broken into. The saddle is rock hard but you'll get used to it. All in all, this is a great entry level bike for occasional off-roading and regular riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane, Australia
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Riders, McGregor, Qld | | Strengths: | It's a well balanced package. It feels light and strong, is well finshed and I get the feeling it will be durable. | | Weaknesses: | Saddle, fork | | Similar Products Used: | El cheapo mtb previously, but tested competing Avanti and Giant models before i purchased. | | Bike Setup: | Almost stock | | Bottom Line: | Well i can only say I'm happy with my purchase. I have had some months to evaluate the bike now and have ridden on a variety of surfaces but mostly on the bush tracks near my home. I almost bought a Giant ATX870, which was more expensive, had discs etc but when i got on the Rockhopper it just felt 'right', on top of that i got a good deal as it was the outgoing 2000 model. The fork is a little soft for me so I'll have to make some mods there, the seat is not great but I am perservering with it for now. Apart from that though, the thing feels really strong and i love punishing it on some of the fast, rough tracks around here: the brakes are good, the Deore LX components and stock chainrings are strong and slick. What else? I love the blue/black colour scheme too! If you are into your riding in a reasonably serious way, appreciate value over brand names and frills, and you want something honest, strong and a little different (in Brisbane, Queensland anyway!) the Rockhopper should serve you well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
frank
a Weekend Warrior
from New Hampshire
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Epicycle, RI | | Strengths: | Every part that comes on the bike out of the box, compatability for upgrades, agressive frame design, fast and strong frame | | Weaknesses: | I have had this bike for one year and have had no complaints other than that i have a small sqeek somewhere and still cant shake it. | | Similar Products Used: | Late model Univega | | Bike Setup: | Current: stock accept for Mavic 517 rims w/xtr hubs, shimano 324 clipless pedals, onza bar ends, XTdeore casette, Kore 3-D lite stem, new chain, firm ride kit (RED)from manitou | | Bottom Line: | I have had this bike for one year and have loved every second of it. I rode the bike completely stock for last summer and had no problems or failures, other than the expected break in adjustments that some feel the need to complain about. The Manitou fork works well for me and im not a light rider. I did upgrade from the stock yellow spring and elastomer to the firm red spring and elastomer, for 25$ it is well worth it for a heavier rider. It makes a big difference in stiffening the ride of the fork. I did snag a good deal on some wheelsmith wheels from supergo, Mavic 517 rims with xtr hubs. They not only look good, but make this already quick bike even quicker, lighter, and more solid than the stock wheels. Other than some other small upgrades this bike is rock solid and can handle any type of riding that you can put it through, and the frame is very worthy of some serious upgrades. Save your money buy the A1 FS and do your own upgrades. One other reviewer said it well, choose your own upgrades, dont let the company choose them for you. This is a great bike, give it some time and review it once you know it. Five all around. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lisa
a Cross Country Rider
from Mountain View, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$449.00 | | Purchased At: | Off Ramp | | Strengths: | Light and strong AL frame, smooth and quiet Shimano Deore drivetrain, brakes work great for me (dry climate, no mud), tires, alloy components, Manitou Magnum fork with disc brake mount points and microlube port for easy maintence, great blue color. | | Weaknesses: | seat (ouch!), grips (will tear up your hands and even your gloves eventually), pedals (well, if ya like clipless the stock pedals are a weakness, otherwise they're OK) | | Bike Setup: | Shimano clipless 434 pedals (clipless w/small platform), WTB ergo grips, Thompson seatpost, Control Tech stem (because I needed a shorter one than stock), Specialized Elite computer, Serfas saddle, Shimano HG-92 chain | | Bottom Line: | Awesome deal for the money! Especially if you can get one on closeout now that the 2001 models are in (that's what I did). The Rockhopper frame is quite light and bullet proof, components are better than competitors at the same price. You get Deore rather than lesser Shimano, Rapidfire shifters, Weinmann double alloy ZAC 19s (some hate em, but I like em for the pricepoint) and the Manitou fork is great if you're a lightweight like me (135 lbs). Plush and doesn't get sticky.
I looked at the higher end Rockhoppers, but really, found this to be the better deal because the frames are the same, and this way I could choose the components I wanted to upgrade, rather than have them handed to me in a package.The brakes work very well for me, but then we have mostly dry conditions here in Northern CA, and the folks who didn't like them seemed to have trouble with mud and wet.
I'd probably upgrade the wheels to Mavic 517 + XT at some point to save weight... though the Shimano hubs are so fast I hate to give em up!
Think about upgrading to a Shimano HG72 or HG92 chain. The KMC chain is heavy and a poor shifter (even though it's one of KMC's higher end chains). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Charleston, SC
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$580.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bicycle Shoppe | | Strengths: | Frame, drivetrain componants, tires, fork, mostly everything | | Weaknesses: | Seat, brakes, pedals | | Similar Products Used: | See other review | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except seat, brakes, pedals, onza barends, answer grips | | Bottom Line: | This is an update to a review I posted last year. I've thrashed on this bike pretty hard, and the damn thing just doesn't whimper a bit. I upgraded to a Shimano clipless pedal with Nike shoes, and an Avid Arch Rival brake setup Those changes, along with the seat back when I bought the bike, have made it a super ride. Some may scoff at the Onza barends on a riser bar, but the setup works good for me. I ditched the grips in favor for Answer ones, and it's a lot more comfortable. The stock grips have ridges that dug into the palm when not wearing gloves. The fork/frame/drivetrain component setup have been flawless so far. I've skidded, slid, and bombed every hill and trail I can find around here (I'm currently living in South Korea), even endo'ed a few times (not the bike's fault; pilot error). Other than giving her a bath to clean off the dust, dirt and blood, and regular lube jobs, it's been bulletproof. Aside from the piddly little stupid things about the bike that I mentioned before, this has been a sick bike that has put up with more than is expected in the sub-600 dollar price range. Now that the 2001 models have been out for a while, I highly recommend you put this year's model on your 'must-ride' list before making a purchase, or pick up a 2000 like mine for a steal if you're lucky. Now quit reading and go see your Specialized dealer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chucky Fresh
a Weekend Warrior
from Fairfax, VA
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Wakefield Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$470.00 | | Purchased At: | Spokes etc. | | Strengths: | Low price, light, effective shock (140 lb. rider) | | Weaknesses: | Specialized's specialized crankset offers no compatibility with any aftermarket bashguards/rock rings - Will have to replace crankset soon. I would have liked better rims, but I can't really complain for only paying $470. | | Similar Products Used: | Demo'ed Several GT's (too heavy/expensive), Schwinn Mesa, Gary Fisher (Genesis geometry didn't feel right) | | Bike Setup: | Stock except: Irc Tires (2.1"), Bulletproof BMX Pedals, Serfas Grips | | Bottom Line: | After 1 year of continuous use (ridden several times a week and taken to the trails on weekends) my bike is still in
decent shape. Wheels come out of true a lot, but that probably just means that I'm getting better/having more fun.
I'm 5'7" & 140lbs. - this bike fits me perfectly. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eduardo Romero
a Weekend Warrior
from Carolina, PR
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Cambalache, PR | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$575.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Stop | | Strengths: | Frame, nice looking bike, value | | Weaknesses: | Mushy brakes, feels like squeezing an orange.
The Manitou Magnum entry level fork doesn't work for me (I'm 200 lbs) and when you apply the front brakes it gets scary as hell.
Too heavy for a hardtail
Had to replace cheap cassette and chain for XT cassette and Shimano chain.
Seat, one day I rode a multimile hill and by the end I couldn't feel my middle section. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for the parts I had to replace: Cassette, Chain and Pedals (I bought Time ATAC clipless) | | Bottom Line: | Specialized should put a sticker on the bike that says "not intended for offroad use" like the ones in Toys'R'Us. Everytime I go for a ride something goes wrong. Today is the chain, tomorrow is the chain rings and after that, the rear derailleur. Anyways you will get what you pay for. This is a bike for beginners (which I was when I bought it). Sad thing is that if you want to replace several weak components in this bike, you are better of buying a new one. Buy it, if $500 is all you have, but if you have more money than that, buy a better bicycle. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary Albrecht
a Racer
from Salt Lake City
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere in the Wasatch Mnts. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$499.00 | | Purchased At: | Specialized Shop | | Strengths: | Very rigid. Will not flex or give when putting it through the pases. This bike is very solid. | | Weaknesses: | Front suspension (Manitou magnum fork is a little too soft). | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Comp II. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike allows me to transition between extreme trails and mild trials riding. I can be aggressive or just take it easy on a trail and then move on to really technical stuff. There are no annoying harmonic oscilations at high speeds on the road either. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Morris
a Weekend Warrior
from Dryden NY USA
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any dirt will do | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Rack | | Strengths: | LIGHT!! Great shifting, good suspension, good tires | | Weaknesses: | seat is very hard, stil haven't gotten used to it, and on my first 5 rides it came very loose and wobly, I had to tighten it a few times but now it seems fine | | Bottom Line: | Overall a great value-the only problem I've had is the seat but thats no reason not to buy it. I was very impressed to get such a good bike for 700-the tires and suspension are great, as are the components | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Les Filonowich
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Ute Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Village | | Strengths: | Good Looks, Light Weight, good components in the Deore's. Brakes were good. | | Weaknesses: | Chain Suck big time. Rode this bike 5 times, went to shop 4 to get it fixed. Did all the recommended pre-shifting, still couldn't keep the chain off the rings. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | AS-SOLD. Deore's front and back. | | Bottom Line: | It was pretty, but it weren't meant to climb, even the slightest hill. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jesse
a Weekend Warrior
from Knoxville TN USA
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Bike Zoo | | Strengths: | Light Light Light Frame!!! Strong,fast,indestructable.Great components plush fork | | Weaknesses: | Brake Levers, also brakes rattle when your going fast on a bumpy trail
The seatis hard but it's not too bad | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Stock except a bottle cage | | Bottom Line: | Great bike,Strong frame,good components,Really fast,really stiff.Awsome bike I'd recomend it to anyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Winkler
a Weekend Warrior
from Ridgewood, NJ USA
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Ski Barn | | Strengths: | An awesome upgrade from my old equipment. I've been riding seriously since 1994, and this is the first MTB I've owned with suspension. I also like the rapidfire shifting and overall sturdiness/lightness provided by the oversize aluminum frame. | | Weaknesses: | There is the occasional buzz or rattle I can do without, but that would not discourage me from buying again, or reccommending to someone else. Also, the seat is rock hard. Took a long time to get used to. But, this is easily replaced, and as far as I'm concerned, not a reason to avoid buying it. | | Similar Products Used: | I tested the A1 FS comp and a Raleigh M-series. I didn't like the Raleigh's geometry, and the A1 FS comp didn't offer enough to validate the almost $200 markup in price over the standard A1 FS. | | Bike Setup: | (almost all stock) Oversize aluminum frame, Deore derailleurs, rapidfire shifting, Manitou Mangum fork. Added aftermarket bar-ends (a must for the serious rider, plus they make any bike look more aggressive) and bottle cages. | | Bottom Line: | For what I paid, this is an awesome entry-level bike with suspension. For the weekend (and occasional weekday) warrior that I am, I could not find more suitable equipment for the money. This bike scores higher in all respects thatn my last 2 decent MTBs, a 1994 Diamondback Traverse, and the Giant Iguana (unknown year of frame) I custom built myself. For the money, you can't go wrong.
