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Submitted by
nathan mcmahon
a Cross Country Rider
from conn
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | back yard | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$10.00 | | Purchased At: | auction | | Strengths: | extremly light strong frame | | Weaknesses: | wish i had disk's and front forks if any body suggests a kind email me at natdaddy14@hotmail.com | | Similar Products Used: | cannondale lefty cannondale ez-ride rocky mountain | | Bike Setup: | stock a1 frame cromoly rigged forks | | Bottom Line: | amazing bike i picked it up cheap because no one new what it was and it was away from the outher bikes but it's great i race cross country it climbs so easy and its got a great turning ratio i love it some guy offerd 600 and a 06 cannondale lefty rush to me and i didn't take it so if u race or your just out on a ride to the store it is a great bike considering it's 24 speed 28 inch tires | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Logan Mirra
a Downhiller
from SF, California
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | to many | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$530.00 | | Strengths: | Seat | | Weaknesses: | Shifts very very slowly it think it a cheap shimano | | Similar Products Used: | Fox, Trek | | Bike Setup: | all factory | | Bottom Line: | It is a piece of Crap crappy pedals,rims,crappy shim | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Logan Mirra
a Downhiller
from SF, California
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | to many | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$530.00 | | Strengths: | Seat | | Weaknesses: | Shifts very very slowly it think it a cheap shimano | | Similar Products Used: | Fox, Trek | | Bike Setup: | all factory | | Bottom Line: | It is a piece of Crap crappy pedals,rims,crappy shim | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete Marshall
a Cross Country Rider
from Birmingham
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | can't remember | | Strengths: | Cheap, light, strong. A real mountain bike for little money | | Weaknesses: | The componants are all pretty cheap, they work, but won't last long. | | Similar Products Used: | all sorts of bikes | | Bottom Line: | If I ever find who stole this bike I will kill them! This was my first mtb (after many years on road bikes) like many people. I brought it for £300 in 1993 and kept it (under various guises) until somebody stole it in 2003.
It is a great bike for the money. It was used for all sorts of stuff, is greatest moment was descening the Llanberis path from Snowden in 1994, a rigid bike, no helmets...just hang on for grim death. Nothing could break this bike, although all the bits and pieces wore out quickly (and were replaced with better stuff) and the front wheel wasn't really up to some of the stuff I put it through.
I have ridden a more recent one (with a suspension fork) and they aren't as good (although the V brakes do make them stop a lot better) a fondly remembered machine. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SlipperyPete
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh, NC
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Legend Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Pretty much everything. That and the lavender paint job with hot pink lettering. | | Weaknesses: | None--seriously. | | Similar Products Used: | Lots of different types and styles. | | Bike Setup: | 1993 Rockhopper (steel; rigid; XL frame; the way God intended). Still stock except for tires (obviously), rear der (broke original back around 1995) and forks (bent around 1996). | | Bottom Line: | This bike has seen everything in 13 years: Minnesota winters, Carolina summers, commutes, 100-mile road rides, crashes, and more single track than I can remember.
And it still runs like a dream. Now I'm retiring it to be a commuter-only bike.
13 years of both off- and on-road riding for a $400 bike. And all of it carrying a Clydesdale too.
