Description:Recreational XC Hardtail
A reliable, efficient and trail-tough hardtail that packs a ton of performance into a light and easy-to-love package. Maybe you're just rediscovering riding, or perhaps just discovering the unbeatable joy of exploring long, fast, sweet trails. With nearly 25 years of continual refinement and race-bred performance trickled down from our Stumpjumper line, the Rockhopper is a reliable, efficient and trail-tough hardtail that packs a whole lot of performance into one easy package. The Rockhopper's entirely redesigned frame is lighter than ever and classically tuned for trail riding, with just the right blend of quickness and composure.
Submitted by
Mr.Ice
a Cross Country Rider
from Lancaster, PA. USA Date Reviewed: October 26, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Green Mountain Cycle
Strengths:
Plenty of bang for your buck. Easily upgradeable. Fast and light for the price. Stock kevlar bead tires.
Weaknesses:
The only problem I’ve had is with the seat. I'm on my second one. The tubes bent on the first on. The replacement is starting to do the same thing. Perhaps i have it too far towards the rear. I’m going to try a bent back seat post to fix the problem. Other than that it has been a great bike.
Similar Products Used:
Jamis Dakota SX Sport, GT, Others
Bike Setup:
08 Rockhopper Comp Disc. Stock except for grips.
Bottom Line:
If you want great out of the box performance this is the bike for you. I ride this bike with friends, race it in adventure and duathlon races, and everything in between. Buy one you wont regret it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JMCFRISCO
a Weekend Warrior
from Frisco, TX Date Reviewed: October 4, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
RBM
Strengths:
Pretty good value for the money. this is my second MTB after taking 10 years off from riding. Front rock shox perform well and disc brakes stop on a dime. I have read that the seat is uncomfortable, but it works fine for me. I think this is just a matter of preference. the trubliss tires work well for me here in North Texas and hill country...our trails are typically hardpacked clay and/or limestone.
Weaknesses:
Rear derailer gets out of alignment often and the Shimano Octalink crankset is junk. wore out the crankset in less than 3 months.
Similar Products Used:
Trek
Bike Setup:
upgraded to shimano clipless pedals and Sram Truveda crankset. everything else is stock.
Bottom Line:
I think you can get a specialized epic comp for a few hundred more if you hunt around enough. worth the extra bucks to get the higher end components, especially if you are not sure how hard you are going to ride and at what technical level.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
swoods286
a Cross Country Rider
from Ohio Date Reviewed: September 26, 2008
Favorite Trail:
anything singletrack
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$780.00
Purchased At:
Bike Source in Colum
Strengths:
The bike is very durable with a frame that should last forever. It has easily handled the 150 or so of tough trail miles I have put on it so far. Components are good, and can easily be upgraded. Handles well compared other 21" frames (I'm about 6'3', 185)
Weaknesses:
Stock pedals are horrible. Replaced them very quickly. The seat isn't very comfortable, but that's what padded bike shorts are for.
Similar Products Used:
tested several other similar bikes.
Bike Setup:
Crank Brothers Acid MTB Clipless Pedals. Stock Fast Trak tire on front. Specialized 'The Captain' rear tire.
Bottom Line:
The bike gives you good stock components for the price. Plan on buying new pedals right from the start, but that comes with many bikes. The tires were the only thing that caused me problems. I rode the stock tires till one got a good 2 inch slit in it. I then put a better tire on the back with more traction. Since then, no complaints. Have had to tune the rear derailleur a couple times, but it stays tuned pretty well.
If you're looking for a XC hardtail, I strongly suggest this bike. It will do anything you ask it to on the trail. Excellent bike for the price paid!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a Cross Country Rider
from Ct USA Date Reviewed: August 24, 2008
Favorite Trail:
trumbul
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$780.00
Purchased At:
Zanes in Branford
Strengths:
The frame will last for ever, disc brakes did well, fork was alright for riding in the trail
Weaknesses:
i read before i bought the bike that the tires are terrible and didnt have high expectations, but the are terrible, seat and grips were bad
Bike Setup:
just as i bought haven't got to change the tires and grips yet
Bottom Line:
a nice hard tail, specialized did a good job making a mid range bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TampaTundra
a Cross Country Rider
from Tampa,FL Date Reviewed: August 21, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Carter's Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
Flying Fish
Strengths:
-Great base bike
-very nice frame
-never let me down
-climbs really well
Weaknesses:
-stock pedals, but honestly, unless you are getting a $5000+ bike you get plastic pedals since everyone has there favorite ones that they swap out right away.
