New Bike...New Bike...New Bike...Photo Whoring...New Bike!!
cheehee
Posts: 427
So by the magic of ride2work, I got this......
With that I bought this....
I have owned my old Rockhopper for 10 years now, I will be keeping hold of her. Bless the old girl.
First things I had to do to the new bike:
* Remove the bell, wtf is that doing on there?
* Remove the front, rear and wheel reflectors
* Fit a Cycraguard
* Remove some of the naff stickers from the down tube
* Fiddle with the wide range of adjustability, seat height, lever span, SPD's, handle bar
reach and stem height.
First ride:
Location: Local Resovoir and surrounding area
Conditions: Wet
Underwear: M&S boxer briefs :?
Tunes: NaS, Pearl Jam, Eddie Veder, Wu Tang Clan, System of a Down and other stuff
Distance: 8 miles (ish)
Right from the start this 2009 Rockhopper expert feels different than my 10 year old Rockhopper. It feels lighter, tauter and more responsive. The new Rockhopper looks physically bigger than my old un, but that may be due to the higher volume tyres and fatter ally tubing. Once on board the '09 it doesn't feel as roomy, and I feel less stretched out, in a more elbows splayed riding stance.
I have never ridden with SPD's so I am tentative to begin with and practice clipping in and out as I ride. As my confidence grows I try a few wheelies and bunny hops. The front wheel comes up easily and the bike wheelies well (I do need more practice though).
Bunny hops are a different story to begin with, my brain can't seem to grasp that I am clipped to the pedals as I pathetically only lift the front wheel on the first few attempts. After a while I get used to the Spuds and am hopping like a rabbit on hot coals.
To me the Rockshox Recon lite forks seemed underdamped, but the reason could be that I am so used to riding with a stiff fork. Time will tell ,also I think the forks are adjustable for damping and I like fiddling
The Tyres are coping well with the muddy terain and all the while I'm slowly getting accustomed to the bike, the Avid Juicy 4 Brakes are still bedding in, so I can't really comment on them other than they do feel solid, but with less initial bite than the V-brakes on my old bike.
I tackle a steep ascent, a stepped towpath bridge over the canal. The surface is greasy but I will p*ss this........wrong...... I start pedaling up the bridge when doubt creeps in. 'it's slippery, you're on a new bike, you're not used to Spuds, what if you slip??'
I lose my nerve and go to dab my foot, forgetting I need to disengage the SPD's.......I didn't go over but t'was close.......note to self - don't get too cocky, too soon :oops:
The clouds get darker and the rain heavier, I decide to make tracks back home. On the road the Specialized control tyres aren't great, too big and too much rolling resistance, but I don't s'pose the road is what they were designed for.....I try a few manuals.....only problem is I can't do them, unless a few yards counts :roll:
I get back home, I'm wet, cold and muddy.......but happy. It's been a good ride and I've enjoyed myself. I had to stop a few times to adjust the seat, bars and to stare at my new Rockhopper. It's early days yet, but I've made the right choice and the bike is so much better than me. Having the new bike has helped rekindle my passion for cycling. It never really went away, was put on the back burner, gently smoldering like the embers of a fire.
I still love the old bike, but things have definately moved on in 10 years and the old bike feels more like a commuter compared to the '09, but that's fine I like Radiohead. So the old girl will be kept as an OK commuter
It's gonna be fun.
Cheers
Cheehee
With that I bought this....
I have owned my old Rockhopper for 10 years now, I will be keeping hold of her. Bless the old girl.
First things I had to do to the new bike:
* Remove the bell, wtf is that doing on there?
* Remove the front, rear and wheel reflectors
* Fit a Cycraguard
* Remove some of the naff stickers from the down tube
* Fiddle with the wide range of adjustability, seat height, lever span, SPD's, handle bar
reach and stem height.
First ride:
Location: Local Resovoir and surrounding area
Conditions: Wet
Underwear: M&S boxer briefs :?