If Superman wanted to buy a bike, but not spend a lot of money, it would be a Rockhopper. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a badass who's
a Weekend Warrior
from california
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | The snappy resilient feeling steel frame. The carvability of the frame's geometry -- it's happiest in singletrack. | | Weaknesses: | the stock brakes were annoying to adjust and the wheelset is kinda heavy, especially with gunk in the inner tubes | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo, Stumpjumper, Homegrown, GT Avalanche, beautiful Bontragers | | Bike Setup: | shimano pedals, manitou fork, rapidfire shifters, avid brakes, blah blah blah who cares | | Bottom Line: | I've had this frame for about 7 years and I had no idea that it'd last so long. It's been through countless tubes and tires, grips, brake pads, and wrecks, but as long as I keep the chain lubed and rims true, it keeps on goin. The rockhopper has always been the favortite in my stable of bikes, when it come to just having fun on a bike. I don't worry about breaking expensive parts and hurting my ass on a super rigid frame. I plan to maintain this bike for as long as possible. If I were to see this classy frame at a garage sale, I wouldn't hesitate to pick it up, it'd make an amazing single speed too, or just classic trail bike. If you don't care about having the newest high tech alloy frame material and want a slick and flickable trail bike/commuter for a reasonable price, if you can find one of then look no further. Oh yeah, steel is definately for real. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cat
a Cross Country Rider
from Breckenridge, CO
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Peaks | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Strengths: | Light indestructable aluminum frame | | Weaknesses: | haven't found any yet | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Paragon, StumpJumper FSR | | Bike Setup: | XT rear/ LX front deraillers, Avid brakes, Kore stem, Sid fork | | Bottom Line: | Indestructible!!! I've had this bike for about 5 years and have built it into a great x-country, borderline race bike. The frame is so light, strong and responsive- I just can't praise it enough. I just recently went to a FS just because of the terrain I've been riding, but don't know if I'll ever get rid of this bike. I trust this bike more than my own mother! It has been reliable since day 1 and takes all sorts of abuse and just keeps on going. For anyone out there that is looking to build a great bike- pick up one of these frames CHEAP and build from there, I don't think you'll be disappointed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from Kenosha, WI
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | City Streets/Parks/Other | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | Garage Sale | | Strengths: | FRAME,wheels, size, strength, | | Weaknesses: | none found...yet | | Similar Products Used: | Giant, Schwinn, Gary Fisher, TREK | | Bike Setup: | 95-98 Rockhopper Hardtail, Cromo frame, no FS. Bike came with Specialized Wheels, and Specialized Rockcombo tires, and a set of ADVENT Street Smoothies. Shimano quick release hubs and seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | I picked this bike up dirt cheep one week ago at a garage sale from some executive who bought it, parked it in his garage and forgot about it for years. I hopped on the sale 'cause I knew Specialized made good bikes, but I forgot they were THIS good. I grew up in Boston and rode many different mtn bikes, but I dont remember having a Rockhopper back then, but I remember a friend having one stolen, and he loved it.
This is one well built bike. It looked all dusty and crappy with two COMPLETELY flat tires when I got it. Well, two hours later, after cleaning, polishing, lubeing,adjusting seatpost, bar and brakes, and replacing tubes, it's good as new! (Thank God for all the quick releases on this thing!)
I slapped on the street smoothies, and set out to try and kill the bike. I'm 6'4" and weigh 267. I started with a quick ride around the block then proceeded to bunny hop curbs, roll over gravel, dodge rush hour traffic, etc. and the bike hasn't complained a bit. I rolled on a pre-teen kid who tried to outrun me with his Wal-Mart Special FS Mongoose, and my Rockhopper smoked his ass with my 31 year-old out of shape body at the pedals.
Do yourself a favor, get on ebay and get one of these things if youre a person looking for a city bike that can take ten beatings and you don't want to be all wussy looking like Lance Armstrong with Lycra shorts on a road bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from Kenosha, WI
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | City Streets/Parks/Other | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | Garage Sale | | Strengths: | FRAME,wheels, size, strength, | | Weaknesses: | none found...yet | | Similar Products Used: | Giant, Schwinn, Gary Fisher, TREK | | Bike Setup: | 95-98 Rockhopper Hardtail, Cromo frame, no FS. Bike came with Specialized Wheels, and Specialized Rockcombo tires, and a set of ADVENT Street Smoothies. Shimano quick release hubs and seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | I picked this bike up dirt cheep one week ago at a garage sale from some executive who bought it, parked it in his garage and forgot about it for years. I hopped on the sale 'cause I knew Specialized made good bikes, but I forgot they were THIS good. I grew up in Boston and rode many different mtn bikes, but I dont remember having a Rockhopper back then, but I remember a friend having one stolen, and he loved it.
