Hello All,

I'm in the process of searching for my first "real" MTB. I've ridden road bikes in the past but my main ride for the last two years has been a Trek commuter bike. I recently moved to CO and am interested in checking out the singletrack nearby, hence the MTB.

After reading this forum I wanted to check out the 2010 Rockhopper Comp 29er. The LBS had two in stock and I really liked the way it felt when I rode around a bit. The only question is whether the frame was a bit small. My commuter is a 20" frame but they put me on a 17" Rockhopper. The seat was up high but not ridiculously so and it felt good, I just wanted a second opinion. They didn't have a 19" built up so I couldn't compare when I was in but I thought if this all sounded good to all of the riders on here. The LBS personnel said you typically want to size down a bit for trail riding and by having a smaller frame it would help navigate the 29 inch wheels a bit better rather than being stretched out. The price is definitely right ($675) and I want to jump on it but I just wanted to ask here first.

Thanks guys (and gals).

How tall are you? I'm 5'10 & the 17" frame felt a little better to me than the 19". I would have been happy with either though, I just like to go a size down if they don't have an 18" to be able to sit a little upright to give the back a break if I need to.

How was the standover on the 17" frame? Since its the 2010 model will they have access to a 19" if you need it? One of my LBS was all out of Spec. 29er except 23" Hardrock.

Dont worry about the size difference between your old bike and Hopper. Two different geometry.

I'm just under 6' but I have a rather short inseam (I buy 30" length pants). It sounds like as long as the bike felt right I will be good on it. Having never ridden on a MTB trail before I wanted to get a (some) second opinions.

I went back to the shop again today and did another test ride. The bike felt right and I really liked it so I jumped on it. The people at the LBS were different today so I made the salesman explain to me how he would size it (w/o telling him what I was told yesterday) and his explanation was very similar and made a lot of sense. He was about my size and said he wouldn't go with a 19", but especially because I am planning to ride it off-road a lot.

I pulled the trigger and got a great deal. I can't wait to take it offroad this weekend.