Mountain Biking - New Rockhopper w/ mods, Any suggestions? (Pics)

I bought the 05 Specialized Rockhopper this month. I like it so far but can already tell im going to have to get a FS within the next year. It's been pretty good on the rides i've done. The mod's i've done are below. I'm thinking of Disc brakes, but that would be a lot because I would need new wheels. What do you think my next mod should be, or am I done?

Mod's I have done:
*Crank Bros. Candy SL (Black) Pedals
*Thomson Setback Seatpost
*Easton Monkeylite CT2 Handlebar
*Bontrager longer Stem
*Lizard Skin Chain Guard
*Supergo Computer
*Water Bottle Cage
*Seat Bag with all the stuff inside
*2x 5w Vistalites for small night rides

Pics below


Technical Specifications

http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?minisite=10080&spid=9339

FRAME A1 Premium Aluminum, double-butted front triangle with ORE DT, frame geometry designed for 100mm front travel, reinforced disc mount, externally machined HT, forged alloy drop outs with eyelets and replaceable derailleur hanger

FORK Manitou Axle Comp, 100mm travel, damped, 28.6mm black nitride coated stanchions, preload adjust, Cr-Mo steerer

HEADSET 1 1/8” threadless, black steel cups, loose ball bearings with seals

STEM Alloy Ahead, 15deg.

HANDLEBARS Alloy, 38mm rise, 9 degree sweep

TAPE / GRIPS Specialized double density Kraton

FRONT BRAKE Tektro linear pull

REAR BRAKE Tektro linear pull

BRAKE LEVERS Shimano Alivio linear pull shifter/brake combo

FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano MC-18 Alivio, 34.9mm clamp, bottom pull

REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano M-510 Deore

SHIFT LEVERS Shimano Alivio linear pull shifter/brake combo

CASSETTE Shimano HG-50, 8-speed, 11x32t

CHAIN Shimano IG-31

CRANKSET Truvativ 5-D, forged alloy, capless bolts

CHAINRINGS 42t Cr-Mo x 32t heat-treated Cr-Mo x 22t heat-treated Cr-Mo, replaceable

BOTTOM BRACKET Truvativ, 68x118mm, square taper, sealed cartridge bearing with double crank stops

PEDALS Alloy body, alloy cage, toe clips and straps

RIMS Alex DH-20, 26”, machined sidewalls, black

FRONT HUB Joy-Tech, 32 hole, ground race double sealed loose ball with alloy QR

REAR HUB Joy-Tech, freehub, 32 hole, ground race double sealed loose ball with alloy QR

SPOKES 2.0mm (14g) stainless steel, brass nipples, L267/R267mm front, L266/R264mm rear

FRONT TIRE Specialized Adrenaline 26 x 2.0”, wire bead

REAR TIRE Specialized Adrenaline 26 x 2.0”, wire bead

TUBES Specialized, schraeder valve

SADDLE Specialized Body Geometry Sport MTB

SEAT POST Alloy 30.9mmx350/400mm, micro adjust

SEAT BINDER Alloy QR, 36mm I.D.

NOTES Chain stay protector, reflectors, clear coat, owners manual

Need a small pump and a patch repair kit + a mini tool kit for your back bag.

Need a small pump and a patch repair kit + a mini tool kit for your back bag.

Yea, I've got that stuff... actually waiting for the co2 pump in the mail.

He he he, you could always get a GPS computer (Garmin Etrex legend). That is what I run and it's sweet to see the tracks, running time, stopped time, max speed, average, current, elevation, on an on. It's about $150 though.

He he he, you could always get a GPS computer (Garmin Etrex legend). That is what I run and it's sweet to see the tracks, running time, stopped time, max speed, average, current, elevation, on an on. It's about $150 though.

Great Idea!!! where online could I get one?

You could change everything on the bike. Been there, done that. Or you could just ride the bejeebers out of it and replace the things that need replacin' as you go along. The Rockhopper is a good bike as it sits. I've ridden many thousands of miles on bikes just like it.

As for the discs, unless you ride in a lot of gunk why not just stick with the v-brakes. Discs will cost $200+ at the minimum for mechanicals. Add from $100 to $200 for hydralics. Save your money and buy a new FS later with all the geegaws you want on it.

If and when you buy that full suspension super machine, don't dump the Rockhopper. Dualies are great fun when there's lots of uppy-downy stuff, but if you want to ride on something that's flat or paved or long distanced, they just flat out suck!

If and when you buy that full suspension super machine, don't dump the Rockhopper. Dualies are great fun when there's lots of uppy-downy stuff, but if you want to ride on something that's flat or paved or long distanced, they just flat out suck!

Yea, thats why I spent the money on this now, I plan on keeping it a long time. It's a great bike...

The last couple rides i've done (Chantry flats, Holy Jim) there has been a lot of water and gunk. But yea its probably better to save that money on disc's and just get a FS for those rides. The other idea I had was buy a FS frame sometime down the road and switch everything out.

I like the GPS idea though...

well if you only hit major gunk every once and a while you probably dont need discs. If you hit it on a regular basis you might consider them...

I would dump the bag under the seat and water bottle cage and get a camel back mule or something like it. With tools and what not in the bag the noise of all that stuff clanging togeather will drive you nuts. Plus more room for food and other need to haves. There is a post detailing what some members carry adn even on the smallest list there would not be enough room in a seet pack, but I cant find the post...

Some bags are small enough to house a multi tool tightly, others have restraints to secure such items. You can always bring a backpack if you need more stuff, I just like to keep the multi and pump as a first aid kit, and it all weighs less then 1/2 lb.