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
Regulator
a Weekend Warrior
from Mesa AZ Date Reviewed: November 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
National Trail at South Mountain
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$682.00
Purchased At:
Landis Cycles in Tem
Strengths:
Strong, capable bike with the ability to handle a lot of different terrain. The component choices work very well on everything from uphill road climbing to whatever you may encounter on the trail.
Weaknesses:
Pedals! Upgrade to clipless before you leave the store. The derailers make a lot of noise on the bumps and the chain came off the front rings several times but I'm sure with some fine tuning that will not be a problem. The tires could be upgraded to a more aggressive style if you're going to keep it off road only.
Similar Products Used:
Big...no, huge upgrade from a Gary Fisher Rangitoto.
Bike Setup:
Stock set up with adjustments only to the Rock Shox Dart 3 fork.
Bottom Line:
This bike can take much more than advertised. At 6'3" and 230# it took everything I could ride it off of. I am confident that,as my ability grows, this bike will take even more abuse.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sbmac
a Weekend Warrior
from Long Island NY Date Reviewed: August 21, 2008
Favorite Trail:
The life story that trails behind me
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$670.00
Purchased At:
Cycles Plus, Hunting
Strengths:
Amazing hardtail for the money. Great control and fun to ride. I added a thudbuster seatpost...sweet, takes the edge off bumps without losing the hardtail feel. I upgraded to Rock shox Reba Team forks, crankbrothers 5050xx pedals and carbon handlebars. This bike rocks now more than ever. A few mods, and for less than a Stumpjumper hardtail, you can have a world class steed.
Weaknesses:
pedals, tires (not the best traction in loose soil, gravel or sandy trails) entry level dart 3 fork could be 1 notch up, but it's fine if you're not jumping off cliffs.
Bottom Line:
For under $700, you get a killer frame and decent disc brakes and gears.
Upgrade from there, and you'll have an amazing bike for under what the high end parts would have been on a more expensive bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
johnsob3
a Weekend Warrior
from burke mt., VT, USA Date Reviewed: July 19, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Kingdom Trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
Littleton Bike and F
Strengths:
Solid, reliable, decent components for entry level. Very fun for cross country rides.
Weaknesses:
None found so far.
Similar Products Used:
Test rode Trek 4500 and 6000 (6000 was nice but pricier). Tried a Cannondale F6 or F7, but preferred the Specialized.
Bike Setup:
Stock from LBS
Bottom Line:
Great for entry level rider (like me). No problems found with riding or maintaining this bike. You will want to ride frequently once you get out on the trails with it. Feels like you are riding a more expensive bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AudibleE
a Weekend Warrior
from Lakewood, OH Date Reviewed: June 6, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$675.00
Purchased At:
Spin Bike Shop
Strengths:
Stable frame, light-weight, entry level shocks but work great, decent shifters.
Weaknesses:
Tires are a bit weak, tread not very deep, forks entry level but are decent for the price, seat post too long. Shifting and chain rattles on big jumps or hits, due to entry level derailer. Oh.... the Shimano pedals are garbage.
I just got back into MTB'ing this year and this was a birthday gift. This bikes is fantastic!!!! For just getting back into riding, I'm amazed at how well this bike climbs. I've been hitting the trails in Rocky River, granted I'm not getting too hardcore on the trails...yet.... but I'm extremely happy with riding it. The bike weighs I think around 15-18 lbs. which is a big difference from my other tank of a bike.
The new 2008 has a cool color scheme with overall black with green and white pinstriping, woooooo.... colors. It looks cool but if it gets scratched or dinged, who cares. It'll give it more character.
Some things that I'll be upgrading: (In this order)
- pedals
- seat post
- forks (current forks are great for light trails and commuting.)
- cranks
- derailer, shifting set
-
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jack Dougherty
a Cross Country Rider
from Bayfield, WI, USA Date Reviewed: June 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Raven trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$680.00
Purchased At:
Erics Bike Shop
Strengths:
Solid frame, great brakes, good fork, nice saddle
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
hardrock sport
Bike Setup:
Boen Stock
Bottom Line:
This bike has stood up to everything that I throw at it. Including dirt jumping, urban riding, trials, cross country, and a little downhill. It is not the best at one thing only but is a great around bike and it has better componets than the hardrock which is why I got it. And it can start you off as a beginner and take you as far as you want to go with some upgrades off course.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neal Giordano
a Weekend Warrior
from Apex, NC, USA Date Reviewed: April 23, 2008
Tires, stiff Rock Shox fork, pedals have ZERO grip
Similar Products Used:
Stumpjumper, Enduro
Bike Setup:
Stock. Switched out the pedals and added a Velo computer, with front and rear CatEye lighting. Plan on switching to Maxxis Holy Rollers very soon.