However, this is not a bike for those just starting to ride or professionals. For those who are dabbling with the idea of taking up riding, I say go to K-Mart and spend $75 on a Huffy. Take it out a few weekends in the road for some moderate trail riding. If you like what you see, THEN go to a bike shop and plunk down several hundred on an entry-level hard-fork or a Rockhopper.
For professionals, you should know what you need. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Bosquez
a Weekend Warrior
from Tulsa OK
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Turkey Mt. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Bikes of Tulsa | | Strengths: | Great frame - awesome balance over everything. Shocks are fun on all the rocks, roots, other crap at Turkey, but can be too squishy. Haven't busted a tire yet, so I'm happy with that. | | Weaknesses: | When wet - brakes do not work. Front derailluer clogs with mud easily and doesn't work as great. Grips are bad for downhilling but otherwise okay. | | Bike Setup: | stock - except new comfy seat. | | Bottom Line: | I'm having tons of fun on this bike and tearin it up too. Its taken a lot of punishment and bad weather and its still goin good. Need to get used to it...and hopefully I'll read better, because and problems I'm having, I think its me. Real light, easy to get around on kinda bike. Plan on upgrading some stuff which will make this bike awesome - so my recommendation is, go buy it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carl
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Barbara,CA,USA
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Mission Trails in SD | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike USA | | Strengths: | Lightweight but solid frame, sweet colors (black and blue), the Manitou fork as long as you're light, smooth ride, easy shifting, nice grips, price | | Weaknesses: | the hard-ass seat, squishy brake levers | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Marlin | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for beginners, especially for lightweights like me-sturdy, smooth, and fun. But if you plan on some crazy downhill, definitely upgrade. All around, a very nice bike especially for the price I paid. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Cross Country Rider
from Edmonton, Alberta Canada
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Any one | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Georges cycle | | Strengths: | 1) Derailleurs ( Shimano Deore)
2) Manitou Magnum fork ( very soft, but i am very light, so i love it)
3) Shimano Deore shifters ( quick and crisp)
4) Frame ( pretty light)
5)looks awsome! ( silver and red)
6) PRICE!!!!
7)Brakes ( tektro B24 Alloy)
8) Nice Tires that Grip
| | Weaknesses: | 1) BRAKE LEVERS (crappy, ugly)
2) SEAT!!! ( ouch, my bottom hurts)
3) Manitou Magnum fork ( not good if you are large, but I like it, but it may be a weakness for you) | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized A1 FS comp
other bikes in 500-600$ price range | | Bike Setup: | Shimano deore derailleurs and shifters, Manitou Magnum FOrk, Weinman Zac 19 rims, specialized Forearm crankset, specialized hubs, pedals | | Bottom Line: | I think it was the best bike in the price range. The frame is light and responsive and the components are awsome, the fork feels very plush for me and the derailleurs are great, this bike is a bike worth keeping and upgrading later on when parts start to break, i looked at the Gary Fisher tassajara and The Rocky Mountain Soul and this one seemed like the best buy, and so far, i haven't been proven wrong. The only parts that i don't like on this bike are the tektro brake levers, they feel VERY cheap and nit very stable, they work alright, but i wouldn't mind upgrading them very soon to some Deore, or LX, if you want a bike that you can take on the trails or even race cross country, this bike will serve you very well | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean gauvreau
a Weekend Warrior
from Canton, Mi USA
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | its the winter and i just got into the sport. hold on! ;) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Two Wheel Tango [ann arbor] | | Strengths: | -good value
-rides extremly smooth
-magnum fork is serving me well...but im only 150lbs | | Weaknesses: | -the brakes are a little mushy. ill be upgrading
-wheel setup is a bit heavy | | Similar Products Used: | none. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | great bike for beginners. i bought it on sale for $300, and i think i got the deal of a life time...i recommend buying this bike if you wanna get into the sport but dont wanna spend an arm and a leg getting a monster of a bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Swanson
a Weekend Warrior
from Germantown
Date Reviewed: February 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Appalacian | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$675.00 | | Purchased At: | Hudson Trail Outfitters | | Strengths: | Price, simplicity, and functionality. | | Weaknesses: | Still trying to discover. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose, Gary Fisher | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Why does everyone feel the need to put their 2 cents worth in after owning a bike for less than a month, or God forbid after a demo? Live with your bike awhile-atleast 3-6 months-before posting a review. Anything less than that and you don't yet know enough about your rig to render a valid opinion. This is particularly true with regard to durability issues. I know you're excited about your new bike, but be patient and post a review containing valuable information that will benefit all. MTBR isn't going anywhere. Disregard the ratings in this post, it'll probably be deleted anyway. Feel free to email me with comments; flame or praise. I like my bike it goes forward. It is fun to ride. Price was right. It is fun to ride. Please people, not all of us really consider your opinions as expert after "trying a bike out". | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Pester
a Weekend Warrior
from El Paso
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$569.00 | | Purchased At: | ride on sports | | Strengths: | storng frame, i've fallen and it is still standing. brakes stop my culo, and gears get it going. i dig the 27 speeds for my lazy smoking ass. fork is comfortable, brakes and components are pretty damn good | | Weaknesses: | the rider, pedals, crappy seat, lousy freaging tubes. and the rider once again. | | Similar Products Used: | your mama biatch. | | Bike Setup: | two wheels down and lazy lard ass on top. | | Bottom Line: | buy, if you're in good shape. it is a great value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Hobbs
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Barton Creek Greenbelt | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$499.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Sport Shop - Austin, TX | | Strengths: | Excellent frame, Deore components, great price, color (blue), it has everything you need without the stuff you can't afford | | Weaknesses: | Brakes are finicky, Rims need an upgrade, front shock is soft (but I am 6'1, 200 pounds - so maybe its not soft for everyone), some people hate the seat | | Similar Products Used: | Demo'ed GT, Trek 6000, many others | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for seat. I replaced it before I left the store. Heard too many horror stories. | | Bottom Line: | Absolutely the best bike for the price. It is the perfect entry-level rig. I researched everywhere (magazines, internet, bike shops, etc, etc) before I made my decision. Every other bike in this price range ($450 - $650) fails in some aspect when you compare it with the Rockhopper.
Frame is excellent. Components are Deore throughout, except for Specialized cranks and pedals (I think). Specialized doesn't do the mix and match routine - where they put nicer components in the visible areas and cheap stuff every where else.
The bike has its weaknesses (see above). But every bike in this price range does. And these weaknesses are easy to either upgrade or just overlook when you are getting started. The bike rides great right off the rack - though down the road if you hit the trails hard enough you will want to improve it here and there (seat, brakes, rims).
The bike sells for $599 but I found it on sale as they were bringing in the 2001 models. Go buy it and get outside! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andrew pike
a Cross Country Rider
from st. john's newfoundland
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | "rockey road" | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | canary cycles | | Strengths: | good strong frame, nice components very good braking. there are good aluminum parts like the stem is auminum the riser bar is aluminum and the seat post is aluminum the crank is a specialized strong arm pro. | | Weaknesses: | fork manitou magnum is good but not as good if you ad a judy or a bomber like in the same area of travel {76-80} | | Similar Products Used: | GT kakroram | | Bottom Line: | i love this bike. it was worth all that I paid for and more | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Strengths: | Great frame, nice fork, good components for the money | | Weaknesses: | Crappy levers(change as soon as possible), chain suck with forearm crank, rattly front mech, fork can be a pain to set up. | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for LX levers, s-works grips and Tioga Factory DH 2.1 tyres. | | Bottom Line: | This is a excellent bike for the money and I haven't been able to break anything yet(luckily!). The wheels are alright but I have put dents in the rims. Fork is a bit dodgy if not maintained properly, but Im thinking of getting some 2001 Marzocchi Z1 MCR's. Tyres not good in the mud. Overall a great bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
The One Who Got Away
a Weekend Warrior
from Upstate NY
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Strengths: | -The frame,oh yeah!Light,strong,upgradable!!
-The hubs(fly like the wind!)
-The paint(black'n'blue,sweet!)
-Manitou fork(better than a Jett,or worse,some RST or Suntour hunk of crap)
-Deore deraillers(many bikes in this price range spec a Deore or LX on the rear,but try to get away with putting a Acera up front)
-The Control/Master tires
-It's a steal for what I paid | | Weaknesses: | -The sh$tty rims!
-The Tektro brakes aren't the best
-The cheap,plasticky levers
-THE DAMN FOREARM CRANK!!!!!
-What's with the 9 speeds?8 speeds would've been fine.The way I see it,the only reason that 9-speed was invented was to generate more profit for Shimano!
