Mountain Biking - Trek 6500 Disc or Rockhopper Comp

Howdy all!

I've read the threads regarding these bikes, but here is MY question:

My style is fast, bummpy trail riding, technical singletrack and general hopping around (manuals, fork hopping etc.) I tried the 2005 Rockhopper Comp (no disc) briefly and it felt like home, but I also wanted to try a Trek 6500 Disc but couldn't find one. Which of the two would best suit my riding style (I'm personally ready to spring for the Rockhopper). Is the Trek worth hunting down for a test? Any other suggestions? General opinions of '05 Rockhopper Comp?

Also, does anyone know what the Rockhopper Comp (no discs) sold for in 2005 (Canadian dollars)? I think I can get it for $799 Canadian... is that a deal or a rip off?

Thanks.

P.S. Thanks for having me at your forum... I love it so far!

I'm a big fan of the big "S" brand, so my vote is to get the RH and forget about the Trek.

However, caveat emptor, so you should really test ride the Trek to be sure.

800 for a rockhopper comp (no discs, i'm assuming) is the exact same price you would pay for it last year, so I definitely suggest bringing the price down unless you're satisfied with it. the 06 6500's price has jumped this year (05 was around 900, this year it went up 100 or so)... I think because of the introduction of the 4900 to slide between the 4500 and 6500.

the 06 6500 comes in blue (a nice orangey paint job on the non-disc one, but i'm talking about the disc version because i was looking at that too) and has deore hydro's. personally, for practicality purposes I'd rather have mech. disc brakes, but deore hydros at that price is a good deal - also it's got a deore xt in the rear and the rest of the drivetrain is deore. my lbs told me that the trek 6500 is a much better deal than the 06 rockhopper comp disc, but I chose the rh anyway - i like the overall ride, look and feel of the specialized better. i also prefer the tora to the manipoo axel that comes on the 6500.

if you've never tried good hydraulic brakes before and are considering having a bike with one... try it out.
i believe the 05 6500 has hydros as well, but not nearly as good as the ones on the 06.
this series from trek rides more xc than the 05 and 06 rockhopper (can't say for the 07 because i haven't tried it out yet, there's a new frame). if you're interested, try it out. I ended up getting the 06 rockhopper c-d, see sig.

Both good bikes, both good geometry try them both.

Priorities to consider:
1. Fit
2. Frame
3. Fork

.....and you good :D

Thanks for your thoughts and advice one and all, mucho appreciano! I get the impression fom my research that the Rockhopper has the superior frame and is perfect for upgrading over time... so, if I come accross a 6500 in the next few days I'll take it for a spin, but since I really like the fit and frame of the Rockhopper, I think I'm going to go with the Specialized over the Trek. Was that $800 Canadian in 2005, or was that U.S. funds?

I'm in Ottawa and there are local shops that have '05 Rockhopper Comps on sale for $600 CDN which is pretty good I think!

Bird dog, I have the base 05 Rockhopper and I really like it. I bought a 05 FSR XC Comp early this year, but I still ride the Rockhopper about half of the time. My 18 year old tried the Rockhopper out last week. Now I'm lucky if I can get to ride it. With the Comp package, I think you'll be real happy.

FWIW, here's my take: frame quality (05/06 RH <> 05/06 6500) is a saw-off -- both are light, double butted, quality frames. Geometry is different, though, and given how you describe your riding style, I would think the 05/06 RH is the choice; the Trek 6series bikes are definitely much more focussed on XC/race. By the way, this will be true of the new frame 07 Rockhoppers as well; Spec. seems to have decided to move the bike back to its original "affordable Stumpjumper" status, and away from 'all mountain' style.

By the way, this will be true of the new frame 07 Rockhoppers as well; Spec. seems to have decided to move the bike back to its original "affordable Stumpjumper" status, and away from 'all mountain' style.

well said.. about the 07 rockhopper, i'm a rockhopper fan... seen them everywhere, own one myself... (i love it)

WAHHH I DON'T WANT AN "AFFORDABLE STUMPJUMPER"!

oh yeah. 07 base is lower i think... because it now comes with acera components just like the hardrock sport... so i expect it to be only a tad higher in price (compared to the hardrock sport) for the lighter, more double-butted racey frame.

there's a couple of 07 rockhopper pics in this forum... one comp in silver... one base rh in red.