Bottom Line:
Easily a fantastic model for the price. This bike will FLY through trails and streets. Specialized did it right with the Rockhopper.
My only major gripe was the tires, as they seem to be primarily made for roads and hard-packed trails. Start hitting some roots, and the rear end will kick out on you. Moreso, if it's remotely wet. The front doesn't absorb a shock as much as I'd like, and I honestly won't have a whole lot of confidence in whipping around rooty trails until I upgrade the tires.
The shocks are adequate, as long as the preload feature is working. They do get somewhat stiff, however. And, get rid of the pedals, ASAP. They're junk.
Those very-fixable gripes aside, I LOVE this bike! The shifting is very smooth, the braking is dependable, with just a hint of scrubbing in those high-output stops. It's lightweight and travels well.
If you're looking for total comfort, you may want to consider going with a full suspension. Hardtails are called that for a reason! But, I've never been uncomfortable on this bike after a ride, and it's always better to learn on a hardtail first. My next ride is going to be a Stumpjumper very soon, but I'm hanging onto the Rockhopper when I do. Too fond of it to let it go!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam Stone
a Downhiller
from Colorado Springs, CO USA Date Reviewed: April 15, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Village
Strengths:
Frame,brakes,handlebars,seat,drivetrain
Weaknesses:
tires,fork,pedals
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
2008 Specialized Rockhopper Disc stock
Bottom Line:
I just bought this bike for a first bike. I have taken it to some of the most elite of places in Colorado and have had no trouble with it. The chainslap is a bit@h but if you get a chain guard protector it gets much better. Shifts like a dream. Definately needs new tires as the stock tires are a little on the small side at 26x2.0 and the tread is simply crap. No traction on the faster downhills. I don't know if it's because I live in the best place in the world (Colorado) or what. Overall, a good first bike. The frame will hold up for years, letting you upgrade all of the stuff you don't want.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug Ziegelmann
a Weekend Warrior
from Blue Ash, OH USA Date Reviewed: March 24, 2008
Favorite Trail:
ceasar
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$630.00
Purchased At:
Montgomerycyclery
Strengths:
Great geometry, the bike handles well in all conditions, solid frame and price is good for what you are getting.
Weaknesses:
Rockshock-Dart 3 is a bit stiff, especially in cold weather. Chain slap. Other than that, good to go!
Similar Products Used:
Trek 6000
Bike Setup:
Bone stock
Bottom Line:
If you are looking for a great bike at a decent price, this is your baby. Quality design and decent componentry. You won't be disappointed, I had several XC bikes over the years and this is by far the best bike I have owned. Specialized is a great product and they stand behind their equipment. The bike shop in Montgomery is KA. Great job guys, thanks for the recommendation, I love the bike!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
daniel
a Downhiller
from north bend Date Reviewed: January 20, 2008
I use this Bike for downhill and small freeride stuff. It is a good bike for it. I only replaced the front wheel because someone crashed into me and broke 5 spokes and bent everything else. I tacoed the back wheel off a 2 foot jump. The brakes have always worked. Overall its an awesome bike. The 2007 model is junk though. 2008 is the best.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SCMTB
a Cross Country Rider
from SoCal Date Reviewed: January 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
SCST
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$310.00
Purchased At:
Off a fat kid on craigslist
Strengths:
The frame is incredibly strong and lightweight and really this bike's strongest point because if you want to upgrade you can stay with this solid frame. The disc brakes are very strong and have never let me down. With power like this I find it hard to see how much better hydros can be but I'll try those too if these ever fail me. The wheels are strong and have held up fairly well to my XC with some harder/bumpier trails thrown in there too. The stock tires are not bad at all with a rolling resistance that isn't horrible. The drivetrain is nothing to brag about but if tuned correctly, should work just fine for a novice. I still have my bike completely stock, just waiting for something to really break and the I'll upgrade. The weight of the bike overall is light and I love hammering up hills and passing guys on bikes costing ten times more than mine. The pedals are just some ugly platforms but I don't really want to go clipless and these grip into my shoes pretty well so I'll stay with them.
