nordicski

I am getting back into mountain biking after a very long period of being off my bike (cancer). I feel like I have been in a time warp as the technology has changed so much. My current bike (dont laugh) is an old 92 Trek 970. I have beat the *&^% out of this bike and it has held up well but when your wife tells ya you can get a new bike well, who am I to argue. The clincher is I have ~ $550.00 USD to spend. I live in pancakeville (midwest) and plan on riding most of the time on fire roads, singletrack, limestone trails, nothing too heavy duty.

I found what I thought was a deal (here is where I need help) at my LBS. They have an '05 Rockhopper Comp and told me I could have it for $550.00USD. My questions are:

1. the bike has no lockout, is this a rule out factor? I think the fork on this bike might suck but not sure.....I guess I can upgrade later if I want.........
2. how important are disc brakes based on the above? I cant see myself riding out in the slop too much...
3. Is this a good deal or for the $$, is there possibly a better bike out there for the money?

I am 5'7" and weigh 180 lbs, the bike they have is a 17". I am planning on testing it out Saturday. I hope it fits me too. Here are the specs on the bike. Thanks in advance for not atomizing me with destructive feedback too! I am psyched that I can ride again.....

2005 Rockhopper Comp

FRAME A1 Premium Aluminum, double-butted front triangle with ORE DT, frame geometry designed for 100mm front travel, reinforced disc mount, externally machined HT, forged alloy drop outs with eyelets and replaceable derailleur hanger

FORK Manitou Splice Comp, 100mm travel, mag lowers, damped, 30mm black nitride coated stanchions, coil spring, disc only, Cr-Mo steerer

HEADSET 1 1/8” threadless, black steel cups, loose ball bearings with seals

STEM Alloy 10 degree rise, forged and TIG welded

HANDLEBARS Alloy, 38mm rise, 9 degree sweep

TAPE / GRIPS Specialized double density Kraton

FRONT BRAKE Shimano M-420 linear pull

REAR BRAKE Shimano M-420 linear pull

BRAKE LEVERS Shimano M-420 linear pull

FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano M-510 Deore, 34.9mm clamp, bottom pull

REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano M-570 LX

SHIFT LEVERS Shimano M-510 Deore

CASSETTE Shimano HG-50, 9-speed, 11x34t

CHAIN Shimano HG-53

CRANKSET Truvativ 5-D, forged alloy, capless bolts

CHAINRINGS 44t AL-7075 x 32t heat-treated Cr-Mo x 22t heat-treated Cr-Mo, replaceable

BOTTOM BRACKET Truvativ, 68x118mm, square taper, sealed cartridge bearing with double crank stops

PEDALS Alloy body, alloy cage, toe clips and straps

RIMS SUN Mach 4, CNC’d side wall with eyelets, 32h

FRONT HUB Joy-Tech, 32 hole, ground race double sealed loose ball with alloy QR

REAR HUB Joy-Tech, freehub, 32 hole, ground race double sealed loose ball with alloy QR

SPOKES 1.8mm (15g) black stainless, brass nipples, L260/R263mm front, L261/R260mm rear

FRONT TIRE Specialized Resolution 26 x 2.1”, wire bead

REAR TIRE Specialized Resolution 26 x 2.1”, wire bead

TUBES Specialized, schraeder valve

SADDLE Specialized Body Geometry Sport MTB

SEAT POST Alloy 30.9mmx350/400mm, micro adjust

SEAT BINDER Alloy QR, 36mm I.D.

Breitling

good bike for the money. i'd try to get them to come down some more though. tell them it's a three year old bike that only sold for 850 three years ago.