My first decent MTB_'Hopper comp 2009

Doctor Gonzo

Here is my new bike, im over the moon with it. Its the first decent bike ive own and i love it.

I just cant help my self from sneaking off to the garage to have a look at it :oops:

After a few really long rides im well and truly hooked on this MTB lark.













Frame: Specialized M4 manipulated alloy frame
Forks: RockShox Tora SLite
Stem: Specialized 3D forged
Headset: Specialized 1-1/8 inch threadless, Loose ball
Grips: Specialized Enduro


Front Brake Lever assy: Juicy 3 SL
Front disc: Avid Juicy 3 SL 160mm
Rear Brake Lever assy: vid Juicy 3 SL
Rear Disc: Avid Juicy 3 SL 160mm


Shifters: Shimano Deore SL
Front Mech: Shimano Deore
Rear Mech: Shimano Deore SLX Shadow
Chain Device: Shimano FCM442

Seat: Specialized XC
Seat Post: Specialized alloy two bolt

Cranks: Shimano BB-ES25
Chain: KMC X9
Cassette: Shimano HG-50

Rim: Specialized Stout 26 inc
Spokes: 1.8mm (15g) stainless
Hub: Specialized Hi Lo
Tube: Specialized Schrader valve
Tire: Specialized Fast Trak LK Sport


Rim: Specialized Stout 26 inc
Spokes: 1.8mm (15g) stainless
Hub: Specialized Hi Lo
Tube: Specialized Schrader valve
Tire: Specialized Fast Trak LK Sport

Whytepeak

Stealthy

Nice bike, black works well with a Rockhopper

thefartingcockeral

Although i have a Rockrider 8.2, Ichave found that the Rockhopper is probably one of the best all round bikes ever made in all its reincarnations.
I have owned 2 in the past of which my wife has my old 2004 pro (in adonised black), but its still a great bit of kit.
Yours looks real nice. Nearly bought the pro this year but my 7 year old girl saif that it would make me look gay.
Real nice in black fella.

Graydawg

Nice wheels dude - but lose the saddle bag! it'll rattle more than an Alchoholic on a Sunday morning! :shock:

Other than that, nice machine!

GTi-R23

Nice rig bro, love it.

Wish the Pro came in black as well, I do think they chose the best colour for the Expert.

Doctor Gonzo

Thanks for the comments guys

I managed to buckle a wheel the other day, hit a tree stump at speed, i went over the handle bars and grazed my side on the handle bar ends.

I've had the wheel straightened, so all is well. All though I’m strangely proud of the fact I’ve all ready had my first “off”.

[quote="Graydawg but lose the saddle bag! it'll rattle more than an Alchoholic on a Sunday morning! :shock:

Other than that, nice machine! [/quote]

I know it looks $hit on the back, but it saves me carrying a bag on XC rides.

The Big Cheese

Doctor Gonzo wrote:

I know it looks $hit on the back, but it saves me carrying a bag on XC rides.

Nice bike fella....

You do need a camelback/daysack or whatever on XC rides, a water bottle is not enough for a ride and you need things like spare tube etc in your backpack, as well as tools that wont fit into a saddle pack (ie decent pump etc)

EDIT: also, room for a foldaway waterproof outer layer etc.....

Better get used to riding with one amigo

Si78

Cheesey wrote:

Doctor Gonzo wrote:

I know it looks $hit on the back, but it saves me carrying a bag on XC rides.

Nice bike fella....

You do need a camelback/daysack or whatever on XC rides, a water bottle is not enough for a ride and you need things like spare tube etc in your backpack, as well as tools that wont fit into a saddle pack (ie decent pump etc)

EDIT: also, room for a foldaway waterproof outer layer etc.....

Better get used to riding with one amigo

Yeah nice bike matey, glad ur enjoying it (and have the wounds to prove it!)

+1 for the above comments about what you need to take with ya.

edmiddleton1988

yeah looks nice. i've got the other black 09 rockhopper, but its got some gold bits on the tubes as well, think i like this one better!

supertwisted

That's lovely. Think I'll be going with that colour once mine is due a re-spray.

lordmerchant

looks absolutely great, bought a merlin malt 4 beginning of 2008 - was REALLY torn between a rockhopper and that. I am happy with my decision - but that is a sexy bike

Spokejunkie

Hey,
I also got a Rockhopper Expert 09 , Picked it up yesterday from Evans . I have only been riding a year and my first was a Hardrock Pro disc 09 which I still have after all I work hard all year so owning two decent bikes is surely worth it. I did'nt realize just how much lighter the expert is and you can really feel the difference in terms of handling from the frame, gears etc. Yeah I also have a saddle bag but will be looking at a Camel as I do tend be riding a lot further these days and now I have better& lighter steed and a trusty Garmin Edge 205 I won't be doing any less miles thats for sure. I hear these Rockhoppers are ripe for upgrading so will look at this at this in more detail as and when required/ desired.

ACDCwmb

Nice ride fella...

Spokejunkie wrote:

I hear these Rockhoppers are ripe for upgrading....

I'll second that, great frame to upgrade

merlie

rockhoppers united !!!

When I was choosing the colour of my rockhopper comp I went for the silver cos i thought that when I chip the frame of its paint its gonna show alot more than the silver ??? Plenty of chips on my frame ... not too noticeable - how bout the black ?

ACDCwmb

Plenty of chips and scratches, getting quite worn now, still cleans up ok and they don't show up too much on the black tbh.