Rockhopper Elite VS Rockhopper Expert

I personally don't think the Expert is worth the difference. Between Deore 10 speed and SX 12 speed, I prefer the feel and durability of the deore group. Only other real spec difference I see is Alloy vs Steel steer tube and while the steel is likely heavier I don't think it will really make a big enough difference to justify the price.

That being said, with availability if you find a Expert locally available I'd tell you to pull the trigger and not wait for a Elite.

Elite $1100. Link.
Expert $1400. Link.
Both are outdated and poor value. The geo is outdated. The 9x135 rear hub is outdated. The fork is an air fork(good) with a poor quality damper.
The Fuse is current but too much.
A Ragley Big Al 1.0 is $1650 free ship no tax. Very good fork. Wide rims. Good geo. Boost hubs.
Get on the email notification list at CRC.

If you are considering spending $1400 on a Rockhopper Expert, you should spend $200 more and get a Chisel for $1600. You get a Shimano 1x12 drivetrain. Better hubs. Boost spacing. Tapered headtube. Lighter frame. Better frame. Better brakes. Better Fork. Thats a HUGE difference for $200. They raised the price on the Rockhopper line but not the Chisel. That makes the Chisel a bargain.

giant fathom 29

eb1888 said:

Elite $1100. Link.
Expert $1400. Link.
Both are outdated and poor value. The geo is outdated. The 9x135 rear hub is outdated. The fork is an air fork(good) with a poor quality damper.
The Fuse is current but too much.
A Ragley Big Al 1.0 is $1650 free ship no tax. Very good fork. Wide rims. Good geo. Boost hubs.
Get on the email notification list at CRC.

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That definitely seems to be a better value than the expert, do you know of one better than the elite in the elite's price range?

Gengarbarian said:

That definitely seems to be a better value than the expert, do you know of one better than the elite in the elite's price range?

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This Vitus is in stock today. Free shipping no tax makes it in the same range. Shipping takes 4-10days. Comes almost fully assembled. Any shop can work on it in the future.
Good fork, geo, wide rim wheels with Boost hubs.

You'll want bike maintenance skills for on the trail.

eb1888 said:

Elite $1100. Link.
Expert $1400. Link.
Both are outdated and poor value. The geo is outdated. The 9x135 rear hub is outdated. The fork is an air fork(good) with a poor quality damper.
The Fuse is current but too much.
A Ragley Big Al 1.0 is $1650 free ship no tax. Very good fork. Wide rims. Good geo. Boost hubs.
Get on the email notification list at CRC.

Click to expand...

For the price range in todays current market it is fair. These are marketed towards beginner bikers let's not forget this. You're asking the person to spend more. If he were in the $1600 + I'm pretty sure he wouldn't be deciding between these 2 bikes.

When you consider size remember your height and actual(not pants) inseam are important measurements.
If you have shorter legs(inseam) for your height you have a long torso and can fit a larger size than a person with the same height and long legs. Standover has zero to do with riding fit.

eb1888 said:

This Vitus is in stock today. Free shipping no tax makes it in the same range. Shipping takes 4-10days. Comes almost fully assembled. Any shop can work on it in the future.
Good fork, geo, wide rim wheels with Boost hubs.

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You'll want bike maintenance skills for on the trail.

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That's exactly what I was looking for in the lower price range. Thank you.