So the Rockhopper would be worth buying for the upgradability? If I ever wanted to put RockShox on it, would I be able to? My LBS has a 2014 Rockhopper in stock so I'm going down tomorrow to test one out.
Yessir. You can really put a Rockshox fork on anything, but the validating question you need to ask yourself is: "is it worth it?" Do you really want to pay $300 to put a new fork in a bike that has an 8 speed drivetrain?
Burt,
I understand what you're saying, I'm not saying the hardrock is a bad bike! I'm just saying it's always best to get the highways level model at the outset than to get a cheaper one and spend on upgrades. The manufacturer gets a WAY better deal in components than we ever will.
For comparison, let's look at the Hardrock and Rockhopper:
Frame:
-Rockhopper has tapered steer tube, XC geometry.
-HardRock has straight steerer, "recreational" geometry
Fork:
-Hardrock has a Suntour XCT with lockout and 28mm stanctions, the thinnest acceptable standard for fork stanctions. When riding XC(which this fork is not recommended for, it has a sticker on the lowers stating "for recreational use only, do not use for trail riding") this fork may feel flexy and not the most confidence inspiring.
-Rockhopper has a Suntour XCM with lockout and 30mm stanctions, it will be a more precise fork than the hardrock, and not flex so much under braking/turning. (The sticker in this one at least says "for light cross-country trail use only")
Drivetrain:
-Hardrock has Shimano Altus, basically the cheapest acceptable drivetrain. It has an 8 speed drivetrain, and can't be upgraded unless you change EVERYTHING to at least a 9 speed setup.
-Rockhopper has a Shimano Alivio/Acera 9 speed drivetrain. This drivetrain, while a little dated, is still quite relevant and totally upgrradeable. You'll also get a lower 34t climbing gear on this one for getting up those climbs.
Wheelset:
-Hardrock has a 36 hole 25mm pin sleeved rim, laced to generic hubs. It is NOT tubeless compatible. (Well, maybe, but don't count on it) Mounted are 40tpi Fast Trak tires. They are a very fast tire, great for super sry conditions, experienced riders, and path cruisers looking for some traction security.
-Rockhopper comes with a 1mm wider pin sleeved rim, in a much more common 32 hole lacing, with probably the same hubs. This wheelset IS tubeless compatible with Stan's tape and valves. Mounted are 60tpi Ground Control tires. These tires have a much more aggressive tread pattern, and are good all around tire for trail riding. The higher tpi means a softer tire casing, and the wire bead means they'll set up tubeless. I , myself, love the control version of these tires.
Brakes:
-pretty much the same between the two, but the Rockhopper does come with a larger 180mm front rotor for more stopping power.
Cockpit:
-Hardrock has oldschool narrow bars and a 25.4mm clamp. This means if you ever upgraded that, chances are high you'll need a new stem as well. Thai setup is very common in recreational path cruiser mountain bikes.
-Rockhopper has a modern "long and low" setup, with wide 700mm bars, and the now standard 31.8mm clamping diameter. This setup is relatively standard amongst single track and XC bikes in this price range.
Wouldn't you say all those extra little things here and there are worth an extra $180..? Changing the fork or drivetrain on the Hardrock would certainly surpass that price in a heartbeat.
Everything else is little stuff I wouldn't bother to list it, as it's really not too relevant.
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