-Why are there so many "S" decals?I don't like the corporate billboard look!
| | Bike Setup: | Stock,with Minkow Wedge and saddle bag(working up enough money to dump the crank!) | | Bottom Line: | Good bike for the price,but I suggest that you upgrade the cranks,wheels,brakes/levers,and maybe the seat before putting serious offroad mileage on this thing.It's still a GREAT bike though,and a recommended buy for those who are serious about cycling.
5 burning turds for value,4 turds overall.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JD
a Cross Country Rider
from Concord, Ca
Date Reviewed: January 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | still any trail that has dirt on it | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Strengths: | It was a great bike...which some dumb*** (sorry but it really angers me) had to go and steal. I loved that bike but I had to replace it and found a really nice deal on a new Haro werks XCT which was fine because I wanted to start upgrading the rockhopper anyway. I Miss the HUBS..that bike absolutely flew like it had wings. | | Weaknesses: | needed to upgrade the fork...which I got with the new bike...Got a Judy XC and new avid /daitech disc brakes....so I cannot say I am dissapointed | | Bottom Line: | It was a great bike and still would be if someone hadn't decided that after I spent the hard earned money on it they should have it instead.....so with the new bike I also got a Kryptonite Ney York Chain.....I highly recommend this $100 investment to protect your bike.
If you are thinking about buying the rockhopper...do it...especially if you are a beggining to intermediate level rider looking for a good solid bike...that is completely upgradeable. BUT get a GOOD lock | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Boyd
a Cross Country Rider
from Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Rise and Shine | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$575.00 | | Purchased At: | Algonquin Outfitters | | Strengths: | -Durable Frame
-Best parts in price range
-Rear Derailleur
-Hubs | | Weaknesses: | -Tektro Brakes (Useless in wet)
-Chainsuck front derailleur
-Magnum Fork
-Rims
-Pedals (scrap them A.S.A.P.)
-Seat is harder than a rock | | Similar Products Used: | 99 Schwinn Moab Disc | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for cranks (Now Deore) and brakes (Avid 2.0) | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great for beginners, but if you plan on riding a lot the Rockhopper will not be enough, to soon. Don't waste money upgrading and just buy a better bike in the first place. If your serious into biking it will only take a month to get used to a higher spec'd bike (i.e. Stumpjumper, Avalanche). You save a ton of dough in the long run. However, if you plan on being a weekend warrior then you won't find a better bike at the $600 price range.
The frame is tremoundsly well made (great job Specialized)
By the way scrap those stock pedals they'll strip your threads in the crank arms within a few weeks.
Turn off the T.V., get out and ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean Carlson
a Cross Country Rider
from Arcata, CA USA
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | "hiking only" trails (pick one) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Adventures Edge | | Strengths: | Light bike, best components for the price range, fun to ride. | | Weaknesses: | haven't found any. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Mesa GSX, Gary Fisher Aquila, GT Rebound | | Bike Setup: | Stock w/o those deathtrap toeclips and straps | | Bottom Line: | I was shopping for a new bike in the $500 range. There is a lot of crappy bikes with crappy components out there for that price, which was discouraging since I am not rich. Lo and behold, I see a 2000 Rockhopper A1-FS on sale for $450 (orig. $600) and snatch it up. This is by far the best bike you can buy for even the $600 range if you were to compare the components of this bike with those of others. The only difference between this bike and the $950 Comp model is component upgrades, so if I ever want a "better" bike, I only need upgrade here and there. Personally, I like the bike the way it is. It rides smoothly, is very light, and the Manitou Fork does great on landings (I weigh 180). If you're a yuppie who has to buy the most expensive thing whenever getting into a new sport on the weekends, then buy something else, because this one doesn't make a great status symbol. But it does look cool and ride nicely, so I gave it the big 5 flaming chilis.
PS I have had no problems with the seat because I am not a delicate wuss, and I haven't had any problems with shifting AT ALL! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zachary
a Cross Country Rider
from Madison, WI
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Williamson Street Bikes | | Strengths: | Light as hell, all components are sharp, perfect for entry level. | | Weaknesses: | Saddle is rough to begin with but no real disatisfaction discovered yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fischer-Tassajara
Raleigh-M800 | | Bottom Line: | This bike is perhaps the best value on the market in recent years. I've ridden in deep mud, hard pack snow, slush, ice, and good old pavement. On all these the tire set grips wonderfully, the shifters respond without a glitch, and the brakes stop on a dime (except the ice). I plan to commute on it all winter.
I'm 5'10/130lbs but I don't find the frame so light that I feel it's slipping away from me.
I tried Fischer and Raleigh (comparable components) but neither fit as well as the Rockhopper.
The only short-term drawback is the saddle which is living hell for the first week or so. Then miraculously it softens up. Be patient! This one is a classic. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dustin Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Kelowna B.C. Canada
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Gerick's Cycle | | Strengths: | A very nice looking bike with a strong frame and descent drivetrain. I had one flat in the whole time I owned it and no problems but Brakes. | | Weaknesses: | BRAKES!! I had to adjust them just about every ride and they'd always be tensioned wrong on one side no matter what I did. Also the seat was very uncomfortable and changed it.
| | Similar Products Used: | 99'Kona Firemountain | | Bike Setup: | XT front,rear deraileurs and shifters and XTR brake pads | | Bottom Line: | I really enjoyed the bike once I put XT components on it. A light weight frame and pretty good shocks but a bit too soft but plush feeling. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sergio Luporini
a Weekend Warrior
from Pembroke Pines, FL
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Markham Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | MegaCycle | | Strengths: | Best bike for the money out of the ones I tested. Sturdy bicecle that will handle everything (in Florida, at least) | | Weaknesses: | Cheap seat and pedals. Soft suspension. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Giant, Schwinn and GT | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Although that is I great bike for the money, I regret not spending 100 bucks more and getting the next model up, that is also a great value, has better components, including those that I consider weaknesses in mine | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Toby Liddle
a Weekend Warrior
from Poole, Dorset, UK
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$775.00 | | Purchased At: | Primera Sport, Bournemouth, UK | | Strengths: | This bike looks good and has a rock-solid and relatively light frame. You can beat the hell out of this bike and it just takes it. The frame's an excellent foundation to start with. With a few upgrades you'll have one hell of a fun and well performing bike. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy and weak ZAC rims (good Specialized hubs though). Really cheap and nasty brake levers and even nastier front and rear 'V' type breaks. Cheap looking, slippery pedals and cheap clips. Unforgivingly painful saddle (Guys, if you're planning on having kids someday, make this a top priority item for replacement!!) Nasty looking, heavy handlebar. The basic Y2k Manitou Magnum fork is awful - way too soft and gives next to no perfomance without a spring upgrade. All of the Deore components need to be tuned too often, at least they do in the first three months. | | Bike Setup: | I removed the toe clips and haven't replaced them. Looking to replace the pedals next. Lost the handlebar and replaced it with a Club Roost Sport GS bar and some nice Club Roost grips. This bar is lighter, stronger and good value, but it's still a wide bar, so I'll need to chop it down about an inch each side. Upgraded Manitou Magnum internals to the firm ride elastomer/spring unit - this was essential because things were getting too dangerous for me on an over-soft fork. | | Bottom Line: | A $500 bike that costs £500 in the UK. That's a scary $775 in US dollars. What can I say...we get ripped-off for everythng in the UK. A little over-priced in the UK.
Despite some of my words being quite harsh, this bike really is a fantastic deal for the money, but be prepared to spend some money on it to get it just right. I'm relatively new to this game but the more I ride this bike the more I appreciate the need to upgrade certain parts.
I love this bike. It's my pride and joy, but I'm going to have to upgrade many of the components before I can give it the battering I know it can truly take. This bike has heaps and heaps of potential.
Unfortunately Specialized really skipped on the fork and brakes on this model. I'm going to upgrade these shortly.
Initially the Deore derailleurs were a real pain,jumping all over the place, but they really do need to be broken in. They perform much better after a good break-in and the first service/tune. I would recommend better quality, stronger gear cables because the factory fitted ones stretch like hell.
The bike looks great and feels rock-solid and you know it's going to take a lot to break the frame. These frames have a lifetime guarantee anyway.
A superb entry-level bike that can take quit a harsh beating. I'd recommend it to anyone making a fresh start in this game. But be prepared to change a few things!
But don't buy this bike if you're looking for low maintenance or if you're considering serious racing. It will probably frustrate you on both counts!
But like I said...I LOVE THIS BIKE!!!!!!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
L Max
a Weekend Warrior
from Shoreview
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Battle Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Erick's Bike Shoop | | Strengths: | I've been riding 100% woods 3-4 times a week, racing every other weekend and beating the snot outta this bike without any breakdowns other than blown tires. Good price for a bike worthy of entry level racing. | | Weaknesses: | Saddle and clips got launched the first day. Some sloppy shifing between first and second rings. Keep chain clean and lubed. | | Similar Products Used: | None. This is the first decent bike I've owned after trashing several bargain bikes. | | Bottom Line: | Cheapest way to get into racing without a lot of upkeep or modifications. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ridethetrails
a Weekend Warrior
from north van, bc, canada
Date Reviewed: November 3, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | frame, 9 speed, value, upgrade potential | | Weaknesses: | saddle, no clipless, brakes mushy, bouncy fork | | Similar Products Used: | tested similar 2k setups from gf, gt, trek, norco | | Bike Setup: | stock plus bg sport saddle, computer. sans toe clips - shopping for clipless | | Bottom Line: | bike is good value for beginner to intermediate type trails. i ride 2 or 3 times a week, 60% dirt 40% road, to supplement my running.
for me, it came down to a toss-up with the gf tassajara and only bought the rockhopper because i got the better deal on it. if your budget is limited and don't want to shop every store in town, look at these bikes. more aggressive riders should go to a better set-up, or at least be prepared to upgrade in the future, look for a better fork, better brakes, clipless, etc.
the shimano deore drivetrain, especially the front derailleur, could be better considering the hype. tendency for the 2nd chainring to be skipped on up or down shifts and occassional chain suck incidents - maybe it's rider error, maybe i need a better mechanic or it's just the way it is. anyways, i'll rather ride then whine.
