aweheba

Hey guys, first post. If it's not in the right place please let me know!
So right now I'm planning to upgrade to a decent entry level trail bike from my diamondback Sorrento. I'm currently trying to decide between the 2017 Rockhopper Sport 29er and the 2017 Diamondback Hook.
I'll try to list the main differences here:
1x8 vs 3x8 on Rockhopper **** I think this is the biggest advantage for hook, but worried about only 8 gear cassette
120mm travel Suntour xcm vs 100mm travel Suntour xcm on rh
27.5 vs 29 wheels on rh
Tektro Aries Mechanical vs Shimano M315 Hydraulic on rh
X3 and X4 vs Altus and Acera on rh

I've found the Rockhooper for 625 and the Hook for 650.
Please let me know which you guys think is better for riding singletracks in Florida.
My budget is 700, so if there's a bike significantly better that's under 700, please let me know.
Thanks in Advance!

deex

I have owned a RH Comp. A 2015 model. Also have the Motobecane Fantom Comp 29.

For $100 more you get a better shock, better brakes, better wheels/tires. The frame is a decent frame. Only thing is that you may need an adjustment from the LBS.

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...mp-tcs-xvi.htm

I have upgraded to a better bike now. The Fantom is still in the collection, the RH is gone replaced with a Niner.

Good luck!

Canker

I'm not going to look up the geometries for both because I'm lazy but that is going to be the biggest difference between them. The Rock Hopper is going to be your standard XC geometry with a 70? degree headangle and Hook is going to have more Trail geometry 68? degree headangle.
The complete guide to mountain bike geometry - MBR
There are tons of articles and videos out there that explain the pros and cons of each so I'm not going to bother. You might also want to look up Seth's Bike Hacks on youtube. He lives in Florida and has a DB syncr which is basically a higherend Hook.

3x8 vs 1x8 in Florida I doubt the 1x8 is much of a con but having the granny gear with the 3x8 could be useful if you do plan to ride in hilly areas and if you don't you can always make a 3x8 a 1x8 easily.

rest of the drivetrain is a wash

27.5 vs 29 is personal a preference. I've had both and don't really care.

Brakes are an easy win for the Rock Hopper. Hydraulics are nicer than mechanicals.

Either will be fine. Which do you think looks cooler ?

mstateglfr 

- Go here. https://dbcorp.diamondback.com/custo...1bnQvaW5kZXgv/
- Create an account using the password CYCLE4PERK.
- Buy the Hook for $480.
-or-
- Buy the Line for $640


The Line has- higher level shifting, 9sp instead of 8sp, better gearing(34/36 instead of 34/34 as a spinning ratio), hydraulic brakes instead of mechanical, thru front axle, higher spec fork.

aweheba

Thanks so much!

gsa103

Honestly, neither of those seem like a big upgrade over your current bike. Basically the only significant improvement would be disc vs rim brakes. If your shifting a brakes aren't working right, it might be worth spending ~$50 to get them fixed up.

My advice would be to save a little more so you could move up to something with an air fork, where you will notice a significant difference.

aweheba

Do you know if the Suntour xcr on the db line is coil or air suspension?

mstateglfr 

The 2017 27.5" fork shows air.
Details - SR SUNTOUR Cycling

aweheba

Ok, thank you so much for your help!
I think I'm set on the db line.

ussprinceton

I'd get the RockHopper