This is one well built bike. It looked all dusty and crappy with two COMPLETELY flat tires when I got it. Well, two hours later, after cleaning, polishing, lubeing,adjusting seatpost, bar and brakes, and replacing tubes, it's good as new! (Thank God for all the quick releases on this thing!)
I slapped on the street smoothies, and set out to try and kill the bike. I'm 6'4" and weigh 267. I started with a quick ride around the block then proceeded to bunny hop curbs, roll over gravel, dodge rush hour traffic, etc. and the bike hasn't complained a bit. I rolled on a pre-teen kid who tried to outrun me with his Wal-Mart Special FS Mongoose, and my Rockhopper smoked his ass with my 31 year-old out of shape body at the pedals.
Do yourself a favor, get on ebay and get one of these things if youre a person looking for a city bike that can take ten beatings and you don't want to be all wussy looking like Lance Armstrong with Lycra shorts on a road bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bert
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond, Va
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Poor Farm Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Now Defunct LBS | | Strengths: | Great Frame. Absolutely Bulletproof. | | Weaknesses: | Suntour components were impossible to find after a few years. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock 1990 Rockhopper Sport | | Bottom Line: | This has been my trusty friend for many years. I ride with fellows with newer sprung beasts and my old girl holds her own on trails, XC, and even some moderate technical stuff. I've been tempted by the new plusher rides but my heart still lies with this old girl. What a great great bike. If you are looking for a great reliable bike for all around use and aren't interested in gadgets find one of these on Ebay and you will never regret it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wayne
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Ute Valley Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Grand West Outfitters | | Strengths: | Bullet proof frame, came with full stx group | | Weaknesses: | rigid fork, grip shifters, canti-brakes, steel chain rings (OEM stx) | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Diamond Back, Schwinn | | Bike Setup: | Manitou SX-Ti fork, XT V brakes, Strongarm Crank, alloy gears, FSA headset, Richey seat post, Richey stem | | Bottom Line: | The 95 Rockhopper Comp A1 was a better bike than the 96. No Alivio components - the 96 had Alivio cranks, brakes, and hubs. The 95 had full stx and more alloy stuff, plus what seems to be a better frame (mine has lasted all these years - bought new in 95). After replacing the fork and brakes, the bike is much better. The crank was an impulse buy at a closeout table. With a suspension fork, the bike worked great on the local trails and definitely helped with control on the washboard Santa Fe trail. The stock Ground control tires worked fine and were replaced with the same until last year - went to a road tire as the fork started leaking and no longer provided enough dampening. The bike is now my street ride. Still looks new with only a few scratches on the down tube, as stiff as it was 6 years ago, and even with a partially working fork, it is still capable of mild trails. I give it 4 chills for the steel rings and lack of suspension fork (stock). A great bike for a beginner or intermediate, with upgrades, suitable for an advanced rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George Morris
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco, CA
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Golden Gate Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Friend | | Strengths: | Light, strong frame, never ever had a problem with it. This bike has taken tremendous abuse only to come out with a couple of scratches. | | Weaknesses: | comes with some crappy components. Must upgrade if you want to really ride this bike hard. | | Bike Setup: | 98' Specialized A1 aluminum frame. 01' rock shox physlo. shimano LX V brakes and some other cool stuff. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is worth every penny. It's a 98' so i figure you can get one now for cheap if you happen to come across one and upgrade from there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charles
a Cross Country Rider
from Howard Beach, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Urban Jungle, NYC | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$625.00 | | Purchased At: | Brands | | Strengths: | Build quality, That great Cro-Mo ride, Durability, Comfortable frame geometry | | Weaknesses: | They don't make 'em like this anymore! | | Similar Products Used: | 99 Stumpjumper Pro (sold it in a year) | | Bike Setup: | Original LX push-push Shifters, 96 Judy XC, XT BB and R/Derailleur, Raceface DH bar, Spinergy SPOX, 1.5" City Slickers | | Bottom Line: | Bought it in 1990 new, It's been my trusty steed since for thousands of miles. It's Bombproof! I've used it for everything from downhilling at Killington to XC at Minnewaska. It's basically an Urban Warrior now. I love smoking wanna-be roadies on their LiteSpeeds at Central Park, bunnyhopping the curb and ripping through the trails with the parks dept. in hot pursuit, waving their rakes and shouting in dismay! Switched to a StumpJumper Pro for a year in 99 and felt like I was cheating on my wife. I want to ride this bike for the rest of my life! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ko