-bb5's get to be a little bit of a pain to maintain, so they dont squeal or rub all the time. But they are mechanical and there are hydryo's for not very much now.
-No real problems to turn away possible buyers
Similar Products Used:
Nothing mountain wise is 7 years or so.
Bike Setup:
08, Specialized LoPro2 pedals, Lizard skin Peatey grips, American Classic wheels, SRAM red spider cassete. Everything else stock. coming next Avid Elixirs.
Bottom Line:
I used to ride mountain bike around 6+ years ago. Then stopped, and 4 or so years ago picked up road, went through 2 bikes and wanted to change it up and got this bike. Used it for little over 2 months while stock on some of the highest level difficulty trails near Tampa/Lakeland with no problems. Many of the stock components are on the heavy side but I look at it like this. I ride with it being stock and a little heavy but get in better shape faster, if its heavier you have to do more work to move it uphill and maneuver it around obstacles. Then over a little time I get more used to it and upgrade components to make it lighter and overall better, so when I have it fully done I will be a better rider physically and mentally than if I simply when out and bought a $5000 bike. Also you will save plenty of cash this way also.
Also everyone saying the seat is uncomfortable....thats why they make riding shorts. With a seat being slim downed on padding it weighs less as well as is firm so you don't hit it and bounce off when on a trail. Same for just about every mid-high end saddles out there. Plus if you are sitting down that much then you should step up to some more difficult trails, or more exciting ones.
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Submitted by
splink
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada Date Reviewed: August 20, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$999.00
Purchased At:
Gears
Strengths:
-Strong, light frame
-Decent components
-Smooth fast bike
-Great value
Weaknesses:
-Rims/Tires (I broke the stock rear alex rim within a month of riding strictly cross country, no jumping or downhill and I am only 165lbs)
-The Fast Trak tires are slow on the road and provide no traction on the trails-upgrade immediately!
Similar Products Used:
Giant-XTC
Bike Setup:
sun rims single track rear rim
wtb exiwolf front tire
wtb mutano raptor rear
otherwise stock
Bottom Line:
Great value, cant be beat for the price but specialized really should have provided tougher rims and better tires
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
madcatmini
a Cross Country Rider
from San Luis Obispo, CA, USA Date Reviewed: August 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Quarry road
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$748.00
Purchased At:
Art's Cyclery
Strengths:
Awesome frame tough and rugged. Components seem to be holding up fine. I beat this bike up reguarly and it just keeps on... biking?
Weaknesses:
Seat is a wee bit uncomfortable and pedals suck.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Shimano SPD clipless pedals all stock otherwise
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike love it! I would get this bike again in a heartbeat. I commute 5 miles each way to work on pavement. I also do about 3-5 miles of rough trail a day, on weekends im riding upwards of 15 miles a day on trail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Loos
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: August 11, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Great frame, I love the geometry. A great platform to upgrade. Good drivetrain.
Weaknesses:
Pedals are cheep. They really could have upgraded to BB7's.
Bike Setup:
I put Hope Mini's and some Mavic Crossrides on it...
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. Some of the parts need to be upgraded but can be done inexpensively. I would absolutely recommend it for an entry level bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
onlyinamerica99
a Cross Country Rider
from Port Orchard, WA Date Reviewed: July 24, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Chikamin Ridge
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$875.00
Purchased At:
Classic Cycle Bainbr
Strengths:
Geometry, light weight, reliable lower end derailers and comp pkg, handling, Fork, Avid BB5 disk brakes, PRICE.
Weaknesses:
Tires: Goes with almost any bike straight from the box. The tires are good for commuting and VERY light trail use. Pedals: I used the pedals once, the test ride. Got home and stuck some Crank Bros pedals on, first thing.