Tunes: NaS, Pearl Jam, Eddie Veder, Wu Tang Clan, System of a Down and other stuff
Distance: 8 miles (ish)
Right from the start this 2009 Rockhopper expert feels different than my 10 year old Rockhopper. It feels lighter, tauter and more responsive. The new Rockhopper looks physically bigger than my old un, but that may be due to the higher volume tyres and fatter ally tubing. Once on board the '09 it doesn't feel as roomy, and I feel less stretched out, in a more elbows splayed riding stance.
I have never ridden with SPD's so I am tentative to begin with and practice clipping in and out as I ride. As my confidence grows I try a few wheelies and bunny hops. The front wheel comes up easily and the bike wheelies well (I do need more practice though).
Bunny hops are a different story to begin with, my brain can't seem to grasp that I am clipped to the pedals as I pathetically only lift the front wheel on the first few attempts. After a while I get used to the Spuds and am hopping like a rabbit on hot coals.
To me the Rockshox Recon lite forks seemed underdamped, but the reason could be that I am so used to riding with a stiff fork. Time will tell ,also I think the forks are adjustable for damping and I like fiddling
The Tyres are coping well with the muddy terain and all the while I'm slowly getting accustomed to the bike, the Avid Juicy 4 Brakes are still bedding in, so I can't really comment on them other than they do feel solid, but with less initial bite than the V-brakes on my old bike.
I tackle a steep ascent, a stepped towpath bridge over the canal. The surface is greasy but I will p*ss this........wrong...... I start pedaling up the bridge when doubt creeps in. 'it's slippery, you're on a new bike, you're not used to Spuds, what if you slip??'
I lose my nerve and go to dab my foot, forgetting I need to disengage the SPD's.......I didn't go over but t'was close.......note to self - don't get too cocky, too soon :oops:
The clouds get darker and the rain heavier, I decide to make tracks back home. On the road the Specialized control tyres aren't great, too big and too much rolling resistance, but I don't s'pose the road is what they were designed for.....I try a few manuals.....only problem is I can't do them, unless a few yards counts :roll:
I get back home, I'm wet, cold and muddy.......but happy. It's been a good ride and I've enjoyed myself. I had to stop a few times to adjust the seat, bars and to stare at my new Rockhopper. It's early days yet, but I've made the right choice and the bike is so much better than me. Having the new bike has helped rekindle my passion for cycling. It never really went away, was put on the back burner, gently smoldering like the embers of a fire.
I still love the old bike, but things have definately moved on in 10 years and the old bike feels more like a commuter compared to the '09, but that's fine I like Radiohead. So the old girl will be kept as an OK commuter
It's gonna be fun.
Cheers
Cheehee
0
Comments
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Great report! I enjoyed this: Underwear: M&S boxer briefs 0
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nice bike!!! sounds like a nice ride too!! my first spd ride was good fun! a couple of muddy off's but good! but like you say, easy to get too cocky hahah!
something about a black bike and all black gear!! uber stealthy!
i keep looking at the Cube ltd team in black and green and trying to get the wife to allow me it on her BTW scheme, but alas, she's having none of it!!Timmo.
After all, I am Cornish!
http://cornwallmtb.kk5.org/
Cotic Soul, The bike of Legends! Yes, I Am a bike tart!
http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... 1#162974810 -
Very nice!
I'm guessing you are quite tall?!!0 -
allthegearnoidea wrote:nice bike!!! sounds like a nice ride too!! my first spd ride was good fun! a couple of muddy off's but good! but like you say, easy to get too cocky hahah!
something about a black bike and all black gear!! uber stealthy!
i keep looking at the Cube ltd team in black and green and trying to get the wife to allow me it on her BTW scheme, but alas, she's having none of it!!
Cheers, funnily enough I was looking at the Cube. I couldn't believe the spec for the price, about £900 I think?
My voucher was for Evans cycles only, and they would supply the bikes they stocked..........pity.
I am chuffed with the hopper though.
Cheehee0 -
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cheehee - LOL! I'm a dwarven 5'8" so it's a 17" frame for me...
