Mountain Biking - To Hop Rocks or Jump Stumps...

That is my question. Male, 55, 200lbs, still riding Reynolds 531 & Campy NR on the road (retro grouch goes without saying), is looking to buy 1st mountain bike so as to get dirty besides sweaty. The more I lurk here the more I get confused - but you folks sure are a wealth of knowlege and a load of laughs - and I would appreciate your advice.

In a nutshell, my LBS of choice sells Specialized, Jamis, & Giant. I don't know squat, but I want a hard tail, and am leaning toward an 09 Rockhopper Pro Disc, or for nearly the same money, an 08 Stumpjumper Comp. Which would you recommend for this old creaky dude?

I know you will advise taking a test ride, sound advice for sure, which ordinarily I would do, except being a dull noob I probably wouldn't be able to appreciate the differences, and here in Vermont we're neck deep in mud season. The LBS won't, understandably, let the bikes out in the muck. I don't want to wait long, there is only one Stumpjumper in my size. Your thoughts? Thanks in advance.

I like to jump rocks

if i recall correctly the stumpjumper has a longer top tube then the rock hopper. Its supposed to be a more race oriented bike for more advanced/aggressive riders or people who just want a more aggressive position, if your coming from a road bike I think u'd like the stumpjumper more, it prolly also a better buy since its an 09, but basically deciding if you want a longer bike or not is a pretty big factor (also check the geo charts cause i'm just doing this off memory)

You're gonna get a much better fork and brakes on the Stumpjumper.........most everything is better on it. If it were me I'd grab the 08 Stumpy.

I live in NH and the LBS is cool for test rides already. See if you can give them both a short spin, but yea...an 08 Stumpjumper is a better deal, so if it fits for you...sweet.

Get the stumpjumper...no doubt. You will appreciate the stumpjumper over the rockhopper as componentary is better. Not only that, when i started I was looking for a hardtail, got talked into a stumpy elite, best decision i have ever been persuaded into. Once your used to the full suspension bike you will climb better (except on roads), decend far better, and your back and body will appreciate it after every ride. If you can get last years model stumpy for same price as rockhopper you should be all over that.

Just looked at the specs, and I don't see any reason to go with the Rockhopper...the Stumpy is better all around. Better aluminum in the frame, F90 air vs. Recon coil (some people prefer coil though...just not me haha), Juicy 5 vs Juicy 3, X.7-X.9 mix vs X.5-X.7 mix, etc. Now grab that deal before someone else does!

(in roadie terminology)
08 Stumpy, 4 pounds lighter, climbs better, accelerates easier.

I'm in the same age group as you, and the same weight. I was in the same position about four years ago when I decided to buy a Rockhopper. I really like my bike, but I'd like it a lot better if I had purchased the Stumpy. Instead, I've purchased used parts off ebay and locally to upgrade the Rockhopper right down to the Fox Fork, but its not the same frame. Like mtnbiker66 said, the components are well worth the extra dollars and you'll be glad you've got them within about a year.

Stumpjumper Comp! Thanks everybody for your advice...much appreciated. I pick it up tomorrow, and I am stoked. Thanks again all...

Don't forget to post some fresh pics!!