Weaknesses:
The fork is a low end fork that has never failed me and feels strong but is ridiculously stiff. I think it's really stiff but then I read all the mtbr reviews of other very expensive XC forks and they all say that the stiffness in those forks is a strength so I don't know if it's just my lack of knowledge or not. It works ok and soaks up bumps but I think I would like something a big softer. The preload knob on top is pretty much stuck on mine so I guess I'll never know if that works out for me or not. The lock-out feature is awsome but honestly the fork is so stiff I never need to use it cause I never get pedal-bob anyways. The drivetrain is low-end and will need upgrading eventually. For the time being it works just fine though. I guess if you get a "low-end" mtn bike you have to kinda expect the drivetrain the be low end but it works fine for me.
Similar Products Used:
Loaner hardtails.
Bike Setup:
Completely stock except for a cyclometer and a chain slap jacket.
Bottom Line:
Awsome bike, especially for the price even if you paid full price. The frame is awsome and it's great for beginners because you can then upgrade to parts you may know more about by the time the OE parts finally die. If you treat it well and maintain it, the bike should run for a long time just as it is stock. I don't know why people have such a problem with the chain slap issue? Just get a slap-jacket and you'll never hear your chain hit your frame again... jeeze. I would say try to find one used on craigslist like I did. I found mine 'used' but the bike still had pricklies on the tires. The fat kid said he bought it to get in shape and when I went to pick it up I knew it didn't work out for him... Thanks dood!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nate lemons
a Cross Country Rider
from madison, NC, USA Date Reviewed: December 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
owls roost
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$610.00
Purchased At:
cycles de oro
Strengths:
100mm travel fork, strong lightweight frame, and the brakes have never let me down
Weaknesses:
on the front derailer to shift to 2nd i have to shift up to 3 then put it back on 2 to make it change. its just a little weak it will go to 3 fine
Bike Setup:
stock except i put some shimono clipless pedals on
Bottom Line:
This is my first real mountain bike you can get up to speed on it and climb anything you want. If your serious about getting started and want a quality bike you can rip through some rough trails on this is your bike. Ive even done a few races on mine so its defiantly entry level. If your not sure your going to like biking this is a little costly but if you cant wait to get out on some trails you cant go wrong with this.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel
a Downhiller
from North Bend WA, USA Date Reviewed: October 26, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$630.00
Purchased At:
Pacific Bicycles
Strengths:
Its lightweight, good components, like the lockout, good for everything
Weaknesses:
chain slap, tires have no traction in mud
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
The bike is awesome and its my favorite bike that i have had. my friend and i both have it and we do downhill, jumps, urban, and lots of muddin'. people who like a good bike for not a lot of money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Richardson, TX, USA Date Reviewed: September 10, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Richardson Bike Mart
Strengths:
Frame
Weaknesses:
cassette or cassette and chain slap
Similar Products Used:
Rockhopper - plain jane
Bike Setup:
stock except grips. Stock grips were sweat puddlers.
Bottom Line:
I am fit Clydesdale, and when I stomp on this bike the chain slips. I had the Rockhopper without the disc brakes, and it did the same thing. I took it back to the shop 4-5 times before giving up on the 1st bike. I traded up to the RH with disc brakes (halfway hoping that the first bike was just a lemon), and it wasn't. The second Rockhopper had chain slip problems too. Whenever I charged uphill or stood up on a flat I knew the chain was going to slip. I finally got a mechanic on my 9th visit that was able to get it to slip. He's about 180 pounds. Up until then everyone said the bikes were just fine. Totally frustrating. Now I need to address the chain slap.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ryan tilll
a
from ohio Date Reviewed: September 10, 2007
Favorite Trail:
local trails, state parks
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Eddy's bike shop
Strengths:
Good solid frame, shifts decent, loving the disc brakes, nice componets compare to others for price, easy bike to get used to (trust me)
Weaknesses:
decals on shocks sratch, tires scoops up alot of mud nothing to major
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Pirahna, Wahoo disc, Trek 6000
Bike Setup:
just out of shop new easton handle bars, tires, and chain
Bottom Line:
I used this bike is a absolut blast, great buy, will ride over anything. I use it for trail and singletrack riding along with riding it to school every morning (just make sure you get a good lock). Its got a good center gravity and one other thing i also really like is the re-enforced top tube which give me more asurance that i can upgrade it with out worrys. Kinda a novice ex-roady but ever cents i've gotten this i haven't touched my road bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Parker
a Cross Country Rider
from Amerst, MA, USA Date Reviewed: September 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
local trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$575.00
Purchased At:
Competitive Edge Ski & Bike
Strengths:
Has great components for the money. Fork has lockout as well as easy preload and rebound adjustments. Can take a serious beating. Disc Brakes are decent. Seat is comfortable. Relatively lightweight.
