bballtwenty2

Hello All!

-Let me first start off by saying that i am a heavy guy, around 280lbs. I had a used smaller tire rockhopper that did the same thing, so i went and purchased a new 29" tire rockhopper and its still doing it.
-What my bike does is when i'm going up a hill or standing while peddling the chain seems to slip. It especially happens in 7th & 8th gear. I have taken it to the bike store and they cant seem to figure it out. I am starting to think that maybe i am just too heavy......

sdmc530

I can't say for sure but at 280 your not too heavy. the bike might not be set up just right but I was riding a similar bike from specialized at 336lbs back few years ago and never had one issue with the drivetrain. It was a nice running ride. Don't remember the group set it had but it was an 8 speed triple and it was good. Sorry I am not much help but I really don't think your weight is the issue.

qclabrat

no way, I know plenty your weight and more, putting it down at local races every weekend
Can you better explain what you mean by slipping? I recently ran into this problem with a bike and it was really slipping due to a cracked hub
Could it be than the rear tire is slipping? When you stand you weight the front tires more and less in the back. Therefore not enough weight in the back.
Try seating climbs more (better for your back on longer climbs) or center your butt back a bit to weight the rear better. Let us know your progress. My buddy was 260 lbs about a year ago, after starting mtb he's down about 50 and what his weighed in HS. It's a great sport, weight is arbitrary

bballtwenty2

Thanks for the response!
I would say it is like when I go to press the pedal the chain like misses a tooth.
My bike store said it’s likely because I’m using the gears wrong. He said that since I am going up a hill I should be in 1-4th gear. Only use the 7th&8th on straight away or down hills..
They also put a new tire on for me just in case.
Again this is the second bike that is showing this symptom.

bballtwenty2

Thanks for the positivity! I was feeling pretty discouraged and thinking maybe i should just return the bike..
i am going to keep working at it in hope of figuring out what’s wrong.
Its almost like I need a heavy duty cassette

Leebo

Is the cassette worn? Pics please. Shifting under load? Derralieur limits set?

sdmc530

I think it needs a re-set up as well. this shouldn't be an issue really

bballtwenty2

No the cassette isn’t worn. It was worn on my first bike that I tried. I replaced it and still had the same issue.
I’ll try to get pics tomorrow.
I’m not shifting under load. It like skips a link or something under load like going up a hill when I stand up with some pressure on it.
Dont know about derralieur limits? Still sort of new to biking so please bear with me.

bballtwenty2

I would think so too! Frustrating for sure.

Leebo

Lots of issues if the chain and cassette are worn and only one is replaced. Did you have a new cassette and a worn chain? A 235 lbs, I'm a masher, your weight is not the issue, get a different bike shop. have someone else ride it?

bballtwenty2

Brand new bike.
My bike shop is good and concerned about figuring it out.
I just rode it and kept it in 4th gear while going up a hill and it did fine. Maybe it’s me. Normally I keep it in 7th or 8th up a hill while standing and that’s when the slippage occurs.

Vomhofcycles

You’re not alone. I purchased a 2020 rockhopper comp with a 1x9 drive. I’m also a big guy at 260 and like climbing in 7 and 8. I’ve had the exact same problem as you since the day i got the bike. I’ve had 5 different bike shops work on it and gotten every different opinion under the sun, its been extremely frustrating. I finally got so tired of it that I decided to take it out and abuse the heck out of it until something completely broke. Eventually my hub gave way. That’s what the problem is. I had shops telling me my derailer was junk, I needed a new cassette....turns out it’s been the hub this entire time. My question is, what’s a good upgrade for this? It’s a quick release wheel with minimal spacing, so I hear options are limited. But I truly love this bike, the handling and brakes are superb.....I don’t wanna dump too much money in this thing as it’s an entry level bike, but aside from this issue, I really have no other complaints.

Bulette

Looks like the 2020 Rockhopper Comp has a 135 Quick-Release hub in the rear, and probably a 100 QR hub in the fork. BikeIsland has some closeout wheels that are okay (heavy, durable, but cheap). $200 for WTB-brand wide rims, Shimano hubs, and Maxxis tires (Here). The tires are even tubeless ready.

Actually, I find that 135/100 wheelsets aren't exactly limited, rather, I find those sets to be increasingly cheaper to replace (as everyone else moves to Boost).