Rockrivr1

Hello Everyone

This is my first post on this forum and I appreciates anyone's input as I'm trying to decide which one of these two bikes I'm going to buy.

I love to hit the back trails, woods, power lines etc' and for the past 15 years I've been riding the same bike. A Trek Moutain Track. Nothing fancy, but I've never had any problems with it and she's never let me down stranded somewhere. I'm not competing and I'm not jumping rocks with it though. Mostly trail riding.

I decided this year to get her looked over prior to the riding season as most of the work on her has been done by me over the years. So this morning I took her to my local bike shop where they looked her over and then showed me everything that was worn out, cracked or out of spec. She was in worse shape then I thought. They were more then happy to fix everything for me and gave me a ridiculous price of almost $400 to get it all done. The parts needed were still over $300 even if I do the installation. That seem to be a lot of money for a 15 plus year old bike.

So I started looking around for a new bike. I looked and did test rides on a number of Cannondales, Specialized, and Treks. I found the Cannondales to be a little to long for me, but the Specialized and Treks felt good. Much different then my old Mountain Track, but still good. I liked the disk brake systems over the V brakes, but wonder if they would have problems when going through water, dirt and mud. In the end I was leaning towards both the Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc and Trek HT 6500. Both 2008 models. They were both on sale for $850.

I'm 6' 2" and 220 lbs and my Mountain Track had a 22" frame. The Specialized and Trek frames I tried were 21" frames and they seemed to fit me well. Both bikes have very good reviews. The one thing I did notice in the reviews is that a number of people had problems with the Trek's tires and rims. These were reviews of the 2006 and 2007 models. I couldn't find a review on the 2008 model so I don't know if this has been resolved or not.

If given the choice between these two, which one would you prefer and why. If you think there is a better make and model then the two I'm thinking about, please let me know. Thank you for the help!!!

Cheeto

Disk Brakes are meant for the mud, dirt and water lol

I just love the feel of rock hoppers I've ridden my friends basic one a few times and love it, over my 3900.
But the real question is, which one DO YOU feel the most comfortable on?
Post up a specs list also if you can, that might help the experienced people on here who know what they're talking about help you.

Rockrivr1

Hi Cheeto. From the test rides I did on these two bikes they both felt exactly the same to me so I'm having a hard time deciding. The the Rockhopper has disk brakes actuated by a wire, while the 6500 is hydrolic. Thanks for the clarification on the disk brakes. Had no clue and I hadn't done any research prior to going to the shop. Wasn't expecting to buy a new bike.

The specs for the two are as follows:

Rockhopper:
FRAME M4 manipulated alloy frame, butted ORE DT, forged dropouts w/ replaceable 98954020 alloy hanger, disc only

REAR SHOCK N/A

FORK RockShox Tora 302 SL, 100mm, 32mm Cr-Mo stanchions and alloy steerer, Mag lower, coil spring, preload adj., LO w/ reb. adj.

HEADSET 1 1/8" threadless

STEM Specialized 3D forged alloy, four bolt, 31.8mm, 7 degree rise

HANDLEBARS Specialized alloy butted 31.8mm XC rise w/ graphic, 640mm wide, 8 degree back, 8 degree up sweep

TAPE/GRIPS Specialized Enduro, dual density Kraton

FRONT BRAKE Avid BB-5, mechanical disc, 6" G2 Clean Sweep rotor

REAR BRAKE Avid BB-5, mechanical disc, 6" G2 Clean Sweep rotor

BRAKE LEVERS Avid FR-5

FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano Deore FD-M530, 34.9mm clamp

REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano Deore RD-M531, SGS cage

SHIFT LEVERS Shimano Deore SL-M530 trigger

CASSETTE FREEWHEEL Shimano HG-50, 9-speed, 11-34t

CHAIN KMC X9, 1/2" x 3/32" w/ reusable Missing Link

CRANKSET Shimano FC-M442-8, replaceable rings w/ alloy outer, Octalink Spline

CHAINRINGS 44A/32S/22S

BOTTOM BRACKET Shimano BB-ES25, Octalink spline, cartridge bearing, 68 x 118mm for 50mm chainline

PEDALS Specialized alloy 1pc body and cage, 9/16"

RIMS Specialized/Alex RHD 26, double wall, eyelets, for disc brakes

FRONT HUB Specialized Hi Lo disc, 28h, CNC flange and disc mount, polished races, alloy QR

REAR HUB Specialized Hi Lo disc, cassette, 32h, CNC flanges and disc mount, polished races, alloy QR

SPOKES 1.8mm (15g) stainless, alloy nipples

FRONT TIRE Specialized Fast Track Control, 26x2.0", DC, 60TPI, 2Bliss ready aramid bead

REAR TIRE Specialized Fast Track Control, 26x2.0", DC, 60TPI, 2Bliss ready aramid bead

TUBES Specialized schraeder valve

SADDLE Specialized Indie XC, 143mm width

SEAT POST Specialized butted alloy, two bolt micro adjust head, 30.9mm

SEAT BINDER Specialized alloy w/ QR, brass washer

NOTES Chain stay protector, reflectors, clear coat, owners manual


Trek:
Frameset
Sizes 15.5, 17.5, 19.5, 21.5"
Frame Alpha Black Aluminum w/externally relieved head tube, hydroformed bi-axial down tube and top tube, monostay seat stays, forged disc ready dropouts
Front Suspension RockShox Tora 302 Solo Air w/positive air pressure, rebound, TurnKey lockout, 100mm

Wheels
Wheels Shimano Deore disc hubs; Bontrager Ranger rims
Tires Bontrager Jones ACX, 26x2.1"; 27 tpi

Drivetrain
Shifters Shimano Deore, 9 speed
Front Derailleur Shimano Deore
Rear Derailleur Shimano Deore LX
Crank Shimano M442 Octalink 44/32/22
Cassette SRAM PG950 11-34, 9 speed

Pedals Alloy platform

Components
Saddle Bontrager Race Basic
Seat Post Bontrager Sport
Handlebars Bontrager Select, 25mm rise, 31.8mm
Stem Bontrager Select, 7 degree, 31.8mm
Headset Aheadset Slimstak w/semi-cartridge bearings, sealed
Brakeset Shimano M485, hydraulic disc; 160mm rotors

Thanks

roccobike

+1, I'd go with the bike that feels the best, they're both good bikes. I did that a couple of years ago and wound up with a Rockhopper and I'm glad I went that route. But you should go with the bike that you like best.

troie

What is your budget?

Rockrivr1

The $850 range that both of these bikes are in is at the top of my budget.

jeepguy2358

I rode the 6500, but did not ride the RH. I actually chose a Gary Fisher Piranha. It was very similar but I paid $50.00 less than the 6500 ($800 total) - $950 after upgrading the pedals and tax. It was recommended by a guy at my LBS who is very knowledgeable and I trust. ~Just a thought. BTW - I love my bike!!!