Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Thoughts on Sp Rockhopper 29ers?

One of my old HS basketball buddies just took a job in Anchorage Alaska. He wants to pick up a mountain bike and is looking at Rockhoppers. He's about my size, 6'4", 230# and does a lot of casual riding but wants a bike that can go off road. Anyone have any experience with the 29er version of the Specialized Rockhopper?

I just happen to own one that is about a month old so far my rockhopper 29er has been bombproof and I'm way bigger than your friend (6'2" 475#) so if he likes the way it feels when he rides one I'd say go for it

Thanks, I'll give him a call tonight and see that he's thinking.

I love my rockhopper disk 29er, tuff as heck and great ride.....more agile than you would think and rolls very well.

That was my choice when I bought a new bike this spring. It is one sweet ride. I love those big 'ol wheels - they roll over small stuff like nothing. I replaced the saddle with a WTB Laser V, put some Shimano clipless pedals and a set of Ergon grips. The front shock on the 29 Comp is very nice. Anyway, I'm enjoying all the new technology - this is my first index shifting bike, first non-steel frame, and first bike with a front shock - so my comparisons are a little outdated - but I felt like I got a lot of bike for the price.

I talked to him today and he said they were sold out of the bikes in his size. I told him to look at the Surly 29er.