bottom line: excellent value, components could be better but expected for the price.
ps. specialized's got their 2k1 bikes on their website now. looks like the new a1fs comes stock with a bg saddle and rock shox judy "special" - what's a "special"? and, the rear derailleur gets upgrade to deore lx - but i think the front's the problem. still no clipless. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Weston FL, U.S
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Markham Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Megacycle | | Strengths: | Nice frame, good components, handles well. | | Weaknesses: | fork is a little to plush, peadals | | Similar Products Used: | trek, GT | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I think this is a great bike for somone who is looking in the $500 range. It has a great frame and components that are not great but work well. The fork is a little to plush (I only weigh 100lbs!). This bike is the best! I've done every thing from tight single track, to 4' jumps in the woods, and it does it all without any trobule. The only thing you really need to change on this bike is the pedals.(I just ordered a pair of Azonic A-frames!). I give this bike a 4 for value and a 5 for overall. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chuckles
a Weekend Warrior
from Seward, Alaska
Date Reviewed: October 27, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | the bike shop, anchorage alaska | | Strengths: | nice frame, nice fork, tires, rallys hard | | Weaknesses: | components: shifters,derailers, wheelset (heavy heavy heavy) | | Similar Products Used: | trek 6000 (wish I would have bought that instead) | | Bike Setup: | stock minus pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike if you just like riding on the street and wanna look cool. If you do any trail/mountain riding, dont buy this bike! The first day I rode this thing the chain pinched and I got a stiff link. The components are horrible... dont shift worth a damn... Whenever I rode in anything muddy or sandy using the granny gear the chain would catch the bottom of the gear and wrap back around (which ruined the chainstay)
dont buy this bike if you are a biker.... only if you are a poser. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Skip Robinson
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte NC
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | BikeSource | | Strengths: | I love this bike! It looks great, handles well and was a great value for the price. Yes some of the components are weak but it is NOT a $2000 bike. It handles well, climbs well and is overall a decent package. The fork is not the best on the market but again, it is a $500 bike! | | Weaknesses: | The seat BITES, I threw it away after one ride.
I replaced the brakes after one month. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Iguana | | Bike Setup: | Stock bike with Specialized Body Geometry Saddle and new Deore XT brakes and levers. No name 40* stem and bar ends. Will upgrade the crankset to a better Deore setup soon. | | Bottom Line: | Ok I am a BIG fellow: 6'3 and 275 lbs but I ride 5 times a week and all of it offroad. I needed a tough bike and I had to agree to get the wife a new one when I got my new one so I could not spend $1500 on mine and $300 for her. I picked the Rockhopper and she got a Giant Iguana. I have spent a lot of time cleaning and maintaining both bikes and mine is a better bike. Hers has some el-cheapo components which look nice, but the stuff on my bike actually works well. I am having the heavy duty spring pkg added to mine along with the other mods but this is a great bike for the money.
I will eventually upgrade almost everything on the bike but with the quality of the frame I am happy to do so. I also am pleased with the warranty and support from Specialized and my LBS. % chilis for value and 4 because the seat and brakes needed replacement. If you are looking for a step up to a nice bike but want to stay around $600 this is the bike for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco, CA
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Mount Davison | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$580.00 | | Purchased At: | ocean cyclery | | Strengths: | nice strong frame and nice durability. Looks flashy and catches people's attention. | | Weaknesses: | Constant need of repairs, cant really handle mountain trails.Crappy rimms and bascially the whole wheel set | | Bike Setup: | stock for now | | Bottom Line: | the bike is nice and affortable perfect for a new rider. Not very strong but still able to handle your biking needs. It requires high mantainence so it doesnt fall apart in the middle of the street. If u buy this bike u better save up for replacement parts. I myself hit one stupid small rock and flipped my ass over and taco'd my whole front wheel. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Hatfield
a Downhiller
from Blue Springs Mo, USA
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Landall Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$489.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Stop | | Strengths: | Good Frame (very lightweight),pretty nice Manitou Magnum fork, nice seat, good strong cranks, and of coarse a sweet appearance. | | Weaknesses: | crappy wheels, rear derailer, grips, pedals, no bar ends. | | Similar Products Used: | DBR | | Bike Setup: | Ritchey: Wheels, bars, seatpost, stem, bar ends. Wellgo clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | I love the frame, it is strong, lightweight and durable. The pedals it came with were totally crap (this was the first thing i got rid of). I changed the wheels after a month, because I kept busting spokes and they were pretty heavy anyways. I changed several other components to get the bike up to par for my style of heavy-duty riding. I definetly like the bike i'm riding now, but i'm not sure that I like the bike I would be riding off the rack, but hey, its cheap! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David King
a
from Norfolk, England
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | James Cycles Rotherham UK | | Strengths: | Well built lightweight frame; Manitou shocks; excellent handling - feels just right. Reasonable quality Shimano and Specialized-badged equipment (but I wish Campagnolo made mtb stuff). | | Weaknesses: | Awful toeclips straps - I removed mine; grips not very comfortable but replacements are cheap. | | Similar Products Used: | Marin; Trek; Saracen | | Bike Setup: | As standard minus the toeclips and straps. | | Bottom Line: | I think this is a great bike for the money - I paid £399 which is £100 less than the normal sp in the UK. Unlike others, I don't have any problem with the saddle - maybe that's because as an ex-road racer I'm used to hard, narrow saddles and skinny tubulars at 120ps.
I think the ZAC19 wheels are fine too, but then I didn't buy the bike for fancy tricks, just trail and road riding, which is often tougher than riding a track (I live in the heart of the Norfolk countryside and the local roads are badly maintained - full of holes and often six inches deep in water because the farmers have filled in the drainage ditches).
I may change the tyres to Crossroads type although I don't notice too much drag from them on the road. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DON
a Weekend Warrior
from GREENVILLE, S.C. USA
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | PISGAH, TOUR DE DUMP | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$575.00 | | Purchased At: | SUNSHINE CYCLE | | Strengths: | SOLID, LIGHTWEIGHT FRAME, MAGNUM FORK GOOD FOR THE MONEY, GEOMETRY MAKES BIKE HANDLE WELL | | Weaknesses: | NONE REALLY. GOT WHAT I EXPECTED FOR $575.00. ALTHOUGH THE DEORE FRONT DERAILLEUR NEEDS ADJUSTING MORE THAN IT SHOULD | | Similar Products Used: | BIANCHI, GARY FISHER TASSAJARA, UNIVEGA ALPINA | | Bike Setup: | JUST THE WAY I BOUGHT IT | | Bottom Line: | MY WIFE AND I BOUGHT MATCHING ONES AND SHE LOVES HERS, TOO. IT GIVES US SOMETHING TO DO TOGETHER AND IS A GREAT BIKE FOR AN INTERMEDIATE RIDER. IF I HAD A FEW HUNDRED MORE BUCKS, I WOULD HAVE BOUGHT A K2 ZED X, BUT FOR UNDER 600 LARGE THIS WAS THE BEST DEAL. SPECIALIZED DOESN'T DISSAPOINT. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SJ
a Weekend Warrior
from Upstate NY
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | The local quarry | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Bike Setup: | Bone-stock..still saving to go clipless | | Bottom Line: | My original impression of this bike was slightly mixed when I first got it.I praised it for high value,bulletproof frame,and well-balanced geometry(oh yeah--killer paint too!).After getting it back from the bike shop's free 60-day servicing(Thank you,Steiners!),I can update as follows:
1)The Deore parts are functioning very well now--all it took was a few minor adjustments(the Deore parts need to be broken in-I wonder how many people realize this).
2)AARGH!!These damn toe straps are definitely worth upgrading!Get clipless pedals!!
3)The generic parts(Specialized logo)aren't as bad as I originally thought--but the seatpost isn't great.The clamp became loose a couple times--after I tightened it twice and there were no more problems.
4)The Specialized hubs are OK,but these ZAC-19 rims aren't.These hoops are too damn heavy and don't have a good reputation for strength--I'm looking to get a Deore/Mavic 221 wheelset.
5)The Magnum fork is pretty good--but it must be lubed often.Before I sent the bike to the shop it was making funny sounds and was sticking.After being serviced,the fork worked fine(BE WARNED--this fork needs firmer springs if you weigh more than 190 lbs!)
6)The seat is fine once you break it in--a different saddle may work better with other riders however.
7)The brakes are not great--upgrade these in the future.
That's it.
If you are new to this sport and don't require some fancy full-suspension sled,you'd be an idiot to pass up any of the Rockhopper models--they're awesome value for the money!
LONG LIVE SPECIALIZED!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vincent Przybyla
a Cross Country Rider
from Laurel
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Long and fast | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$515.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | A-1 Frame, fairly lightweight, magnum is fairly plush(for the price) | | Weaknesses: | Although I just started off, I know a quality when I see it. I rode moto for 6 or so years and even skateboarded for 5 -- so I can tell the difference between a good setup and one that is just plum bogus. After riding at least 3 times a week over the last 4 months, I can tell all of you out there with certainty that this bike has the cheapest components known to man slapped on it. I mean, why don't you compliment the freakin' frame with a better selection? What's with the rims, crankset, and bar choice? I switched out practically everything -- starting with the seat and followed by the pedals and grips! | | Similar Products Used: | None. This is my first and last Specialized (although I am all for the frame). | | Bike Setup: | What I switched to: Mars 1, XT, Specialized Body Geo, Pyro/ Dart, Zu Zus, Oury, (everything else stock at the moment) | | Bottom Line: | Buy used if you don't have the dough up front -- or just be patient! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SJ
a Weekend Warrior
from Upstate NY
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | The local quarry | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Strengths: | -Great value
-Solid frame design(lightweight,too!)
-Inexpensive
-Great tires
-Good climbing/descending ability
-Good workmanship at this price
-Decent Manitou Magnum fork
-Awesome black&blue paint job!
-A very solid platform for future upgrades
-If you're a beginner to the sport(like me),this is your ride! | | Weaknesses: | -Ditch those lousy pedal clips!(Always too loose or too tight!)
