I have my 199? Rockhopper in pieces right now, broken cogs, ruined chain, derailleurs that are not staying in place when shifted. I test rode some bikes today, I really was dead set on dropping $600 on a new bike, just to avoid the headache. But this thread... it has really made me not want to. The frankenbikes have a lot more soul than a new shiny bike. And this thread made me realize I don't need to change the bike, just some parts.