Giant XTC 4.5 or Spesh Rockhopper Disc

dart

I'm narrowing it down to two bikes, I really like the feel of the Spesh but struggling to justify the £200.00 cost adder. Any advise is it worth the £200.00 extra????

I've read good reviews on both, but there seem to be a lot more revues/views available on the Spesh, anyone out there got a XTC 4.5????

dcp1975

I had a Rockhopper, very good bike and an excellent frame to upgrade in the future...if you wait a few weeks maybe you could get an 07 model on the cheap as the 08 models slowly start coming out.

Code Monkey

With those bikes as options is it worth also considering....

Gary Fisher Tassajara disc,
and the Saracen Zen 1

Both of these have Manitou slate forks with lock out on the GF and Comp FFD 130mm travel on the saracen, Deore throughout on the groupset and hydraulic disc brakes,

Same price, so how do you choose between them all?

Does it come down to as simple as colours and location of the dealers?

I am in the market for a bike in this range as well so the responses will be of interest.

Big n Daft

Code Monkey wrote:

Does it come down to as simple as colours and location of the dealers?

Nope, it comes down to which one feels the best when and if you test ride it.

Same price and a lot of the same components yes, same frame geometry no, that's what will make the major difference in how it rides for you.

I really wouldn't recommend anyone buying a bike without trying it first, even if your buying on line, get yourself to a dealer/shop and at least sit on the thing, if not take it for a little spin.

You can fit a bike to a person, but you can't fit a person to a bike.

The Spiderman

The Spesh probably has slightly he better frame,but Giants are such good value its hard to justify paying the extra.But as said above,try before you buy.

9Previously had a Rockhopper now have a Giant XTC.)

BigRedR

I have just purchased a Spec Rockhopper Disc. I had a test ride on the Giant and really liked it, but compared ot the Rockhopper it just felt a little lame.

The Rockhopper has a far better frame, outstanding brakes, better shocks and looks better in my opinion. Suppose its all down to personal choice at the end of day and £200 is a lot of money (although i managed to get the equivelant of 10% off with a little haggling and accessories thrown in).

If you think you will get a good deal on a 2007 Rockhopper model though, think again - unless you want a blue one. Specialized have completely sold out, so you will have to search the shops directly and see if they are in stock.

I managed to get one of the last available (2 days after ordering it they were completely sold out), and just as well - as i hear that the 2008 model aint as good. That appears to be the case with the Hardrock range anyway. Why downgrade a model???

supersonic

Yes, Spesh seem to have downgraded things for 2008, but same prices. XTX frame is very good though, on a par with the Hoppers, superbly made and light.

hamish_hebridean

Also managed to locate a spesh (from Edinburgh Bike Co-op in Manchester). No discounts at all. I narrowed mine down to the same two as well, but I have to say the Rockhopper is excellent. Disc breaks were impressive, and the frame is basically a stumpjumper. If you are ever looking to upgrade - definitely go with the spesh.

Interesting to hear 2008 spec is not as good. Bought an allez sport road bike in 2005, and the last 2 years' allez sport frames have been nowhere near as good.

Anyway as a roadie, I find the difference betwen the weights and speeds incredible and frustrating at times - but the rockhopper is an lot of fun.

Good luck!

dart

After narrowing it down to 2 I'm now back up to 3!
Someone suggested I "just go and check out the Fury", it has pretty good reviews so I thought why not, nothing ventured and all that!
Whilst looking at the Fury, and yes it is a pretty nice bike for the ££'s, the helpful assistant suggested I look atthe "just in" Boardman range. If you thought you get a lot of bike for your money with the Fury you should see the spec's of the Boardman.
Check them out:
www.boardmanbikes.com

I'm almost sold on it but there isn't much by way of reviews, I can pick up the Comp version for £540.00 with the Kellogs voucher.

Any advise????

By the way if anyone is looking for a Rockhopper Disc Bikescene have it at £599.00 and Cyclesurgery have the Pro at £750.00

hamish_hebridean

Always the same after you have bought it. Depends on what size / colour is available. Blue or V brakes wasn't what I was after. Would have been interested to know if the comp was available in black 21". It's only for messing around with with my missus and kids. Not going to go to many extreme places with it. Prefer my road bikes for their speed / acceleration / distance that can be travelled etc.

Not wanting to get into the roadie v mtb debate though. You only need to look at the road forum to see the shimano v campag nonsense that starts up with an inoccuous comment.