a Cross Country Rider
from halifax, ns, canada
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | private sale | | Strengths: | The frame, see above about 150 times, god, the frame. | | Weaknesses: | The headset does leave quite a lot to be desired. Mind you, ahedsets were yet to come into common use when this bike was built. | | Similar Products Used: | Jeez, whatever I can get my hands on. | | Bike Setup: | Front top mount shifter (they work damn well thank you), half pipe grip for the back, everything else is pretty much the stock Avid setup. | | Bottom Line: | What to say? It's hilariously tough for a bike of it's price range. Despite being the Wonderbread of mountain bikes, I can not honestly crap on it. It handles well, takes heaps of abuse, heaps of neglect, and continues with the proverbial ticking. These bikes are all over the damn place, go to any university area of any major city at the end of the school year and pick one or two off the curb. The cro-mo frames on these beasts are as good a place as any to cut your teeth. Clean 'em up and start adding stuff. Not championship bikes in any area, but solid bikes to improve your skills on (yes, I'm one of those #$&*@ing luddites who insists on leaning on a rigid). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charlie
a Weekend Warrior
from Swansea, South Wales, UK
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Cefn Bryn/ Gower | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Schmoos cycles Swansea | | Strengths: | Stronger than humankind! I have had broken bones and stitches yet the bike has never needed more than routine maintenance and the occasional service | | Weaknesses: | It's now so old children laugh as I ride by (wheezing). | | Similar Products Used: | All sorts but none seem to fit? | | Bike Setup: | Boggo except for bits that fell off or broke (seat etc) + XTR bottom bracket (quite the thing in the early 90's let me tell you) | | Bottom Line: | Can't fault it, I'm about to spend money I can ill afford on a new bike but my sentimental nature will not let me get rid of a bike which has given so much pleasure, taken so much abuse and provided everyday transport for 10 years. I feel like I'm embarking on a sordid affair just by looking at other bikes and will probably buy a new Rockhopper unless someone waves something exceptionally shiner under my nose for not many pounds. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Q
a Cross Country Rider
from Tokyo, Japan
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | local trails... | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1.00 | | Purchased At: | Found in a dumpster...lmao | | Strengths: | PRICE-It was free! can you believe some idiot was going to trash this thing? The rear rim is out of true, and the brakes suck...minor little details. Love how light it is! | | Weaknesses: | Brake levers (old Dia-compe). Needs a shorter stem, the frames a little big for me but for the price, I'll learn to live with it! Seat sucks too, but oh well... | | Similar Products Used: | GT, Trek, Giant... | | Bike Setup: | 95% STX (hubs, derailluers) Shimano brakes, Cro-mo fork. | | Bottom Line: | Considering I paid $0 for it = 5 peppers
Cost to make road / trail ready, $100? = 4 peppers | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from West Hartford, CT
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | The ones I can ride to. | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Racer's Edge, 1989 | | Strengths: | Great frame - strength, geometry, welds, finish; undamaged after 12 years.
Solid components (standard $500 fare back then) | | Weaknesses: | Bottom bracket was cheesy. Nylon brake levers flex a bit but still work fine. Replacement cantilevers gave big improvement. Can you believe I still have the Biopace rings!? | | Similar Products Used: | Comparable models from Trek, Fat City, Univega, Fuji, Diamond Back, Fisher. | | Bike Setup: | Mostly original stock except for stem, barends, BB, brakes and hangers, pulleys, pedals and normal wear items. | | Bottom Line: | After 12 years of moderate to rough riding, I don't have a single real complaint. The frame suits me perfectly as it always has - I've still not ridden a better climber - with lots of stretching room. Top-mount shifters are still my favorite type and they still work as well as ever. I just wanted to post this review of my old beloved to show how durable these things are. Hell, if I was transported back in time I'd buy the exact same bike.
