Mountain Biking - Rockhopper question.

after a few upgrades on components as they break and fork would the rockhopper still be considered a rec bike? Is it the frame that makes it a recbike or the components?
thanks

I think its a quality bike, i had one for 1.5yrs and it was awesome...i sold the frame though to get a burly FS. That said, keep the rockhopper its one of the better ht frames you can get for the money.

It's mostly the whole package. The frame quality, level of components/fork...etc. It also includes the rider position on the bike. A XC Race bike will position the rider lower and more forward. That's not to say that this frame can't be modified to become a race bike, but is marketed as a "Rec" bike for price and fit.

L8R

Does it really matter what the label on the bike is? I've got my $400 97 rockhopper that I still ride today, and I'm able to keep up with the homies thru all sorts of trails while they ride on thousand dollar bikes. This bike is pretty tuff.

I ask because the kona blast was brought to my attention.
It looks like a good bike for only 150bux more. And its not considered a rec bike on konas site.
none of my lb's have either of them in stock so they would have to order them form me nomatter what.
So im tring to decide if i should save the 150$ more and get the kona blast or just order the rockhopper saturday.
What are your thoughts?

I have a trek 820, and its definately a rec bike. BUT, i can keep up with a lot of my buddies on 1500 dollar bikes. Its not the bike, its the rider. Pretty much, ride your ass off, and save some pennies. Leave the high buck bikes for the racers. Do you really think that the millisecond per shift you save by going to XTR will make you a cooler rider? Does the fact that its a rec bike really make it uncool or uncapable? If you save 4 grams, will it make you more able to win the competitions that you don't enter? Unless you race, in my opinion, then all that a high buck bike will get you is a bigger hole in your pocket. If you don't compete, don't worry about what stuff or names are on your bike.

Just shut the f*** up and ride!!

Just shut the f*** up and ride!!

Well i wanna bike that i can take off of some decent sized drops for a XC bike and not have to worry about the frame breaking. And if i can sell the bike for the same price i got it for why not. Thats why i want a good decent bike for the money. I can care less what brand as long as its a good bike frame. Thats one of the reasons i was considering a ibex 450, since its only 369 right now, but they wont be out till april.

I bought a Rockhopper FSR for my son, and I ride a Stumpjumper FSR which cost almost double. There is very little difference in the frames, but the components are just not top shelf of the Rockhopper. If you upgrade the fork on the RH, you have a nice bike that is reasonably quick and can take a pounding. Unless you are an exceptional rider, the RH will be plenty of bike.

the differences between a rockhopper and a stumpy is the geometry and materials used. i believe the rockhopper uses typical 7005 or 6061t6 alloy for tubing, which is pretty standard. you can definately make a rockhopper raceable though, if that's what you're asking.

I bought a Rockhopper FSR for my son, and I ride a Stumpjumper FSR which cost almost double. There is very little difference in the frames, but the components are just not top shelf of the Rockhopper. If you upgrade the fork on the RH, you have a nice bike that is reasonably quick and can take a pounding. Unless you are an exceptional rider, the RH will be plenty of bike.
I'll back that up

thanks for your replies.
one more question.
does anyone know what the difference is on the 04 hardrock xc frame and the 04 rockhopper frame. I know the components on the hardrock are very low end but just the frames themselves.
They look very identical
04 hardrock XC
http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/2004/bikes/04HardrockXC_l.jpg
04 rockhopper
http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/2004/bikes/04Rockhopperblue_l.jpg

If they are pretty much the same i can save some $$$ and get me a bike rack for my hitch so i dont have to throw it in the back seat. :D And like ive heard many times get a good fame. components can be upgraded.
Thanks

anyone know the difference between these frames?

I to would like to know if there is a difference in rockhopper frame and hardrock XC
im tring to decide what bike to get between hardrock XC and the Trek 4300. 400 is my limit. :(

probably not enough difference to be noticed.