I looked at the Stumpjumper and hardrock but settled on the Rockhopper. I am very pleased with it. There ate a lot of bikes at $1000 with better components off the shelf but the specialized frame was the best hardtail frame I came across in that price range. So far the componets have worked fine other than the rear derailleur "half-shifting" due to some large grain sand in the mechanics. The Suntour fork rides well but I can tell its not built as well as some. I will probably eventually replace it with a nice remote lockout fork. The Suntour crank is not the best either but again I figure I will break it and then upgrade to a nice splined one. I agree with RobE30, for a few bucks more u can get the rockhopper and the M4 frame.