Submitted by
Matt Wykstra
a Weekend Warrior
from Galesburg, MI Date Reviewed: May 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Fort Custer
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$640.00
Purchased At:
Breakaway Bikes, Kalamazoo
Strengths:
Good frame and great fork for the price. Rockshox Tora 318 solo air is a lighter and better fork than any I could find at this price range. Fairly light for this price range too - about 27 lbs.
Weaknesses:
The saddle is not very comfortable, plus mine bent after a crash, I need a new one. The stock platform pedals aren't good for much either. You will need some clipless pedals if you are going to do any off road riding. Not the greatest chain in the world either (no power link), but it works fine - you just have to break a link if you want it off.
Similar Products Used:
None - this is my first bike, besides a Huffy (which doesn't count)
Bike Setup:
2006 Rockhopper Comp. 19" frame. Mostly stock plus Ritchey pedals.
Bottom Line:
I bought a 2006 model RH Comp in 2007 at a discount ($640, price tag said $750). I think it was a great purchase for me. Personally I like that it has the V brakes instead of disc. I don't do a lot of riding in heavy mud, but never have had problems braking, plus discs add weight, are more expensive, and harder to maintain. By 2007, I noticed that Specialized no longer offered the RH Comp without discs, downgraded the fork from a Tora 318 air to 302 coil, resulting in a 28.5 lb bike with a higher price tag of $850. I felt like I got a better bike for over $200 less!
So far, I love this bike. Perfect for a beginner/weekender like me. I am 5'11" and the 19" frame fits me well. I also tried a 17.5" Trek while shopping and this felt much better. The drivetrain is so quiet and smooth, but of course I'm comparing it to a dept store Huffy. The trigger shifting is great too, I can always get it quickly into that lower gear when the hills sneak up on me. I would recommend this to anyone who's looking for a first "real" mountain bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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