Specialized Rockhopper decent first MTB?
10-05-17, 04:40 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Specialized Rockhopper decent first MTB?
Let me preface that I am normally a roadie. I love the feel of just slicing down a smooth stretch of pavement. I have a group of friends that almost exclusively ride and race off road trails. I have been out with them a few times and have borrowed or rented a bike. While a completely different experience with its own unique demands I really can't deny it's charm. I'm looking to buy an entry level machine and locally the rockhopper is checking off most the right boxes. I want a hard tail and hydraulic brakes. Not a huge fan of the suntour fork as most of the trails in my area get technical pretty quickly. I also want to stick with a 29er. Not opposed to a 27.5 if a screaming deal came up but I like the feel of the larger tires. I am registered for a 50 mile trail race in January so it's time I purchased my own bike. Is there something better in the 5-800 dollar range?
10-05-17, 07:25 PM
#2
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Probably not. Specialized makes a good product for the money and holds value reasonably well.
10-06-17, 09:05 PM
#3
a big man
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In that price range it's going to be tough getting a better fork. If you really get into mtb you may want a new bike next year, but anything from Trek/Specialized/Giant is going to be a decent bike to get you started.
10-10-17, 11:18 AM
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I have one and I'm enjoying it. I've done mostly trail riding in my area and the occasional family ride. Not the best rider out there but, the bike has taken my abuse, and mistakes, pretty well.
10-14-17, 08:41 PM
#5
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Look at the Suntour upgrade program
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10-15-17, 05:47 AM
#6
Senior Member
Get your friends to help you find a used bike. You should be able to find a pretty nice 2 or 3 year old hardtail for that money with a good fork. New maybe one of the direct to consumer(online guys) might have a deal pop up, look into Diamondback deals.
