[Kronic024]

Alright so I am just starting to get into mountain biking and I am about to purchase my first good bike. I have found a Specialized Rock Hopper on craigslist for a decent price and it looks like a really good bike. For the most part i will be riding trails but I also really enjoy hitting jumps and doing drop offs and I just want to know if the Rock Hopper is good for that type of stuff and can withstand the punishment. If not, what would you recommend for a beginner for the type of riding I want to do? Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[GotoDengo]

Long-term, no XC bike will stand up very well to DJ and drop-off's larger than 6" or so. Get 2 bikes. Whichever you think you'll enjoy more, XC or DJ, get that bike first and start saving up for another. Or maybe look at a freeride as a "hybrid", but it probably won't be great at either.

 

[MikeJRA]

I know of many guys out there using freeride hardtails as thier one ride. They can handle the jumps and drops and are only a bit heavier than an XC bike.