Similar Products Used:
2001 K2 Zed Team
Bike Setup:
Stock + Crank Bros Pedals
Bottom Line:
For a daily commuter/weekend warrior - AND - the price vs the complete package, you can't go wrong. If I had to start my pre-purchase research all over again, I'd still come to the same conclusion... Fisher Marlin Disc or this bike (Fisher wasn't avail for few weeks but this was in stock and I needed something then, not later, other wise... Fisher).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ghq1
a Cross Country Rider
from Woodinvilel WA USA Date Reviewed: July 19, 2008
Favorite Trail:
St Eds
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Craigs List
Strengths:
Lightweight . .Smooth action . .Positive control . .Nice parts . ..Easy to upgrade
Weaknesses:
Paint . .and the pedals a slippery little buggers so I added toe clips
Similar Products Used:
Stumpjumper from 83 . .Rockhopper from 1989
Bike Setup:
Stock with Topeak rack & Lizard Skin bits
Bottom Line:
I've used SPEC bikes since 1983 and the Rockhopper Comp Disc is a beauty - smooth, responsive, light and well built
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ridestar
a Cross Country Rider
from london Date Reviewed: June 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
pull
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
forks,crank,wheels......the lightness
Weaknesses:
--
Bottom Line:
my friend has this bike and it is really light and has all the good parts you need...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
camo
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: June 6, 2008
Favorite Trail:
anywhere thats dirt
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
dornellas
Strengths:
great value, superb frame, good components for the $s, climbs well, good front shocks.
Weaknesses:
just look at the paint and it will scratch (got the silver colour). I got the 08 my wife got the 07, I like her's better, 08's seat and pedals are even crappier than the 07s.
Similar Products Used:
Avanti hammer
Bike Setup:
Stock apart from new shimano clipless pedals
Bottom Line:
For the $'s a great value bike. A few weaknesses but only really minor ones that can be changed with no fuss. For the dollars I could find no better (all the sales were over!)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zachary Hobbs
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario Date Reviewed: June 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Old Quarrey trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Oakville Cycle and Sport
Strengths:
Great breaks, Deore deraillers, and Rock Shocks. I'm 14 and 6"2 155 lbs and it handles really well for a guy my size. Dampens hits real well and can get goin pretty fast. Frame is unbeleivablely strong. Wiped out the other day (stupid muddy tires) and there were no problems after that.
Weaknesses:
Pedals suck. If your shoe gets wet you slip like crazy. Seat hurts like hell. If you dont have some padded shorts prepare yourself for a long ride. If its muddy the mud gets stuck in the tires and you absolutly have no traction.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for new pedals and seat.
Bottom Line:
Fantastic bike for the price. If your looking for a inexpensive bike for trail with good parts this is a great buy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael MacFarlane
a Weekend Warrior
from Fruita, Colorado, USA Date Reviewed: May 25, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Kokopelli Trail system
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$845.00
Purchased At:
Ruby Canyon Cycles
Strengths:
Good components for a bike under $1k out the door, the 21" version is a responsive,comfortable ride for a 6'2 250 lb. guy. From what I saw looking around, this bike is a good bang for the buck.
Weaknesses:
Feet lost the pedals a few times, especially on bumpier downhill trail sections.
Similar Products Used:
Tried the Trek 6500, a Conondale, and a K2
Bike Setup:
Stock except for front clips added to pedals.
Bottom Line:
I am pretty new to the sport, but living in Western Colorado there are a ton of trails for all levels out my front door. Looking to give the sport a try for under $1k and still get a quality ride led me to this bike. After 3 weeks and about 40-50 miles, mostly xc trails, I am a big fan. The only change I can still see coming would be to possible upgrade the breaking system at a later date, but the stock ones are fine. I would not hesitate to recommend to anyone either looking to get into the sport without breaking the bank or just looking for a good ready-to-ride hardtail package.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randall DeJarlais
a Weekend Warrior
from Fife, Wa, USA Date Reviewed: May 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
NightCrawler
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
This bike has a nice component package for the money. A strong frame, Deore deraillers and the fork worked nicely dampening everything well I rode on. As someone whos just getting into the sport after a few years off I was surprised to see discs on XC bikes and the ones on this bike worked well on technical downhill sections.
