Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,549
Likes: 1
From: Somewhere between heaven and hell
Bikes: '09 Jamis Komodo, '09 Mirraco Blend One, '08 Cervelo P2C, '08 Specialized Ruby Elite, '07 Yeti AS-R SL, '07 DMR Drone
The Rockhopper is a fine bike. Components are fine, and while you may want to eventually upgrade the fork (comes stock with a Dart 1) and/or add disc brakes when you get more experience, it will still certainly serve you well as is.
The P2 may not be small, believe it or not. I'm pretty short, and my XC bike (comparable to the Rockhopper you're looking at) runs somewhere around 15". My DJ (comparable to the P2 you're looking at) is probably closer to 12" and has 24" wheels.