Recently bought a Hardrock for my SO and that's a beauty for what I paid. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa, Ontario
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | some where in my back yard | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | length of life | | Weaknesses: | heavy components (but very good for the price) | | Bottom Line: | This bike is built to last. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
holland-jaggers
a Weekend Warrior
from east sussex UK
Date Reviewed: October 30, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Stanmer Park | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
reliability looks strength | | Weaknesses: |
rear mech, brakes | | Similar Products Used: |
carrerra gt kona | | Bike Setup: |
rst 3.5 mozo pro ,shimano m600 brakes stx rear deore xt front mechs | | Bottom Line: | a wonderfull starter bike still looks good after 3 years had to up grade brakes and front mech and stick on front suspension downhill bars quick release hubs and seat the newer models now have half decent spec for the price range I honestly think you can't buy a better bike for the same price I love my rockhopper it's not top of the range but it has never let me down even when I have trashed it around the trails | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross-Country Rider
from Syracuse
Date Reviewed: September 16, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Mt. Hoevenburg | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Stiff, well made | | Weaknesses: |
crappy stock frnt derailleur/fork | | Similar Products Used: |
GT Avalanche | | Bike Setup: |
Stock, except for LX frnt. derailleur | | Bottom Line: | This bike is incredible for the money. The so-called entry level componenets actually work very well (better than said) and this bike climbs like a dream. I have beaten people in races with custom bikes. The STX works pretty well in general. Anyway, five flaming peppers! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gerard
a Weekend Warrior
from France
Date Reviewed: September 7, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Perfect for a beginner.
Very good handling. | | Weaknesses: |
Original equipment: wheels (hub/rim), bottom bracket (the original equipment was 28/38/48 (biopace for those who remember), that is obviously not compatible with my riding), weight (old bike with single butted tubing), saddle | | Bike Setup: |
Upgraded with a Manitou Pro fork. | | Bottom Line: | I bought it in '92, so a long time ago, and it was my first MTB. After 7 years of use (av. 600 miles/y), my old fellow is in a better shape than my poor old back.
I have upgraded it to a suspension fork, and exchanged more or less all the accessories (but that's MTB life).
A great bike that made me happy to ride for years.
I will move soon to a full susp., but I'll never forget how much I enjoyed it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, Ca
Date Reviewed: July 23, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Great Price
Nice Frame | | Weaknesses: |
Front Derailleurs
Bottom Bracket
Front Shocks | | Bike Setup: |
All Stock
SBC Body Geometry Sport Saddle | | Bottom Line: | I bought mine for $399. For that price I could not complain about the components, just shut up and upgrade them.Though I am 6'1 220lbs+ the frame seems stiff enough for my weekend trail blazings. I did have to get the BB replaced even before I took my first trail.The front derailer has been pissing me off but I plan on upgrading that. I have no problem with the cables being bottom fed. I figure if you happen to wack the bottom part of your frame I would be worried about the damn frame and not the cables.Overall: Great bike for those who aren't too concern about components and just want to ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Somxay
a Racer
from Philadelphia, Pa
Date Reviewed: June 22, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Bottom Line: | I just bought my 98 Rockhopper A1 FS for $480, and I love it. This is my first true mountain bike, it's a great bike and worth the value. The best $480 I spent this year, I just love it. I am thinking about upgrading most of the parts to 98 LX/XT. An exellent bike for under $600. Specialized knows how to make a great bike, I give it 5 stars. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mr.23
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver BC
Date Reviewed: May 24, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
climbing, nice handling | | Weaknesses: |
crappy parts at first | | Bike Setup: |
bomber, 636, stock wheels & train | | Bottom Line: | I love my bike. It's heavy, my friends cro-mo bike weighs less but mine still works. Ha. Im tall and slouchy but this 19.5 fits me perfectly. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JoeShmoes nemesis