Weaknesses:
I have had this bike for less than 2 weeks. The first 20 or so miles I logged were road miles. Yesterday was the first time I took it on some more technical single track and I already need my wheels trued. I may have pushed this bike a little hard, but none-the-less not to happy. The lockout on the fork doesnt lock completely, but the travel you get is so minute that it really isnt an issue. Front end pitches up a little on steeper climbs, but easily corrected. THE PEDALS! Go buy a pair before you take this bike out, even its if just a road ride. If your shoes get wet you will be in a world of hurt. Make it easy and get something else. Heavy, 29-30 lbs for a 21"
Similar Products Used:
GT Avalanche, GT backwoods, a few different BMX bikes
Bike Setup:
Bone stock. Clipless pedals and shoes on the way
Bottom Line:
Great for someone looking to get back into the sport, beginner or intermediate, and wants a competitive bike without the sticker price. Good bang for your buck. Like many of the reviews already have stated paying in the $850-900 and getting the package is very nice. Good all around Hardtail bike that can handle more abuse than just a XC bike would. I feel personally because of the sticker price you wont be too afraid to push this bike and increase your overall rider skills.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
josh barber
a Weekend Warrior
from New Castle, IN Date Reviewed: May 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
westwood park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$839.00
Purchased At:
mathews cycle, Indy
Strengths:
looks and features/components for the price seem to be at least even with the competition
Weaknesses:
pedals and seat
Similar Products Used:
gary fisher tass, motobacane, iron horse,
Bike Setup:
stock - still new
Bottom Line:
bottom line is i spent 3 weeks scratching my head about which way to go - buy on-line and get a bike that no one around here sells or has any direct affiliation with, or go to LBS and buy from them and get the service and help i need being a first timer.. I decided to go with this bike because of its reputation and feel when i test rode it. also because of the upgrade options i have with a company that has been around for a while. more reviews will come later after i log more miles.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
NewbyRider
a Cross Country Rider
from Alabaster, AL, US Date Reviewed: November 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Oak Mountain
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Light frame, rigid, shimano comps.
Weaknesses:
Pedals, seat
Similar Products Used:
Stumpjumper FSR
Bike Setup:
Stock except upgraded CB pedals
Bottom Line:
The M4 frame and Deore drivetrain make this bike worth having. The shifting is smooth, and it is easy to pedal after removing the stock pedals. This frame is relatively light, I am 6'5" 240, and seems extremely durable. I have put about 120 miles on the bike so far (about half on singletrack), and the brakes are holding strong. The price of this bike seems like an extremely good buy for anyone who is looking to maximize value on a XC hardtail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Hobbs
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, CO Date Reviewed: September 15, 2007
This replaced a 2007 Diamondback Sorrento. Pedals much better. Front fork is decent when compared to the pogostick on the Sorrento. The M4 frame now standard on the 2008's is supposedly a pound lighter than the 2007's A1 frame. The only real complaint I have is the paint. I dont even know if I would even call it paint. Hard to explain without seeing it in person. Overall, I'm happy with the bike and it is a great improvement of the Sorrento.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adrian Riley
a Weekend Warrior
from Galloway OH, USA Date Reviewed: September 6, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Bike Source
Strengths:
Shimano Deore shifters all the way through. Large fork to support me (6'3" 225). Pretty much all top line equipment throughout the entire bike.
Weaknesses:
Seat shifts sometimes, not to mention not very comfortable (you have to buy bike shorts). Some squealing in the breaks. Going over jumps is tricky due to fork abosorbing all the take-off.