-Cheap generic brakes(Too mushy)
-Fussy Deore 9-speed componentry(Front der. always grinds on mid-to-low downshifts,occasional ghost-shifting on rear der.)
-Occasional chain suck
-Generic stem,handlebars,seatpost(No failures yet though)
-Heavy wheelset
-Hard seat! | | Similar Products Used: | My first true mtn. bike. Demo'd a Cannondale F500(Too expensive). | | Bike Setup: | Stock(Saving up for clipless pedals) | | Bottom Line: | A sweet bike for the price. Specialized hit the nail on the head with this one. Great aluminum frame--looks more expensive than it is. With a few upgrades this bike would be even better.
A few nitpicks:
1)The fork needs a firmer elastomer for my 180-lb weight(I'm looking to upgrade to a better fork--I,m strongly considering a SX or a Marzocchi Z-5.Any recommendations?) 2)LOSE THE PEDAL STRAPS!Save up and go clipless-it's worth it!
3)The brakes are okay, but feel mushy and cheap. Upgrade to good vees(I'm checking out Avid or Shimano).
4)Less generic in-house components would be welcome.
5)Pain-in-the-rear Deore deraillers--but maybe I just haven't broken them in yet.
6)Get a better seat!!Your butt will thank you!(I recommend a BG Sport)
All right, I'm done whining!GET OUT THERE AND RIDE! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike 974
a Cross Country Rider
from Romeo, MI USA
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Stoney Creek - Burchfield Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Overall it's a very comfortable ride. Everything
is nice...especially when comparing costs. | | Weaknesses: | The seat was uncomfortable at first. I dislike
the toe-clip pedals. I would have preferred a
better fork, but I really shouldn't complain since
the price was quite reasonable as it was. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | As is, the bike is very nice. Comfortable and
handles excellent. Within the next few months I'll
be making a few changes just to dial it in. Of
course, these changes are not necessary. It's
a great bike as is.
I would recommend this bike to anybody who is looking
for the best value for an entry-level bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alan Martinez
a
from Lawrence, Ks, USA
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Lawrence River Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$469.00 | | Purchased At: | Sunflower Outdoor and BIke | | Strengths: | Pretty good manitou Shox, great frame, i personally like the seat, good crankset, and great hubs. The rear hub on this bike is that same one put on the rockhopper A1 Pro so it must be good. The tires dont seem to be bad or good im not real sure what makes a good tire.
| | Weaknesses: | Shatty rims as usual with a bike of this price range, derailluers are ok not the best if I rode more i'd definetely upgrade to at least lx. crappy grips but hell up grade to top of the line for about 10$ | | Similar Products Used: | a1 comp fs, not worth the extra money unless you have it but it sure does look nice. trek 6000 nothing compared to the a1 fs | | Bike Setup: | wellgo clipless, specialized dirt rodz bar ends, wireless specialized team conputer | | Bottom Line: | THis is a veery good bike and for what i paid for it, unheard of anything that compares to this cost easlily 80-100$ more + It is very asthetically pleasing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Edmond, OK
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Good climbing and solid geomitry and the A1 frame is very good. | | Weaknesses: | The fork, the magnum fork just sucked on downhills and the breaks and tire quality were not up to par. | | Similar Products Used: | specialized FSR and Trek 950 | | Bike Setup: | All stock except Time ATAC pedels | | Bottom Line: | I had to use this bike on a week trip in Colorado as a bakup when my deralur on my FSR fell to pieces on a long downhill. Granted the frame was a tad small I pounded the bike as far as it would go and it kept asking for more. If Specialized would put a tad better fork on the bike it would kick ass for the dollar. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a Weekend Warrior
from West Hills, Ca
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Temescal Fire Road/Eagle Rock | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Excellent handling in sand and dirt. Great on the trail. Smooth ride through and through. Best trek in hills yet. | | Weaknesses: | Seat is a bit hard at first. Just get used to it, you'll love it. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6000, GT Agressor, P.O.S. Pacific Elite | | Bike Setup: | Stock from factory. Manatiou Magnum Front Shock. Shimano Diore Derailures. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the best by far for off road trail bustin'. Great smooth ride. Rode several bikes on test runs before making the purchase. I originally was going to get the Specialized Hardrock A1 Comp FS, hard bike to get. Found this little number at a shop in Arcadia, blow out sale............$350.00 Can you believe it!!!! Anyway, if you want a great value and an excellent ride.... this one is for you | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Montgomery
a Weekend Warrior
from W. Lafayette, IN.
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Wabash river heritage | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Bomb-proof frame, nimble geometry, stock Specialized parts actually aren't too bad, Deore components. I like the tires - they're fine in everything but sand. | | Weaknesses: | The saddle, of course. I'm also not real thrilled with the brakes, but they work. Pedals kinda stink. Mud clearance in back could be a bit better. | | Similar Products Used: | Demo'd a 2000 Trek 6000 | | Bike Setup: | Stock + Schwinn bar ends, Oury grips, Specialized Body Geometry MTB saddle | | Bottom Line: | This bike is an excellent choice for beginners and moderately skilled riders - good value/performance combo. I like the way it glides over stuff. I've learned a lot about Mtn biking in the relatively short time I've owned it.
For heavier riders like me, 6' 1", 210lbs, go for a firm ride kit on the Manitou fork - I bottomed it out alot.
5 flamin Chilis for value and performance. For those complaining that it isn't race material, well, it isn't. Go buy an S-Works M4 or the like for that. For relatively cheap thrills, the A1 Fs is for you.
And can we please keep the spam reviews out of here? I hate seeing the rating of my beloved ride drop with crapola reviews. Why does Daddy let you surf the web?
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christine
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago, IL
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | North Branch | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Light, sturdy. Shocks are awesome. I paid $550 for this thing, and I love it. | | Weaknesses: | Seat (a bit uncomfortable and seems to cut off circulation after the second/third hour of riding), gears/shifter. It has a hard time "turning over" on the 1st and 2nd on the right side. Very strange. | | Similar Products Used: | Cheap-o Sears bikes. This is my first REAL bike. | | Bike Setup: | Currently stock. Looking for a new seat. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great damn bike for the price. I love it. The seat is a little hard on the nether-regions, but that can be replaced. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Troy
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, TX
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Quality bike for price. Components package is great for this price range. | | Weaknesses: | Saddle made my balls hurt | | Similar Products Used: | GT Rebound | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money. Highly recommended for new riders who don't want to be tagged as having more money than skills. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Tacoma WA USA
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Shimano Deore derailleurs,andshift levers. Price, I got mine for only $499 from a dealer offering lifetime adjustments. Lightness of bike. Quality of bike for the price. Alot more bike then the competors I looked at for more money.
d | | Weaknesses: | THAT DAM SEAT!!!!!!!! It did not even make it 1/2 hour on the road. I read everyone elses comments so I bought a BG Sport before I left the dealer. MY front brake keeps getting hung up on the rim. The shifters needed to be adjusted 2 times before they were right. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6000, Giant (junk) Iguana SE. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the seat. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. I had a 1985 hard rock with motorcycle brake levers for 15 years. Specialized has it down. I wish I could afford a more expensive model, like a Stumpjumper, but that is the way it goes. I would recomend this bike to anyone on a budget, or even one not on one. Only time will tell how I feel about it in 2500 miles,ten ridges, or 30 trails. However so far so good. But please get a new seat setup Specialized!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack
a Weekend Warrior
from New York City
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | -Great value
-Great frame
-Nice Manitou fork
-Relatively light
-Agile | | Weaknesses: | -Rear brake
-Grips | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, GF, Klein | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I love the equipment that you get for the price that you pay. No real compromises, unlike from some other companies.
The frame is fantastic, I can't say anything less about it.
I also love the way the thing looks.
The fork is nice, some more travel would be nice, but hey, at this price, I'm not complaining.
The rear brake feels mushy at times.
The grips feel too big for the bar.
Anyway, these are minor, minor problems. This is a great bike for the price. Good for beginners and intermediates willing to upgrade certain components. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alfonso
a Cross Country Rider
from Oakland, CA USA
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Unbeatable value, indestructable frame, true off-road worthiness, great blend of components for entry-level bike, breeds confidence, can adapt to improved riding skill due to superb upgrade potential | | Weaknesses: | Sissy rims, cheap chainrings, too much front-end flex, and -- wouldn't you guess -- the horrible saddle (see bottom line for other comments) | | Similar Products Used: | shopped Trek, Klein, Raleigh, GT, Giant, Kona and Schwinn | | Bike Setup: | Z2 Xfly, XT/XTR, Bontrager Race wheels, bla bla bla | | Bottom Line: | 6 months in and 700 miles on, I've learned much about this bike, even as I've swapped out just about everything on it. It's undoubtedly the best bike a beginner off-road rider can get for stock features AND upgrade potential. The key is the frame -- tough and rigid -- unmarred despite numerous awful crashes I've taken due to stupid novice mistakes. Having made a concerted effort to improve my riding skills, I'm more and more impressed by the way this bike handles -- true point and shoot control.
Components... well, there's a different story. If true off-road riding is a new hobby to you as it was to me when I purchased the bike, the component mix is ideal. As you get better, you start to notice their shortcomings:
Wheels: Weinmann ZAC 19 rims are way too heavy and way too flexy for hard and fast off-road riding. I've since replaced both wheels with Bontragers but actually miss those stock Specialized hubs which were quite fast.
Fork: base model Manitou Magnum is a cheap fork that won't stand up to hard rides unless you want to have it tuned after every ride. I was tired of bottoms-out on every ride, so I replaced mine with a Marzocchi Z2.
Brakes: OK, this brings up a small frame flaw. The brakes themselves are decent (just have your LBS fix that cable stretch often), but the rear is really squishy due to frame flex. Fix it with a good brake booster (I got a Gorilla). When you start to ride really fast, consider different pads or new calipers altogether.
Rear derailleur: I, too, have had that double-shift down/back up one problem because the Deore falls out of alignment so easily. Learn how to adjust the rear derailleur often or invest in an XT. The other half of the shift problems lies in the stock Deore shifters. Likewise, look into getting XTs.
