spigot

Hey guys and gals,

I am new in the MTB arena and would love suggestions on purchasing my first MTB. I have been researching pretty hard and have found a few I like. First, I will be using this bike for a daily 10 mile commute (roundtrip)to work and I plan on joining my local bike club to get involved in their several weekly off-road rides. Now, I live in N/E Indiana so most of the riding will be comparitively flat trails ranging from easy to moderate to some difficult but nothing extreme. I am looking at a Trek 4500, Specialized Hardrock Comp Disc, Specialized HardRock Sport, or A Specialized Rockhopper (base model). Let me know If I missing any other noteworthy brands. I only have two LBS in town: one a Trek/Giant dealer the other a primarily a Specialized/Raleigh/Cannondale delaer. I am leaning torward a Specialized because I like the service personal from that LBS better: seem to be more knowledgable. Should I look at the better frame and components of Rockhopper without disc brakes (only Rockhopper in my budget), or should I look more at the Hardrock Comp Disc? Are Disc brakes something to choose a bike on or is frame and components better to look at? Any opinions would be wonderful.

spigot

trekkie820

GT's seem to be a much better value than the big guys at Trek and Specialized. I would look into a lot of other, less popular brands like that first. Of those, i would go for the Rockhopper or the Hardrock Comp disc...but discs might be overkill for NE Indiana...

wipeout

I have an 04 HR comp disc. I was also trying to choose between it and the rockhopper. I chose the hardrock for it's beefier frame and more versatile geometry. The rockhopper would be a better XC bike, if that is what you're into. I wanted to bike for some aggressive XC, dirt jumping, and also urban. I weigh over 200 lbs and am hard on my equipment, so I knew I would be replacing components no matter what i got. I like the disc brakes (even though some insult the Tektro's). I've never used Hayes or Avid's, and these have plenty of stopping power for me. The marzocchi fork on the new model HR's feels a lot better than the Judy that use to come on them.

If you define your riding style more closely I could make a better suggestion.

MichaelW

Disks are useful in foul-weather commuting.
Make sure your frame has threaded eyelets for rack and fenders, I think the Hardrock does.
One big decision is tyres:
Get some 1.5" slick road tyres and change to knoblies at the weekend, or ride some dual use treking tyres or
Get 2 sets of wheel.

stapfam

You have nearly answered your own question as you prefer one dealer to the other. Take his advise on choice of bike. Not knowing any of these bikes intimately, just a couple of pointers. This is your first bike so basically anything could do. providing it is not too cheap or too high a spec. Front suspension is necessary, so look for a fork that is rebuildable. Several Original fitment forks are cheap, not strong enough, have insufficient adjustability, and are not worth rebuilding when they start to fail. Disc brakes are not necessary, and cheap disc brakes do not work aswell as V's. Good quality discs are great though. Groupset should for off road use be Deore as a minimum, but saying that, it took me a long time to retire my old Acera when I had it. 24 speed should be your minimum, and unless it is an older model, that is being sold cheap, most groupsets will be 27 speed. Very little difference between 24 and 27speed, but the 8 speed should be considerably cheaper. Next pointer is, what extras can I get. Water bottle and carrier, pump Wedge and spare tube should be a minimum, or a pretty good discount. Discuss your wants with the dealer, but go for a hardtail, with enough spec to cover your needs, and with a frame that is worth upgrading with.

ruirui

wipeout, i am curious as to the hardtail you got. i've read reviews that it has a very beefy frame, which i like, because i want a frame that i can upgrade with later one. as for the frame being beefy.. how's the ride? i commute about 7 miles or so daily.. so i want something that won't be too hard of a ride. and what is a hardtail? does that mean any bike with just a front suspension fork only?

i'm pretty new at this.. and the rockhopper i have is a pretty old one. so deciding if i should buy a new bike or just upgrade from it. the gears are missing some teeth and it's pretty dirty all around. so i'm thinking of what to do.

RJBIII

My brother has a 2004 Hardrock pro, which I have ridden a few times. It is a tank! You should consider whether you want an ATB or XC bike. Unless your trails are massive roots and rocks everywhere, I would go with a Rockhopper or other XC bike. I think you will be much more satisfied with an XC frame over time. They tend to be worthy of some upgrades. However, if you plan on exploring some street stunts, drops, or beating the hell out of the bike...go with a Hardrock Pro. You get some great upgrades for only $100 more. For me the Sun Ditchwitch rims would make it worth it, but you also get Shimano discs.

I can't comment much on Rockhoppers since I haven't ridden one. The components seem ok. I just got a 2003 Jamis Exile on clearance for $550. It's comparable to the 2004 Rockhopper Comp. In my opinion, Jamis hardtails are the best value in XC.

Also, spend as much as you can outright on the bike. Upgrading will cost a lot more.

wipeout

To answer your question, yes, a hardtail is a bike with only front suspension.

The ride on the hardrock is very good. It's just different from the rockhopper. It is meant as more of a "do everything" bike where as the rockhopper is meant more for cross country riding. The hardrock's riding position is a little more upright. If you are using the bike as only a commuter with light offroad use, the rockhopper would probably suit your needs best. It is a little lighter with better geometry for climbing ( I don't know how hilly your area is). Now if you were to say you commute during the week and like to dirt jump on the weekend, the hardrock is the better choice. Either frame is worthy of upgrading. Whichever bike you decide on, I would invest in an extra wheelset with road tires. The rolling resistance on the stock knobby tires would make a 7 mile street ride tiresome.

Depending on how old your rockhopper is, it would most likely be beneficial to start with a new bike. Upgrading can be costly (as well as the labor involved).

ruirui

wipeout... you are the MAN! that answered my questions. i really love the specialized bike. the rockhopper i have now is pretty old, at least 4 yrs old, if not older. so yeah for sure i should get a new bike. the frame on my current rockhopper is 20.5 (at least I think so cuz there is a sticker on the frame ). I'm 5'8" weights 155lbs, and with my current rockhopper, i felt it was a bit too high for me. but definitely i'll be looking into a rockhopper than.. since it's for commute more and trail riding w/ small jumps. so how heavy is the rockhopper compared to the hardrock? i wish specialized would have more detail specs...

wipeout

Your local bike shop will be able properly fit you on a frame size. The 20.5" is definitely too big for you. I am 6'4" and ride a 21". My hardrock weighs about 31lbs give or take a pound. The rockhopper will probably come in about 28lbs...? A noticeable difference. Going in and riding/holding the 2 bikes will help more than anything I can tell you. Good luck with your purchase.

ruirui

thanks wipeout!~ can't wait to leave work... only 1.5 hrs left.. and then i'll have to pedal half an hour to get home.. then get into my car, get stuck in traffic for 30-45mins before i can get to the lbs. good thing they open till 9pm.. hehe