Bike Setup:
Factory, 21" frame
Bottom Line:
I cannot say enough about this bike. I bought it to get back into shape and maybe cure these shin splints i have. I have ridden a few trails (6mi.) and this bike handles it all. I felt comfortable and in control the whole time. I also went on some long flat road trails and the lockout option on the fork is great because i can ride for hours and not lose any speed due to front shock taking away momentum. I would definitly buy this if you are a first timer or just someone looking to get back into the sport. This bike will help you and train you along the way.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
griffin
a
from carlisle, ma Date Reviewed: September 1, 2007
Favorite Trail:
anything an great brook farm
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$930.00
Purchased At:
Belmont Wheel Works
Strengths:
nice fork, great brakes, light
Weaknesses:
chain grinds on front dérailleur and the cables are stretching after that none
Similar Products Used:
gary fisher piranha
Bottom Line:
great bike for price, get this by all means if your a light downhill or cross country rider. its near unbreakable, its fast and an unbelievably fast bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam B
a Cross Country Rider
from Syracuse NY Date Reviewed: July 16, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$840.00
Purchased At:
Advance Cyclery
Strengths:
Light and quick, stable at speed, manuverable
Weaknesses:
crappy pedals
Bike Setup:
07 Rockhopper Comp Disc, Crank Brother Mallet C pedals
Bottom Line:
A great bike for the price, pedals just as well as some of the higher end XC bikes. With a couple tweaks, it's definitely a trail worthy bike. The stock pedals suck, so upgrade as soon as possible. Overall I've been really happy with the bike, climbs well, and is stable on descents, even on the the super technical stuff some of our local trails throw at you. Comfortable if you feel like putting in a marathon day, and equally at home on a variety of terrain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Simon
a Cross Country Rider
from North Shields, Britain Date Reviewed: July 11, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
local ad
Strengths:
Very light. Excellent geometry halfway between old-school racer and modern trail bike. Standover and finish.
Weaknesses:
Honestly can't think of any.
Similar Products Used:
'02 Coyote HT5, '06 Indian Fire trail, '03 Scott Pro racing
Bike Setup:
Full '03 XT, FSA Carbon contacts
Bottom Line:
Frame only review! Bought the frame for £100 and its great. This years is made from M5 alloy, not A1, so its a lot lighter. The angles are perfect at 70 degree head and 73 seat and I've even put a 120mm fork on it and its still great for fast riding. Standover clearance is huge and this is a real boon - why are'nt all frames like this? I'm '5"10 and the 17" is perfect with a 22.5" horizontal top tube measurement. Also has eyelets for a rear rack which is rarely seen on decent frames nowadays and the disc only spec looks really tidy. Paint and graphics are top notch, welds good and finish in general is excellent. A Cracking frame that shames many more expensive offerings. By the way the Comp Disc model costs £750 ($1600) in Britain while its only $850 in America. Good to see that the massively strong pound's still not making a difference to the prices we pay in Blighty!! Gawd bless capitalists, one and all!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luke
a Racer
from Middlebury, Vermont, USA Date Reviewed: May 11, 2007
Favorite Trail:
TAM
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
excellent all-around frame - great stiffness and almost no vibration. Its taken a couple hard crashes, and so sign of fatigue with a pressure test. Great geometry for short enough for comfortable cross country riding and long enough to race on
Weaknesses:
weak paint - scratches easily
Similar Products Used:
Novara Aspen
Bike Setup:
Fox F80, Mavic Crossmax UST Tubeless, Hope 160mm disc, XTR rear derailleur and cassette, XT everything else, FaceXC cranks and BB, Chris King headset
Bottom Line:
great ride, especially for the price. Comes with good componenets and fairly easy to upgrade.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Michigan Date Reviewed: April 26, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Fraser Bicycle & Fitness
Strengths:
Light/strong frame, nice shock and good brakes.
Weaknesses:
Ergonomics take a little getting use to from what I use to ride. The seat needs to go, the pedals are just ok.
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Mesa LE
Bike Setup:
Stock but not for long. specs here: http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?arc=2006&spid=21741
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is, this is a great bike. The price was great and my dealer was great from day one. There are some things that need to be changed but for the most part, if you are a cross country rider like me who does a good amount of road riding too, this bike will not disappoint.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Catlin Owens
a Downhiller
from Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States Date Reviewed: April 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Lake Leatherwood fat tire festival
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Lewis and Clark outfitters
Strengths:
Strong frame, feels like a high end xc racer, but without the cost.
Weaknesses:
Weak hubs, weak derailler, crappy peddals (you have to get new ones). needs freaquent tune ups.
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn mesa disc,
Bike Setup:
stock with few upgrades
Bottom Line:
This bike is strong and will last you a long time. Some of the parts are weak, but theyre not too expensive to replace. After riding one for 3 years, its done me good. just time for a new bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Muir
a Cross Country Rider
from Edinburgh Date Reviewed: April 8, 2007
$ 900.00
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
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