[solidfish]

Would anyone know if the Rockhopper frame is generally lighter than the Hardrock frame? Speaking only in terms of frame, is the Rockhopper significantly better than the Hardrock frame?
Thanks!

 

[Kilika]

Well, current Rockhoppers use M4 manipulated aluminium while the Hardrock is currently using A1 premium aluminium. Its hard to know how much lighter the Rockhopper is until someone actually weighs them naked. I know for 2013 the Rockhopper is moving to A1. There are very subtle differences in the frame geometry. If you want, even though they have different components, you always ask your LBS to weigh both of them but usually at this price range, most buyers probably won't know the difference.

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

The M4 frames are lighter, but the 2013 model Rockhoppers are already being delivered and have the A1 frames(same as the Hardrocks). I don't know how the 2013 Hardrock and Rockhoppers match up in weights.

Both bikes are geared towards recreational riders. There's a slight component upgrade in the Rockhoppers.

 

[dnoyeb]

Why did they lower the quality on the Rock Hopper? Its already in a class of its own. Now it becomes hard to see the difference between these two bikes! Maybe they are trying to push people into lower end StumpJumpers?

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

I think they wanted to distance the specs between the Rockhoppers and Carves as well as keep the recreational level bikes from getting too grey since Carves and lower end Stumpies are available.

 

[Hilltoppr]

2012 VS 2013 Rockhopper

Why did they lower the quality on the Rock Hopper? Its already in a class of its own. Now it becomes hard to see the difference between these two bikes! Maybe they are trying to push people into lower end StumpJumpers?

So if you had a choice, would you get the 2012 or 2013 RH, I am getting ready to retire my old rigid 26er and have narrowed it down to the RH, but noticed the frame difference. I can get either one for about $800, or is a non factor and more of a color preference between the two.

Thanks, woohoo my first post!!!

 

[Bill in Houston]

So if you had a choice, would you get the 2012 or 2013 RH

2012

and welcome to mtbr.

 

[29erGT]

Get the 2012, It looks like every year specialized bikes get lower end components, 2012 hardrock atleast is weaker than 2011 version :S

 

[Mr. Lynch]

Two of my friends bought new bikes earlier this year and we weighed them
2012 XL Rockhopper 29er 31lbs
2012 XL Hardrock 29er 33lbs

For comparision my 2011 Rockhopper 29er Pro was 28 lbs stock. The air fork and M4SL frame account for a lot of that.

 

[Matty P]

I think they're pretty comparable for 2013