Specialized Rockhopper Reviews - Product Reviews

Specialized Rockhopper

Specialized Rockhopper
More about Specialized

Average Rating: 4 out of 5
No. of Reviews: 2
RRP: £549.99
Year: 2005

Description: A1 Premium Aluminum frame with double-butted front triangle and ORE downtube. Frame geometry designed for 100mm forks. Reinforced disc mount. Externally machined head tube. Forged alloy drop outs with eyelets and replaceable derailleur hanger.

REVIEWS

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Alyson Bexfield

Posted: 24/05/07

'A GREAT ALL-ROUNDER'

Strengths:
I bought this bike to tour around New Zealand but also to sample the local trails out there and it performed really well for both tasks. It has quite an upright position which took a little getting used to but which turned out to be a bonus for touring with rucksacs (we avoided panniers because of the off-road elements of the trip). It has study enough to survive being thrown from a plane by baggage handlers (though they did damage my middle ring) and light enough to lug around airports in a bike bag.

Weaknesses:
The Manitou Axel forks it came with don't really respond much to my 8 stone frame. Strangely, I also have a Specialized FSR XC Pro with disc-specific version of these forks which work just fine for me, so not sure if I just have a dodgy pair!

Overall:
This is a great hardtail for off-road shenanigans or touring/commuting. It has good components for its price bracket and is an all round little gem.

Performance		80%
Reliability		80%
Value		80%

Overall Rating

80%

Julie Grrrrrrrrrr

Posted: 22/08/06

'CRACKING ENTRY LEVEL BIKE THAT IS EASILY PIMPED'

Strengths:
reasonably good components for the price, great fit for someone with long legs and shortish body, not a girly colour (graphite colour - quite stealthy), female specific saddle (that's pretty comfy), feels strong and reliable.

Weaknesses:
Manitou Diva forks were pants. I only weigh 9 1/2 stone, and could only manage to move them about 40cm. Took them back to the shop and the 14stone guy couldn't work out what my problem was. Said that they would send off for some softer springs - but then Raw went pop, so that never happened. Fortunately have aquired a set of Fox Vanillas which work a treat at 125mm :-)
Bottom Bracket is a little low, so just be careful in deep ruts.

Overall:
I love my bike, and she did me proud at SITS when she still managed to change gear despite having a fields worth of mud and grass wrapped around both mechs.

I've had her for nearly a year and she has been pimped a little to save weight and improve performance:disk brakes, lighter wheels, lighter handlebar, clippless pedals, newish forks.

For my next bike,I just want something a little lighter so I can keep with the men folk.

Performance		80%
Reliability		100%
Value		60%

Overall Rating

80%

MY REVIEW

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