Front derailleur: perfectly fine. The stock Deore is virtually identical to it's XT counterpart with the exception of the clamp material. Leave it be, but -- like I said -- better shifters for better riders.
Saddle: lose it the minute you get your Rockhopper. Get a saddle that works best with your rear. I now use a Specialized BG Comp MTB saddle.
Steering: headset is remarkably smooth and balanced, but the stem and handlebar flex too much in rough terrain (baaad). I've since replaced these components with others (Kore, Bontrager) made from the exact same material, yet enjoy much greater control.
Bottom bottom line: unparalleled value, slightly less than perfect quality | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JD
a Weekend Warrior
from Concord CA
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | one with dirt on it | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Value value value!!!!! drivetrain, strong frame, the list goes on & on, I even like the color (I opted for the blue/black combo) | | Weaknesses: | none that I've found yet, not even the seat, I had a Scott (bought in 94) and I equipped it with a Ritchey racing saddle which til this very day I believe was constructed out of cement, so maybe I am immune already....
I guess the forks can be upgraded (I'm a big guy, 6'4" 240lbs) so its a little spongy, but for the price, you aren't gonna get an SX fork...oh the grip thing but that is a cheap fix... | | Similar Products Used: | tried the GT Rebound, but it didn't have the sweet drivetrain, although I liked the Judy XC fork, Also looked at the Schwinn Moab 3 but it was alot pricier | | Bike Setup: | Stock , but I am in dire need of a riser bar, and I had to get rid of those silly toe cages.....those things will kill ya (why do they keep putting them on the bikes, no-one I know uses em'). | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike especially for the price, the only thing close was the Rebound but like I said it has an alivio front deraileur and alivio shifters, with the Rockhopper you get the full on deore package, although you sacrafice a bit in the fork dept. I have bottomed the fork out once or twice but I think that given my size it's gonna happen, I did figure out the grip PRoblem..SOMEONE CALL SPECIALIZED AND TELL THEM THE GRIPS ARE TOO LONG FOR THE BAR!!!!!!!!!!
and I guess the seat is nothing compared to my old ritchey...My Scott was stolen last year and I was in dire need to replace, it cost $750 new, but I wasn't a husband or dad when I bought it, so the budget was in full effect this time around....So like I said for the money this is a great bike for the Intermediate (and with a few upgrades the advanced)rider on a real life budget.....5 flaming chilidogs all around | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Leeds, England
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Great Manitou fork,plush. Brakes alright but swaping them. Light weight. Good gears. | | Weaknesses: | Seat a bit hard. | | Similar Products Used: | Nil. | | Bike Setup: | As stock apart from the pedals. Wellgos now! | | Bottom Line: | A great bike for the intermediate rider. £500 well spent. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeffrey O
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Palos | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Good weight. Versatile geometry. Plush suspension. | | Weaknesses: | Tires and seat have to go! Unreliable deraileur. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Big Sur & Kai Tai, Trek 6500 & 7000. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: |
This is a really versatile bike that can handle just about any kind of situation I throw at it. It has nice balance, and I felt confident right away. It feels aggressive, which I like, especially in cross country. The shocks felt pretty soft at first, but once they were tightened up, they've been fine. I'm able to get plenty of power from the drivetrain.
My main complaint is with the deraileur. When shifting down it's fine, but when I try to go into the higher gears, I usually have to shift up twice and then down once to get the gear I want. I can never just shift up one. This is extremely annoying because I many times can't take advantage of downhill momentum before I have to downshift again for a climb, or to stop at a light. Also, the seat is pretty uncomfortable for longer than a few miles, and the tires are really knobby without offering a lot of grip. But those are cheap fixes.
All in all it's a sweet bike, but I'm probably going to trade up to a Rockhopper Pro while I have some extra cash. But if I didn't have much more money, I'd definitely keep it and add new tires and a seat. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clint
a Weekend Warrior
from Abingdon Maryland
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Light wieght, front suspension, looks great and the price (paid 500.00 and plus got a free pair of 2000 rock hopper shoes. | | Weaknesses: | Shiffting seemed to be a problem at first but got used to it and the seat is terrible. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the pedals... Kore G.A.S.S.... nice pedals for the price! | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, I would recomend this bike to anyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chuck Butler
a Weekend Warrior
from Albuquerque, NM, USA
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Elena Gallegos | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Feels real solid. I jump it over everything I can find and
it responds like a mountain goat. Looks pretty good to. | | Weaknesses: | Shifting sometimes is a bit tricky, especially when the gears are experiencing some torque (uphill or downhill) but I'm getting used to it. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6000, Giant iguana, Cannondale ??? | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for a Specilaized comfort seat I had put on when I bought it, it was a must. | | Bottom Line: | I ride more, I enjoy it more, and I just cannot shut up about my bike and the great rides I go on with it. I would
recommend this bike to all except extreme bikers. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Warren
a Weekend Warrior
from Maple Grove, MN
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Tough bike. I have managed to bash into rocks, trees, etc. and there has been no ill effects. Shifting is easy once you get used to it. | | Weaknesses: | Seat is just plain awful. Grips also. | | Bike Setup: | New "anti-numbness" seat by serfas. Other than that it is stock. | | Bottom Line: | I like this bike, and would reccomend it without hesitation to a friend. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Buttafuco
a Downhiller
from Grand Junction, Co, US
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | ExTrEmE | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Good frame. Uses nice brakes and the fork does well for those big bumps on those steep hills. The tires are nice and work well. | | Weaknesses: | Tires slip on really loose dirt. SEAT HURTS. But after about a month it gets better and you get immune to the pain. Make sure you check out the shifters as well because somtimes when its in the right gear it gets stuck between 2nd and 3rd. | | Similar Products Used: | univega 600 | | Bike Setup: | Store | | Bottom Line: | This is a good bike for the begginers to intermediate people not looking to go down the most extreme hills. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Jackson
a Weekend Warrior
from Charleston, SC
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | the dirty one | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Well made frame, good Deore 27 speed components, overall light weight, plush adjustable Manitou fork, responsive | | Weaknesses: | Shabby brakes, rock hard seat, cheezy toe straps on pedals, cable routing questionable | | Similar Products Used: | GT Rebound, Gary Fisher Tassajara, Cannondale F300, Trek 6000 | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Specialized Body Geometry seat(so far). Brakes will go soon. | | Bottom Line: | Super bike for 600 clams. Manitou Magnum fork best in its price range. Light weight and responsive bike. I've had it a couple weeks, put it through its paces, and the thing doesn't flinch. The brakes, while cheap looking and difficult to adjust properly, stop well. Great 27 speed Deore drive train, similar to the old STX product line. The seat is horrendous. I traded mine in on the Spec BG seat with a discount. Highly recommended. The end of the grips are flimsy at the end of the bar, but that can be fixed with bar ends. I did a lot of reading and riding before this purchase, and felt this was the best bike at the $600 price point. The Cannondale was lighter, but the Rockhopper rode better. For me, the only thing that needs to be upgraded down the line are the brakes. I can highly recommended this bike to anyone looking for a low priced bike. 5 steamy piles for the value, one point penalty for the brakes and the evil practical joke they call a saddle. Ride on! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Max Colby
a Weekend Warrior
from Somerville, MA. U.S.A
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Great Farms State Park, Carlisle, MA | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Tires are great. Very aggressive. Handles well in all situations. | | Weaknesses: | Toe clips | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6000, Gary Fisher Tassajara | | Bottom Line: | Great beginners bike. Loves to go in the mud... Might want to change the saddle on the long run... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler
a Cross Country Rider
from WV
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | mossy | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Weight, Abililty to take a beating, no shifting problems, and the seat is not as hard as everyone else says it is. | | Weaknesses: | I dont like the way the shift levers and brake pulls are set up on the handlebars. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Rebound, GF Tassajara, Trek 6500, Raleigh M80 | | Bike Setup: | Stock plus clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | Upon comparing this bike on paper to the others I tried, this was the logical choice. After testing the bike out at the bike shop, and then riding on the trails, I would definitely recommend this bike to others. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cam
a Weekend Warrior
from Hawkesbury, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Lightness, tires . | | Weaknesses: | Grips- too long for the space given, seat-uncomfortable, brake pads don't work very well when wet or muddy, shocks- a little soft but i dont really mind. | | Bike Setup: | Stock but looking to upgrade | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price! Out of all the FS Rockhoppers this is the one you should probably get because you can upgrade and would you really wanna pay another 300$ just for different pedals? ( FS Comp, FS pro ). Great for beginners and just about anyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alan Barnstable
a Cross Country Rider
from Bristol, UK
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Blackdown, Mendip Hills | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | looks, build quality, frame, forks | | Weaknesses: | chain suck, pedals | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | body geometry saddle - brilliant
Specialised computer (with wire) - excellent | | Bottom Line: | high quality bike at reasonable price, good performer on and off road, bought saddle at time of purchase because of other reviews, brake pads wore out in 80 miles - wet/muddy conditions, pedal bearing also wore out in less than 200 miles - replaced under warranty, forks not very adjustable but have become increasingly smooth and don't bottom out, front gear change not always reliable especially when the bike has accumulated alot of mud (the cable runs under the bb). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bjorndoggie Cruiser
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacto, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Haven't decided. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Strong light frame, responsive, drive train and killer looks. | | Weaknesses: | Seat, grips and occasional chain suck. | | Similar Products Used: | Tried Raleigh, giant and Trek. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Body Geometry Comp seat and Crossroads tires (I commute on it to work). Rock Shox instead of Manitous. Future upgades: clipless pedals, seat shox and a better set of rims with bombproof off road tires (I will use stock rims for street tire use). | | Bottom Line: | I wanted to upgrade from my Raleigh and did alot of research and rode several bikes.This bike had the best feel for me out of the comparable bikes I road in this price range. I'm putting about 100 mi per week on pavement with it and realized that I needed a different seat. I have just started taking it off road a bit and have not had any problems. I will post again once I get some serious off road miles on it. For only riding it a month... I love it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a Weekend Warrior
from chico, ca
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | live oak in bidwell park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | frame, brakes, tires, deraileur, rims | | Weaknesses: | seat, shifters, pedals | | Similar Products Used: | n/a | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | for $600 this sis a good bike. i thrashed mine the first hard ride i took and came back with oil pouring out of the manitu magnum shock (is that normal???), two tweaked rims, and two busted pedals. after getting it fixed i took it back to the same trail and my rear shifer went out... not fun. i need to get that fixed and get a new set of pedals (clipless) before my next ride. also, the seat bites!!!! it sounds like im saying ti sucks but im not. this bike is great and i love to beat on it. =) the shock only spit out oil after the first ride, maybe packed too tight at the factory... if you got only $600 and need a bike, buy one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Nashville, TN
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Hamilton Creek park and Lock 4 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Light!!, I like the fork (Manitou Magnum). Great for the price! Good handling. Also Specialized is great in general! | | Weaknesses: | When i was looking for a bike i looked at all of the things that people said and the thing that everyone said was that the seat was the WORST!!! I thought it was ok, but then again i'd get a new one. Also the Deore derailers weren't so great at times, but i got use to it. Grips!!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | GT Rebound (heavier though)
Gary Fisher Tassajara | | Bottom Line: | I really like this bike!!! As i already said the Manitou Magnum is great! If i could get another bike i wouldn't but i would if it was a Specialized FSR endouro or something like that! But i still love this bike! Also this bike i think this bike is made for thoes people that either ride alot but not hard or people that ride not much but when they do it is kind of rough! I'm one that does alot but still a little rough! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Camp Hill
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Weaknesses: | rear brake line routing, grips, "mega swine" drive train (I'd get 8 speed if you can find it) | | Bike Setup: | new brakes (turns out I probably didn't need them), otherwise same as last time | | Bottom Line: | Reposting after I've ridden the bike a bit more. I took a 40 mile ride in the rain yesterday. The drivetrain responds poorly to adverse weather in an extreme way (can you say chain suck X 10?), and the bent chainrings and cogs that this causes don't help the problem at all (can you say chain suck X 100?).
