Mountain Biking - Roadie getting into mtb. Help on first mtb - rockhopper?

Hey all,
I am not very knowledgable about all the components and build quality of mountain bikes, as I have only been a roadie for 3 years. I am looking to expand my biking horizons and get into mountain biking. I am looking to just get into some trail riding and whatnot.
I am looking at maybe a Specialized rockhopper comp disc or 29er. My LBS is a specialized dealer and I ride all specialized road bikes. My question: how is this bike for an intro bike and do you think it will last me or will I get a bug a start upgrading fast. If that is the case, I want to look into a bike that will last me a little while. Any other comparable bikes I should look at? Anything I should specifically look out for good or bad?
Thanks in advance!
Yos

The Rockhopper is an EXCELLENT intro bike. It's not "entry level" though, it is 1 level up from there. (Which is good. :D )

The bike is a bit heavy compared to a "race bike" but is well spec'd on components. It should last a long time if you take care of it. Once the components start to wear out replace with higher level ones (XT) and keep on riding.

I do a lot of road biking too. When I got into mountain biking about five years ago, I went for a Rockhopper and never regreted it. It's a solid bike. The nice thing about a Rockhopper is the frame is a decent enough quality that it responds to upgrades. Just like a road bike, you can upgrade components, like the wheelset, the fork and other components if you really get into it. I think if you went with a base line entry level bike, you'll be wanting a better bike very fast.
While I've picked up a couple of dual suspension bikes, I still keep the Rockhopper around.

A '96 Rockhopper was my first mountain bike. Great bike, never regreted paying more than a lesser model. I'd call it an entry-level serious bike. Lasted through 12 years of hard use bordering on abuse.

That's great to hear. I am going to head to my lbs tomorrow and see whats what. Thanks for the help!

A '96 Rockhopper was my first mountain bike. Great bike, never regreted paying more than a lesser model. I'd call it an entry-level serious bike. Lasted through 12 years of hard use bordering on abuse.

Still riding my 96 Rockhopper, stock except for clipless pedals and a new rear wheel. I've been through so much riding it that I think I actually love this bike, sometimes I go into the garage just to look at it.

Thanks for the info! I just put my deposit on a 2010 Rockhopper Comp Disc (http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=45803&eid=4340) today. I am feeling a little under the weather, so I didn't get to ride it today. I will try to ride it some time this week and take it home.

Anyone have any opinions on this pedals?
XLC Alloy MTB / Trekking Dual Sided Pedal Clipless (http://www.amazon.com/XLC-Alloy-Trekking-Sided-Clipless/dp/B001EOUOL6/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=ILC2GLCCN08FN&colid=2ECMR8QD5NTKI)

I am thinking I might want platforms on my pedals as well so I don't have to put my bike shoes on to hope down the street or whatnot... Thoughts?

Congrats on the Rockhopper. That's a beautiful paint job on that model.
I have a pair of pedals like the one's you're thinking about. I haven't used them yet as I currently use Shimano, 2 bolt cleat, SPDs. I plan on using the one sided pedals when I ride a local trail known for it's rugged rock garden.
As for an alternate bike used for gofer rides, I have a 87 Raleigh Record vintage roadie for that. I don't know what your situation is, but if you have the room and can swing buying a clunker for gofer rides, that's the way to go. Less wear and tear on the knobbies. In addition, I don't think you'll like the ride the Rockhopper has on the street. I don't. It's great on the trail, but it's sort of like a truck on asphalt.