a Cross-Country Rider
from hell
Date Reviewed: April 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
everytraol | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
this idiot needs to go to hell this bike rocks for people with out money for a racing bike | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: |
specialized rules | | Bike Setup: |
spyder | | Bottom Line: | if he does that again he is an idiot. i bet hes from canondale because thats what all canondale users say! and if hes a racer why is he riding a rockhopper? DONE THIS IS TO EVEN OUT HIS POST | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alan
a weekend warrior
from dublin, Ireland
Date Reviewed: March 6, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have recently puchased a Specialized Rockhopper-international model(rigid)and I can only say that the new improvements to this model have made quite a difference-shimano lx rear deralieur, dia-comp brakes, etc. This really is a great bike, great ride-just change the tyres | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lin
a weekend warrior
from Victoria, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 20, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
We've just completed a lot of information gathering and test riding. Today we bought a 1999 Specialized Rockhopper. If you're looking for a bike to commute with on pavement, gravel and minimally rough paths then I'd suggest you take a look at this bike. The components are good quality shimano (LX rear deraileur, LX shifters and STX front deraileur)it's a 9 speed (all the other bikes in the group we checked were 8 speeds)with good quality rims and hubs. We checked out the following 1999 bikes; Kona Lavadome, Norco Charger, Connondale M400, Trek 6000 and the Rockhopper. We set our budget in the 650-800 dollar range and did a spreadsheet comparing the components on all the bikes. For the value and quality the Rockhopper came out the best. Note: the Rockhopper has a Ritchey Nitanium fully butted frame so you trade off on a little weight, however the ride is a bit smoother than an aluminum frame. We had the seat changed (it was pretty uncomfortable)and added a seat quick release We also had the tires changed to ones that are good for street and path riding. Another feature on this bike is that it came with both clipless & alloy cage pedals with straps (none of the others reviewed did). Future upgrades to this bike can be easy due to how it's built. e.g cogs can be replaced individually, the stem is threadless, a shock can be easily installed, etc.
We learned a lot about bikes and components during our fact finding and now we're looking forward to doing some great comfortable riding....Give this bike a fiver! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rob
a weekend warrior
from banbury england
Date Reviewed: January 26, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
i brought this bike 6 mounths ago and the only thing which has died so far is the front wheel. i now have a hope fastso on a mavic d521 and have had no problems, ******* good wheel as well. buy one now | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dale
a weekend warrior
from Millersburg, Pa.
Date Reviewed: January 22, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I looked at Giant,Raliegh & Diamondback before I bought my 98-Rockhopper A1fs in Aug.,I put almost 700mi. on it. It has to be the best climbing bike ever made in my opinion. I have yet to find anyone who can keep up with me(climbing). The only thing I changed were the pedals, I put a pair of LOOK on. The next thing to go is the fd(it's a must) this thing is crap. Overall this bike is a work of art. I am very very well pleased with the purchase of this bike. I recommend this bike is for anyone. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joe shmoe\
a racer
from nj
Date Reviewed: January 7, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
this is the worst bike i have ever ridden. After 1 month, the headset broke and the frame cracked. The frame is 5lbs+ and the crappy alivio/stx components suck ass. The bike itself weighs 35lbs and the shock gets stuck and doesnt work when it gets wet. If i could, i would give it 0 chilis. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
neupapa
a weekend warrior
from Colo Springs
Date Reviewed: January 1, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This frame climbs like a beast! Not only is it super stiff, it also has some decent (although I've made many upgrades) components. I wish I knew ahead of time about the Matrix frames made by Specialized, but this frame is a nice re-introduction into riding. Replacable hanger, too!!! | | Overall Rating: |
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$ 649.00