!!!!Most of my previously encountered brake problems were due to the layout of the rear brake cable on this bike. Anyone who buys this bike and plans on riding in mud, rain, water, dirt, sand, wet leaves, etc. ... needs to seriously consider altering the frame to accept some sort of a ferruled cable system and then fully enclosing the rear brake line. Otherwise it sucks up all the elements and thenc tends to just suck. The bottom hung possition is too open to the elements.!!!
I've said my peace... now I'm happy, same rating :P | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ravi
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Light frame, good components for price, precise handling. | | Weaknesses: | The seat is hard, hard, hard. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6000. | | Bottom Line: | This is a sweet bike for the price. The gears shift smoothly, the frame is precise and the bike handles
paved road and dirt paths with equal aplomb. The only minus
is the seat which I have not been able to get used to. It is very hard (ouch) and I will probably get it switched out. Other than that, this is a great bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Voto
a Weekend Warrior
from Providence RI
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Big River | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Great Frame in the A1! Deore Components are getting great reviews (just as good as lx's) PRICE is good for specific upgrades. Control/Master tires | | Weaknesses: | Seat, Brakes, Fork bottoms out - but decent, pedels with straps (silly). | | Similar Products Used: | GT Rebound(very tight decision, opt'ed for better frame/deraillers), GF Tassass??. | | Bike Setup: | Race Face Stem/Riser Bar/Seatpost, Avid Arch Rival 50 w/ 2.0 Levers (speed dials), Salsa seatpost clamp/top cap, oury Grips and Time clipless pedels. | | Bottom Line: | Great Starter bike with great potental. Bike can handle anything from xc trails to technical downhills (with a few falls for good measure). Thou's on a budget can upgrade over time for a perfect fit and finish. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Grow
a Weekend Warrior
from Armidale,NSW,Australia
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | ? | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | smooth gear changing
frame
brakes | | Weaknesses: | seat
shocks
| | Similar Products Used: | GT aggresser
Giant atx 840 | | Bike Setup: | no diff | | Bottom Line: | She's a pretty cool bike. So far I have treated it with no care on trails and jumps, still all has has not faulted.I wish the shocks were a bit larger such as a pair of Manitou SX R as the magnum bottoms out too easily.
I think this bike is ideal for the old foegies that what to get into MTB or the young beginer but for me, I NEED MORE!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
The Weez
a Weekend Warrior
from hillsboro, or USA
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | still deciding | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | killer frame. it almost seems indestructable without being too bulky. once you get used to the brakes they rock. good componants too. climbs well. and most importantly CHICKS DIG IT | | Weaknesses: | front shock isnt all that adjustable. changing gears is a little delicate but ive gotten used to it already so i bet anyone could. | | Similar Products Used: | none really | | Bike Setup: | stock except specialized body geometry sport saddle | | Bottom Line: | sweet ride for the price. good first bike. the brakes will stop you on a dime, especially the front ones. something to keep in mind when test riding. (i almost went over the handle bar.) very plush front shock. almost too much. but if it suits you, you can get a stiffer spring. also... everyone is complaining about the seat. i had no problems with it. i already had the other seat and would feel like i wasted money if i didnt use it but i had no problems with the stock one. BOTTOM LINE- great bike. i love it. i did a lot of research and this one is the best thing under about $750.00. go buy it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GenxCEO
a Weekend Warrior
from Elkridge, Md
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Rockburn/Avalon Area | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Great value for the price. Very good frame, 27 speed with Manitou shocks. Same frame as "Comp" model and worthy of spending money to upgrade. | | Weaknesses: | Ouch!!!! That Damn Seat!!! The first ride stayed with me 2 days. I gave the benefit of the doubt and tried again. It was better, but not worth keeping. It WILL be replaced.
The front shifters are not smooth at times, but I think it will work itsekf out when I, "become one with the bike". | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Moab 3; Gt Rebound; Trek 6000; Gary Fisher Tassajara | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I am very pleased with the purchase. New to the sport and I think I did my homework. Some other bikes give you the LX rear derailleur, but drop to the Acera front and sometimes Alivio shifters. This has full Deore which is consistent. I've had problems with the front shifter, (it seems as though most of the reviews say likewise) but not having full pressure while shifting minimizes this problem. The seat it not comfortable. But not having a inflamed butt is worth spending money on. Hard to beat for the price!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Smith
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore, MD
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Avalon Park Baltimore, MD | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Its light, it climbs like a mountain goat, with the extra gears I can climb hills that were hike a bike trails for me, the price is very good for what you get. | | Weaknesses: | The rims are not strong enough | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Eguana | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I ride about 50 miles of technical trails per week and have been riding for about 6 years. This is the third bike I have owned and by far the best. My last bike was a giant eguana it is a tank that I converted to more of a street bike (for around town).
My big complaint about my Specialized is the rims, The Weinmann rims seem cheap and weak. I completely trashed my back rim just yesterday as I was pumping up a steep incline. The rim just collapsed on me, lucky for me there was a good tree near-by so I could true it up enough to limp out of the park. I have about a month and a half and maybe 100 miles on the bike so it's still under warranty. Also, the front rim needs to be trued up for the second time. My other observation is the bike does not want to stay tuned (gears), I don't consider this a problem yet because I'm not sure how much of this is cables stretching. Don't get me wrong I love the bike, but yesterday's experience with the rims just pissed me off so I though I'd pass on my experience. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Richland, WA
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Whatever I'm on at the moment. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Big Bang for the buck! This truly is a great bike for the price point. Frame - Light weight, quick, responsive. Shock - plush. Nice component set. Brakes. Good looking steed. No regrets. | | Weaknesses: | Saddle: I wanted to like it...can't say it broke me, but I didn't break it either. Front derailleur can be a little finicky, but proper shifting technique takes care of most of that (You can't be putting all your weight into the peddle stroke when you're shifting. But it doesn't take long to get used to. Chalk it up to the Deore Mega 9 drive train). We'll see how well the front derailleur holds up... | | Similar Products Used: | Looked at many others at comparable price range prior to choosing this bike. Kona, Giant, Schwinn, GT, Gary Fisher. | | Bike Setup: | Stock - plus bar ends and other essentials... I could live with it, but will upgrade the saddle in the near future. | | Bottom Line: | I've already put over 250 miles on the bike so far, and it only gets better and better. My rides are pretty well rounded, both road and trail. The bike performs great on both.
No problems with the brakes or grips, as others have mentioned.
The Manitou Magnum shock is plush, and I haven't bottomed it out. When starting out hard from a stand still, and standing on the pedals, I get some spring on the front shock. Seems like this would suck a little energy out of each stride, but it doesn't slow me down any.
Like I said, I'll upgrade the saddle, and keep an eye on the front derailleur. My LBS has been great to work with, so I'm not too concerned. At the worst, an upgrade would be pretty cheap.
Don't get me wrong, these are MINOR issues I'm talking about. This is a GREAT BIKE! I compared extensively prior to choosing this bike, and after 250 miles I know I made the right choice. Value/$ you can't beat it.