Weaknesses:
Comes with normal platform pedals. Shocks aren't exactly "plush".
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale F4, Trek 4500
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Shimano clipless pedals.
Bottom Line:
I don't have money pouring out everywhere, so this bike is great in that it doesn't cost too much and is still a great bike. I has held up from some not particularly good falls that my past bikes would have been killed on. If you are a competitive racer, don't buy it if you can afford better. But if your like me, and not willing to spend $1000 plus on a bike, this is perfect for you. Overall, great bang for the buck.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a
from Hingham, Ma Date Reviewed: September 3, 2007
Favorite Trail:
downhill, jumps, bridges
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$620.00
Purchased At:
The Bicycle Link
Strengths:
It is cheap. But has a solid frame with durable parts. Easy shock ajustments (lock out, rebound, etc.)
Weaknesses:
Chain slap was the first think i noticed, but that can be fixed with lizardskin pad that raps around the bar. Its heavy
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
It is a good bike for the money. It has served me fine and has survived some nasty falls that my other bike would have gotten destoyed on. Being that i am not a serious racer, the weight doesnt bother me. The stock setup has worked well and held up great. I plan to get toe clips and a fewe other small changes, but over all a good ride for you buck.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jordan
a Cross Country Rider
from Amarillo, TX, USA Date Reviewed: August 17, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$619.00
Purchased At:
Hills Sports Shop
Strengths:
Light, excellent components for the money, can take one heck of a beating, disc brakes are way better than the v-brakes on my last bike, looks stunning in black and gray
Weaknesses:
non-clip pedals...not a big deal as they can be replaced for cheap
Similar Products Used:
I tried out a trek 6000 because it was close in price and im definitely glad i decided to go with the rockhopper
Bike Setup:
stock except for new pedals
Bottom Line:
I'm a student and cant afford to get a road bike and a mountain bike and this bike is perfect for doing both, it can handle 20+ mile rides and can also handle any climb and decent that ive taken it on...so if you're looking for a high quality bike for an excellent price, this is the bike to get.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Leeds, UK Date Reviewed: July 11, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Where ever the bike takes me
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Shop (UK)
Strengths:
Frame. In the UK, we're given the M4 frame and it is fantastic! LX drive set, juicy 3's, rockshox Tora suspension. I'm 6 ft 4 and the angle is perfect, I can ride for as long as my knees can stand it!
Weaknesses:
Tyres & pedals should be replaced straight away. Bottom bracket is noticably lower than other competitors.
Similar Products Used:
Haven't ridden in years! Other options in the price range would probably be things like Giant XTC range, GT avalanche or the brand new Core 2.0 from Genesis (Ridgeback)
Bike Setup:
All standard except Panaracer xc pros and shimano dx30 pedals
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. It's light, fast and constantly encourages more effort. The quality frame also leaves a lot of potential for upgrading. Even on the steepest climbs I just stand and grind, I never get off! At the moment I'm on the other side of the country but I miss it so much I'm going back just to get it! Honestly, I haven't spoken to a disappointed owner of this year's UK model yet. Quality.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris russell
a Weekend Warrior
from tobyhanna,pa usa Date Reviewed: July 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
physcho betty, jim thorpe
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$639.00
Purchased At:
The loft, tannersville,pa
Strengths:
The stock rims really take a pounding, along with the tires. I am constantly bouncing off rocks, going over rocks, and surfaces that leave alot of other less expensive bikes with flats and warped rims. The frame is solid, and the 17 inch frame is perfect for some that is 5'9.