All black like yours though - love stealth bikes 0 -
lol good height though!!
nice read and nice bike. always liked those. good fun to ride. happy trails!!I said hit the brakes not the tree!!
2006 Specialized Enduro Expert
http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/3192886/
2008 Custom Merlin Malt 4
http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/2962222/
2008 GT Avalanche Expert
http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/3453980/0 -
cheehee wrote:Cheers, funnily enough I was looking at the Cube. I couldn't believe the spec for the price, about £900 I think?
My voucher was for Evans cycles only, and they would supply the bikes they stocked..........pity.
I am chuffed with the hopper though.
Cheehee
yeah gotta say its the spec that really lets it down imo!
6ft3" is a good height! one of the mums at the local toddler groups husband is the same height, he was informed by our local Halfords that he would need a specially built custom frame to suit his height! did raise a smile when he told me!Timmo.
After all, I am Cornish!
http://cornwallmtb.kk5.org/
Cotic Soul, The bike of Legends! Yes, I Am a bike tart!
http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... 1#162974810 -
Im 6'6" and no custom rig for me! Just sold my old 'Hopper' to a mate as he is just getting into it, he's 6'4". You just have to shop around and test ride lots of differnt bikes Im looking at a new ride and am thinking of a return to the 'big S' as they just seem to work with my shape and size, plus they do most of the range in XL.
Great post BTW
Bob2009 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Elite
The anything and everything, 'make you an addict if you weren't one already' full suspension mountain bike with miles upon mile of trail-tuned flow.0 -
I am suprised that you feel the recon in underdamped, seems obvious but have you tried to adjust it?0
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dmb wrote:I am suprised that you feel the recon in underdamped, seems obvious but have you tried to adjust it?"To me the Rockshox Recon lite forks seemed underdamped, but the reason could be that I am so used to riding with a stiff fork. Time will tell ,also I think the forks are adjustable for damping and I like fiddling"
:roll:0 -
doh0
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SNAP!
I ended up getting the same bike in the end, Rockhopper Expert. 2 weeks old and covered approx 50 miles. loving it!0 -
nickbennett wrote:SNAP!
I ended up getting the same bike in the end, Rockhopper Expert. 2 weeks old and covered approx 50 miles. loving it!
Good stuff chief. You are obviously also a man of exquisite taste, extremely good looking and well endowed.............. 0 -
:shock:
why you know me so well..
have made a few mods too though,
Changed pedals straight awat to DMR v12 mags (black)
added lizard skins protector (black) as i found little dings all along the frame after 1st ride.
also changed grips to ODI Rogue lock-on (black) as the specialized ones decided they would spin all over in the rain the other day :roll:0 -
Finally got pics sorted so here i go....
new bike, shop fresh!
0 -
so shiney and new...
after first rideout...
out and about...
yesterday in need of TLC :shock: ....
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nice and muddy! good work!!!
(hmmmn, alfa 156 too! Very nice!!!!!)Timmo.
After all, I am Cornish!
http://cornwallmtb.kk5.org/
Cotic Soul, The bike of Legends! Yes, I Am a bike tart!
http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... 1#162974810 -
allthegearnoidea wrote:nice and muddy! good work!!!
(hmmmn, alfa 156 too! Very nice!!!!!)
Well spotted!
I think the bike might be worth more now :roll:0 -
haha! is a bit odd when your bike's worth more than the car hey!!! even with my car officially being an appreciating xclassic i doubt it will ever reach the value of the bike! (and by biking terms the bikes not worth all that much!!)
was going to guess at either lusso or veloce trim too lol! but thats my train spotter too much time in the motor tradeness coming out haha!
god i am sad haha!Timmo.
After all, I am Cornish!
http://cornwallmtb.kk5.org/
Cotic Soul, The bike of Legends! Yes, I Am a bike tart!
http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... 1#162974810 -
out and about...
I like this pic Nick mate, it's like your bikes having a kip
Nice bike btw, all the cool kids have got them 0 -
Yea I like that one too its my desktop wallpaper.0