Unless money is not a factor, and unless you're fanatical and need mo'better bike for racing, this is the one to buy! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Allen
a Weekend Warrior
from Aptos, CA
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Light weight, feels good, good components | | Weaknesses: | Stock seat is uncomfortable | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6000, Raleigh M80, Gary Fisher Tassajara, Specialized Hardrock Comp, etc. | | Bike Setup: | Replaced seat with gel padded one and replaced tires with hybrids | | Bottom Line: | So far, I like this bike a lot. I'm a beginner and do only easy trails and roads. I feel very comfortable on the Rockhopper. The front shifter hangs a little once in a while, but otherwise, no problems. The brakes are very good. Getting a softer seat made a big difference in comfort, as did changing the tires to hybrids (for road use). Most of the bikes in this price range that I tested were good, but this one had a slightly better overall feel to it. Your mileage may vary. Since the fit has a big effect on the feel, the dealer was very good and patient in letting me try different bikes and frame sizes so that I could come to that conclusion. I can't think of anything else that I could ask of a bike in this class and price range, and highly recommend it for a beginner like me. I could have saved about $50 by shopping around a bit, but this dealer spent a lot of time with me to get the right bike and the right size. For a beginner, the dealer selection may be more important than the bike selection. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Philadelphia, PA USA
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | hog's hole (NEPA) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | 1. frame - great 2. weight - compared to about 5 others I checked in the price range, this seemed much lighter. 3. speed - you can really fly on this. 4. looks - most others in the range, besides being clunky, were pretty booty looking. | | Weaknesses: | I've had the bike for nearly two weeks now, using it about 8 miles per day. The seat is as bad as everyone else says it is. The rear brake is soft as well. Also, the factory grips slide around. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested: Trek, Raleigh M1, Mongoose. Last bike owned: '94 Rock Hopper. | | Bike Setup: | stock, but plan on upgrading seat/grips amongst other things. Also, mine came with Jett XC shocks, not Manitou. | | Bottom Line: | Here's the deal. I paid about $900 for my old RockHopper and got 6 wonderful years out of it and would've gotten more if it didn't get stolen. When I started checking out replacements, I was worried about what $500 would get me today. Everything seemed clunky, heavy and ugly looking. Fed up with what I tested in the price range, I ordered the A1 Comp FS without testing the actual bike (just saw the catalog). When it arrived, I knew that I had made the right decision. It is head and shoulders above the rest. $500 and worth every penny so far. You won't be sorry!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Wilhelm
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore, MD
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Long Rd. trail at Patapsco St. Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Great bike for the price. Has nice components that other companies cheapen up on such as shifters/rear derailer/etc. Rides great, looks great. Overall an excellent bike for us who want something fun to ride a few times a week and not pay a million dollars to do it. | | Weaknesses: | Ahhhh, the seat. After the first few hours of riding I was walking funny for a few days. For those considering this bike definately do something about the seat unless you want another a**hole. Front derailer acts up sometimes but no real problems. I haven't found the brakes to be all that bad, they do get alittle noisy when wet or gunked up but that is to be expected. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6000 which is a nice bike but it downgrades some of the components unlike the Rockhopper. | | Bike Setup: | Stock but bought a nicer seat. | | Bottom Line: | Excellent overall bike for those who are getting into the sport. No other complaints except for the seat. You get alot of bike for the money and can have just as much fun on it as any 3000 dollar bike (coming from a three time a week rider who doesn't race or anything). For those who want that then they will have to pay more $$. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Riding Atty
a Cross Country Rider
from KY
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Quick, fast, light, nice parts. | | Weaknesses: | front shifter; | | Similar Products Used: | fisher tass; trek 6000 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Hey, not a bad ride. Beginners take note. Great parts; nice price; solid and fast, very fast, bike. Don't let the saddle reviews influence your decision. In my experience, the saddle hurt for 10 minutes, and is now very comfortable. Same with the grips. I did not ride a bike for approximately 10 years before jumping on the Rockhopper, but it's been nothing but a perfect fit for me.
The Shimano's are somewhat difficult to shift under pressure, but they make a great learning experience. Bottom Line: Buy this bike if you a beginner to the sport like me. I'm impressed. I'm satisfied. Compared with the other bikes I've seen and priced, it's my recommendation that you jump on this bike as soon as practicable. (Then again, everything can always be better, so this won't get a perfect rating). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roy
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Kettle Moraine WI | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Great Price. Nice Frame. Rear derailer better than anything else in this price range. Comfortable bike.
Great bike for Beginners. | | Weaknesses: | Front Derailer. Seat. Brakes. Rims. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Tassajara. Kona. GT Rebound. Schwin Moab 3. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | Overall, I'm happy with the rockhopper. For the price, its a great bike and you can beat it up pretty well. Its a comfortable ride on/off road, with a few exceptions. The seat is brutal. Swap out immediately!!! (Take my word for it, I tried to "break it in" and it broke me in instead.) The front derailer is getting very annoying- its cheap and it locks up when shifting with pressure on the pedals. The rims are cheap as well- I bent both of them the first time i took the bike off road.
Don't get me wrong though, this is the best bike in this price range. These are just the problems you will have to deal with in this price range.
5 hotties for the price
4 for the chintzy rim/derailer | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Camp Hill,PA,US
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Tucahoe | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Price Price Price. Brakes (at first). The granny on this one is a VERY old lady. | | Weaknesses: | Brakes are twitchy (they get wet/dirty really fast and then they refuse to work) they flex the rear stays too, Bar is too wide, the seat is a painful ride ON THE ROAD, no matter how I tried I couldn't keep the grips from moving about the bar. Oh yeah... the chain occasionally jams when switching up chainrings (this lead to a second ring so badly bent that it became unusable). | | Similar Products Used: | very old Schwin moab (first or second gen.) tested trek and raleigh's in same price range. | | Bike Setup: | Added Ritchey Logic comp V2 pedals, adding Tektro quartze series (leaf spring) brakes and rear brake booster soon. | | Bottom Line: | You can't beat the price on this one. This is a good bike for beginners who are serious about riding. More experienced riders need to look elsewhere (and pay a little more unfortunately). Knowing you only spent about $500 makes the other problems livable. The brakes really are a B•TCH though. I rode over my spring break in some wet & muddy weather and the rear one became EXTREMELY unresponsive (they closed and refused to open and eventually one arm ceased to move). Cleaning and lubing the brake cable after dirtier rides seems to help a bit. A guy at my lbc recommends putting housing along the entire rear brake cable (it's exposed along the bottom of the top tube) and securing it with cable ties. Despite being extremely careful after my first encounter (two days after purchase) with the jamming chain up front I managed to do it again yesterday (about four months later) and now the bike needs some professional help.
I can't completely agree with those who hate the saddle. The only time I've noticed any discomfort with it is when I'm riding on bumpy PAVED roads. If you're off road and up out of you're seat you don't notice if it's hard or uncomfortable.
Long story short... the price is soooo nice, and you feel like you could pedal up anything in the lowest of the low gears, but the amount of work required to keep everything working properly (brakes) and the jamming chain drops this one to only four flaming chilis. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kirk
a
from St Charles, MO, USA
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Frame, Components, Manitou shock | | Weaknesses: | Other than the seat I haven't found any other problems | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a great value for the money. If you look at other bikes for about $600, you will find they downgraded some of the components to save money. The bike handles extremely well, and is about the best buy you can make in this price range. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charles
a Cross Country Rider
from Norman, Oklahoma
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Around Lake Thunderbird | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Great, well-built Al frame with headtube gusset plates, top and bottom. Very good Deore derailleurs,Tektro brakes, Manitou Magnum shock, and Specialized designed components. Specialized tires good. All for $550 here at LBS. | | Weaknesses: | Very average Specialized steel chainrings. Poor performance from KMC Z9200 chain. Average to poor owner's manual. | | Similar Products Used: | Compared with Cannondale F500, Trek 6500, Raleigh M80, Schwinn Moab | | Bike Setup: | Stock. Replaced Ft Derailleur with XT and chain with Shimano HG92. My bike is a 21" model and weighs 29.5 lbs. I replaced stock spring/MCU unit with Manitou firm kit. I'm 6'2", 240 lb. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the REAL DEAL. This is the best 27-speed REAL mountain bike for under $600. Frame worthy of upgrade as parts wear. Every other component good to very good. However, you need to know about shifting the ft.derailleur to avoid chainsuck. This is a common phenomena in 27 speed mountain bikes, where the thin small (granny) and middle chain rings will not release the chain at the bottom of the ring and will pull the chain back up around and jam it between the ft. derailleur cage and chainstay. Complete lockup! I bent derailleur cage and chainring teeth on my first ride on the bike. This bike must be shifted with as little pressure on the pedal as possible when changing chainrings. I replaced the stock KMC chain (elongated 1/2 % in 2 months - 500 miles) with a HG92 and eliminated about 75% of the problem. Good shifting technique took care of the rest. I will change to a Shimano XT crankset and HG92 chain when I wear out the current chain & chainrings. A visual comparison between the XT and these stock chainrings will convince anyone of the difference. It's not just about weight! This shifting problem occurs on many bikes though, even $4000 ones. Overall, I'm very happy with my purchase on all terrain, especially mud, and recommend this purchase to any offroad rider, over any other ATB under $700. If you have $1000 to spend, start looking at the Specialized Stumpjumper or A1 FSR series. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jordan
a Weekend Warrior
from Mobile, Al
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | The bike has a very strong frame, solid. Good value. | | Weaknesses: | The seat (had to change it out after the first time I rode it.) The weight. The brakes... kinda cheap. | | Bike Setup: | All stock. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is good for beginning bike riders who are wanting to get into the sport. If you're like me, however, it won't take you long to need something a bit more rugged. (I beat it up pretty hard) StumpJumper, HERE I COME! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Beverly, Ma
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Low price tag (about $550), strong frame, good components for a midlevel hardtail, kick ass looks | | Weaknesses: | The grips stink but that's fixed with some $7 Ourys, tires aren't the greatest. | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback P.O.S. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | For the money, if you're just getting into mountain biking, this is a great package. The frame is real solid without getting into big money and the components are pretty good. Its a bike you can keep for a while and upgrade components on. It feels real solid when you're riding it. I demo'd a Gary Fisher in the same category and it felt like a toy by comparison. So far I'm real happy with it but I'll update once I've had more time to beat on it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ricky
a Weekend Warrior
from Hebron, CT USA
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | cheap and powerful drivetrain. decent suspension and tires you can really rip down the trail with this bike | | Weaknesses: | i really haven't found anything wrong with the bike yet. the seat is starting to come apart and i've had to true the rims a couple times. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | everything that come with the bike except for nashbar clipless and some accesories | | Bottom Line: | great bike for around $600. good if you're just getting into the sport or if u want a better bike without the price tag. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: February 26, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Good mix of Components. Good Frame | | Weaknesses: | Seat and awaful grips | | Similar Products Used: | nil | | Bike Setup: | same | | Bottom Line: | This is a very good bike for the money it has many good components (suspension and gears) if your looking for a great bike but don't have the much cash. This would be the bike for you | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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