Weaknesses:
Stock pedals didn't accept toe clips (old style buckets) But new pedals were only 10 dollars. The stock stem is only 70mm in length.
Bike Setup:
Currently I have changed out alot of parts, not because of stock parts being bad, I just wanted better. I have a race face straight handlebar in carbon fiber, a 90mm stem that is carbon wrapped, a carbon seat post, and a carbon/ti seat. I also have my water bottle cage in carbon. My bar ends are carbon also, and I am currently waiting on some 6 spoke wheels and michelin country mud tires to come in.
Bottom Line:
If you can afford it, this should be the model you go with. It is perfect for road use, even with knobby tires, and I haven't met a trail here yet that has given me problems. Jim Thorpe is also rated 3rd in the country for mountain biking. The disc brakes did take some getting used to as I had never used them before but I would never switch back. The paint hold up pretty well, even with rocks and branches constantly hitting the frame. I highly reccomend this bike to anyone who is getting back into cycling and doesn't want to join the road bike crowd. When fixed up with carbon and the right wheels it turns heads.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Hendrickson
a Cross Country Rider
from Locust, NC Date Reviewed: July 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Tsali
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$660.00
Purchased At:
Bike Source
Strengths:
Nice frame for the money
Weaknesses:
Cheap drive train parts, junk brakes
Similar Products Used:
Trek 6500, Giant Rainier, GT Karakorum
Bike Setup:
Very poor Shimano driver train, base line Shimano brakes and fork, Rotors pop riveted to the hubs...noisy. Imediately started upgrading parts from old bike to LX and XT. Chain is absolute junk...broke 4x in about as many trips, had to get better chain right off the bat.
Bottom Line:
This bike is not worth the money at all, you will find yourself quickly upgrading and having to replace junk parts. May as well get the Disk Comp and ride what it comes with or better yet, get the Giant Rainier for the same money that already has the better parts on it. You will find yourself constantly hauling it back to your shop for adjustments unless you know how to do it yourself. If you have the parts already and are getting it for the disk brakes, still move up because the rotors are riveted to the rims and are not changeable as the Disk Comp is.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Isaac
a Weekend Warrior
from Gatlinburg, TN, USA Date Reviewed: June 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Hamilton Creek, Nashville, TN
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$649.00
Purchased At:
Liberty Cycles, Asheville, NC
Strengths:
Awesome Flat Black frame that is lightweight and feels extremely sturdy. The RockShox Dart 3 SL has a lockout. The Specialized tires are not too bad either! "Body Geometry" saddle is very nice! Uhh...DISKS
Weaknesses:
Chain slap is really annoying... The Dart 3 is kinda soft, but it has Preload adjustment.
Similar Products Used:
Haro V3, Trek 4300
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike, it is obvious that Specialized really knows what they are doing and can make a very high quality, well designed bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Eshelman
a Weekend Warrior
from Elgin Date Reviewed: June 11, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$660.00
Purchased At:
Village Pedaler
Strengths:
Lightweight, Rigid, Component upgrade capable.
Weaknesses:
Price.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rockhopper, Trek 4300
Bike Setup:
Stock.
Bottom Line:
Excellent bike for getting around town and trail beating by an amateur. A little expensive but, with the component upgrade capabilities and all around durability of the bike, definitely worth choosing this bike over a similar product of any other brand.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cody Cieutat
a Weekend Warrior
from Ponchatoula, La. USA Date Reviewed: April 20, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$660.00
Purchased At:
The Spokesman Bicycle Works
Strengths:
Strong frame. Lightweight and fast.
Weaknesses:
Derailleurs!! Handlebars and shifters. Pedals.
Similar Products Used:
1995 Cannondale M300 and 1997 GT Zaskar
Bike Setup:
Changed stock Shimano cransket to Truvativ Husselfelt. XT rear derailleur and SRAM Gen X front. Mavic X117 rims. Truvativ 31.8 mm handlebars with XL stem. Hayes HFX-9 Hydraulic disc brakes. Easton EA30 seatpost. Hutchinson Spiderlight tires.
$
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating: