Mountain Biking - How to make my rockhopper more aggresive

Not too long ago I purchased a specialized rockhopper, to get into the sport, based on the fact that it was considered one of the better bikes for around $500 and i really liked the feel of it. Unfortunatley I didnt do my home work and wasnt really aware of all the different styles of mountain bike (made for different styles of riding). lol well i now know that i have an xc bike that isnt really made to take the abuse i want to give it. I would really like to do some aggressive riding...jump, drops, etc... but nothing too crazy.

I was wondering if any of you could point me in the right direction as to what upgrades I can do to make this bike a little more aggressive and that would even be worth spending the money. I know this bike will never be able to handle the same type of riding as a bike that is made to be aggressive, but i know theres gotta be away to put a little bad a$$ in this bike.

I know a fork would be a major thing i would need to upgrade, but i have no idea what kind to look at. I also know that xc frames cant handle certain kinds of forks.

wheels? components? etc..?


also can someone explain what make my bike so unable to handle an aggressive style of riding as is.
Im really new to this sport (strong background in bmx jumping though) and I apologize for my ignorance on all this. I would really appreciate any help and advice Thanks!

Depending on the year, it may handle more than you think. The current Rockhopper line up includes a freeride model. Fork is the big thing to upgrade--if that fails on you you're "entering a world of pain". Next I'd do wheels, stem, cranks, basically anything that will kill you if it lets go. It would help to know the year though so we know what kind of travel you are limited to, and what you are working with stock.

My rockhopper is 2005 model

hope that helps

Which version of the Rockhopper would help too. The pro disc version is the freerdie version, having a stronger frame and ISCG mounts and a drop-off fork.

It really depends on how much you want to spend as well. Forks are the obvious choice to go first, then as Seely said things such as wheels, Stem, handle bars, peddles etc. For the most part it may be better to reoplace things as they fail, that way you'll know where the bike needs to be stronger given your style of riding (asuming you don't kill yourself when these things fail).

I'm going to assume you have the lowest end one:

Firstly as Seely says the fork - the one on the Rockhopper (A Manitou Axel) is a XC fork, not designed for taking loads of abuse, depending on how much cash you have you could look at a Manitou Stance Static, a Mazzochi Dirt Jumper 3 (would proably your best bet - heavy but can take a beating again and again) or if you can find one on e-bay something like a Rockshox Pyslo.

A link to the dirt jumper: http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/13713-315_MARD35-3-Parts-59-Forks/Accessories/2005-Marzocchi-DJ-3.htm

A stronger bottom bracket and chainset would be next on the list - preferably one with a rock guard such as:

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/13968-100_RACEB5-3-Parts-56-Cranks/Bolts/Race-Face-Evolve-DH-X-Type-Crankset-22_32_Bash.htm

Then personally I go for wheels next and get something stronger but not to heavy (so the bike can still be riden to the shops etc). I've heard good things about these (and the price looks good too):

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/12012-365_SHIXS3-3-Parts-75-Wheelsets/Shimano-XT-M756-Disc-Wheelset-w_-Sun-Rhyno-Lite-Rims.htm

And whats better is that those wheels come disc ready meaning next up on our ideas for the shopping list are some disc brakes. These bad boys are all you will need for now:

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/12605-115_AVDMD3-3-Parts-158-Brakes/Disc/Avid-Mechanical-BB7-Ball-Bearing-Disc-Brake-160mm-Rotor.htm

Of course what you buy and when you buy it is down to you - the above is just a suggestion. I would recomend before any buy you do a search of this forum for any topics about that piece of kit and also check out the reviews at www.mtbr.com. Theres a good bunch of people on this board who will always help when asked.

Yah i do have the lowest model of rockhopper. Im not looking to spend a ton of money, the suggestions that you offered were definitely reasonable(can afford to spend a little more if necessary).

do you think that its worth it to upgrade this bike into something more aggressive like I have in mind. Like i said earlier im pretty new to all of this and im not sure what that frame can handle and what not.

I really appreciate your suggestions, that helped alot!

Any other suggestions are welcome!

To be honest I don't know much about the Rockhopper line - I don't know what that frame is really capable of, but I think it will stand up to some abuse (just don't go flying off 6 foot drops on it).

So for now I would just say replace things as an when they fail, but I would look at getting a stronger fork up front - it could save your life (or at least a few broken bones). Then after that what ever you feel like replacing.

Yah ill save the 6 foot drops for a different bike, different time lol! like i said i dont expect to turn this bike into aggressive machine, i just wanna beef it up some. Thanks for your advice!

Anyone know the strength/capabilities of the 2005 rockhopper frame?

Best upgrades are a new fork, and new wheels.
http://www.myimageshost.net/images/shane45/1272756.jpg

That bike is way too clean. Pretty though.

I have a base '05 rockhopper, I have upgraded wheels, pedals, crank, handlebars, saddle. At 220-230 I am pretty solid and ride as fast as my skill lets me, never a creak or groan from the frame. I only upgraded the parts because I wanted to use the OE parts on my commuter and make it a rigid partime XC bike. All the OE parts are holding up well on my rigid. beside, even if you do bust the frame, Specialized will replace it, I say treat it like a craftsman screwdriver, use it till it breaks, have 'em replace it.

That bike is way too clean. Pretty though.



Only for pictures! It usually looks like a big glob of mud. I decided I better take at least ONE clean picture, in case someone didn't believe there was actually a bike under all the flora and fauna. I'll see if I can dig up a few dirty pictures for you. (Of the bike. :D )

before you upgrade anything on your bike i think you should get some good cycling clothes, shorts with lining, quik-wicking tees. if you dont have it already.

Yah ive got a list of riding gear that i need to purchase!

Haha, the bike doesn't even look like its been used yet.

Don't let em' rag ya 45'.Nothing wrong with taking care of what you have.

Haha, the bike doesn't even look like its been used yet.

Looks can be deceiving! The bike has about 750 miles on it. This is the first time it had a bath in all those miles. As I said, I'll try to find some pictures of it when it looked like a landfill site. :D

my 2 cents are rockhoppers are awesome, i have a totaly customized one..my life. Its origionally a 2000 rockhopper nothin special. I put on an 03 frame after I ovalized the steer tube on the old frame. 85 bucks great condition on ebay. Custom back rim/hub 12-30 kenda tire( hadta throw in that extra granny) Rockshox Pilot (soon to me marzocchi mx comp eta) V brakes on front old style on back(better for skidds around turns in my opinion) Campagnolo rim/hub on front specialized ground control tire and thats about it its got well over 500 miles on its new frame and still going strong every hill, drop, turn its all good. In my opinion the ultimate poor mans bike is a rockhopper im a teenager who upgrades at the paychecks come so it all works out for me.

Write "GRRRRRR" on the toptube in sharpie...

Yah ive got a list of riding gear that i need to purchase!


A Helmet and knee pads would be a good start - -if only to give you the confidence to push harder.