Mountain Biking - First MTB: Spec. Rockhopper or Trek 4300?

I'm buying my first MTB and have narrowed the choices to a Specialized Rockhopper (on sale for $299) and a Trek 4300 (for $359). Does anyone have strong opinions of these bikes? The Specialized seems like it has better components, but that's really all I know. Thanks for the help!

-Bryant

I have the next level up of both those bikes. My Rockhopper Comp and my 4500 are both nice. I find them to be on par with each other, and I would assume the same with the RH and the 4300.

I have rode both the Rockhopper base model and the 4300, and found that I am glad I saved a bit more money and went up a level however.

I prefer the geometry of the Rockhopper better. So much so, that I plan to upgrade the already decent mid-level components to high end and make this my project bike for next winter.

I would suggest riding them both and see which one feels better. The componentry is basically on-par with each other, with maybe a small nod to Specialized.

have you seen the specs for the rockhopper and the trek 4300? how can you say they are "on par"?

Because I don't find LX to be THAT much of an advantage over Alivio. Besides, the Bontrager stuff that is dripping off the Trek is not that bad for a mid-level bike, and is certainly better then most people give credit for. I'm also not a big fan of the Manitou Axle fork that comes OEM on the 'hopper.

Both are cheap Chinese bikes. Buy the one that looks coolest. Yes, they are on par with each other pretty much. For X dollars you get pretty much X amount of bike.

There's some stellar advice Iron Chef. "Buy the one that looks the coolest". VERY helpful. Imagine, there I was thinking that fit and comfort were important. I especially like the way you classified both bikes as "cheap Chinese bikes". While on the surface it may seem like you're trying to make him feel bad no matter which he chooses, but I'm sure that your real motive was simply to be informative. Bravo! Nice work here Iron Chef, I sure am happy that bikeforums.net has you as a senior member..

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=9339

The specialized looks to be a better bike in the sense that it has better components. Can you provide the exact specs on the Rockhopper that you are looking at? If they are like the link i provided, than that bike is spec'd much better.

$299 for a rockhopper, as far as I know thats an insanely good deal. The hardrock sport is more expensive than that in the places I've shopped around but then again I didn't shop around much but still I think thats a great deal. I'd get that if I found it for $299.

Because I don't find LX to be THAT much of an advantage over Alivio. Besides, the Bontrager stuff that is dripping off the Trek is not that bad for a mid-level bike, and is certainly better then most people give credit for. I'm also not a big fan of the Manitou Axle fork that comes OEM on the 'hopper.
Actually the jump from Alivio to LX (when properly tuned) is noticeable and I really wouldn't talk up that cheap Bontrager stuff - I've NEVER been impressed with their stuff on any level

Both are cheap Chinese bikes. Buy the one that looks coolest. Yes, they are on par with each other pretty much. For X dollars you get pretty much X amount of bike.


Hey! I have a "cheap Chinese bike"! But that is all that I can afford. It must be nice to have a lot of money to buy a higher line bike but I don't. You are very lucky. You are much more fortunate than myself.
The good thing about being poor is that since I've never had the taste of a rich bike, I won't crave it as much. Really....it must be nice.................

Your Trek and Gary bikes must be the top notch USA ones, huh? MAN you are lucky! ;)

Both are cheap Chinese bikes. Buy the one that looks coolest. Yes, they are on par with each other pretty much. For X dollars you get pretty much X amount of bike.
Any guesses as to today's secret ingredient? :rolleyes:

X=cheap

Err not where I was going with that comment. Thanks for playing