Specialized Rockhopper SL

Bernetini69

Hello all,

I havent ridden a bike for over 10 years, but I am looking to get one on te cycle to work scheme. I couldnt decided between a road bike and a mountain, so I decided to go for mountain bike so I can go offroad aswell.

I have seen the specialized rockhopper SL, and really liked it. Is it a good bike? It was £699. Was looking at getting slicks for it aswell for the road. Anyone got any opinions on it, or any other bike they think is better for the same price or a bit cheaper?

Cheers

cooldad

£499 here.
http://www.bikescene.co.uk/Specialized- ... 0-0-0.html
Decent frame average spec, mediocre forks.
Look at the Boardman and Carrera ranges at Halfords as well. Good value.

Bernetini69

http://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/bc/SBC ... e=Mountain

Thats the one sorry.

Bernetini69

FRAME Specialized M4SL fully manipulated alloy frame, fully butted, integrated HT, forged dropouts w/ replaceable derailleur hanger, disc only

FORK SR Suntour SF11-XCR-DS-26-LO-SP, 80mm, 1pc. alloy lower, 30mm steel stanchions, hyd. damping w/ mic-tuned spike valve & LO

FRONT BRAKE Shimano BR-M505 hydraulic disc brake, dual piston, 160mm rotor

REAR BRAKE Shimano BR-M505 hydraulic disc brake, dual piston, 160mm rotor

BRAKE LEVERS Shimano BR-M505 hydraulic

FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano Alivo, 34.9mm clamp, top swing, dual pull

REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano Deore 9sp Shadow Long cage

SHIFT LEVERS Shimano SL-M590 Deore trigger

CASSETTE Shimano HG50, 9-speed, 11-34t

CHAIN KMC X9 w/ reusable Missing Link

CRANKSET Shimano FC-M430-8, Octalink spline

BlueAdvocate

Frame is very good on this bike for the price; sure the rest of the spec can be beaten on similar bikes but those bits wear hence will need replacing at some point. As to other options I'm not sure.

diy

The rockhopper SL is a good entry level rockhopper. The only real weakness is the forks, but once you have pounded them you can upgrade for 100-200 quid to something much better.

If you are considering for road use too, make sure you get some slicks in the package as extras, also depending on your height if you find you are close to the upper end of the size chart for the size, then have a look at the next size up too. If you are doing a mix of off-road and road, you may prefer bigger than smaller.

Note that the big shops like evans normally price match, so even though you are going through a scheme don't forget to shop around and get the best price. If the budget will stretch to a "comp", its worth the extra in upgraded components.

Halfords specials are great too, great for kids bikes and great for buying used because their values fall quickly. However, if you have even the smallest bit of brand snobbery in you, you'll regret buying from the "tesco value" range.

zacadebo

I've got that bike, although I paid more for it as it was a current model at the time.

The only thing I've changed is the forks and the pedals. Depending the split of on/off road the forks may be ok for you but IMHO they are the week link on the bike.
As pointed out above though the frame is very good, especially for the money. Anything else can be upgraded as it wears out/breaks.

Steal at the price IMO.

arthur_scrimshaw

Worth remembering that if you're buying on CTW scheme you can probably kiss any discounts goodbye, still much cheaper to buy that way though as in total cost.

BlueAdvocate

zacadebo wrote:

I've got that bike, although I paid more for it as it was a current model at the time.

The only thing I've changed is the forks and the pedals. Depending the split of on/off road the forks may be ok for you but IMHO they are the week link on the bike.
As pointed out above though the frame is very good, especially for the money. Anything else can be upgraded as it wears out/breaks.

Steal at the price IMO.

I've slapped on MG1s and a shorter stem (I think mine came with an incorrect stem at 90mm instead of 70mm but now has 60mm) - I don't like wafty tillers.
I do intend to change the forks at some point; according to Spesh it will take 120mm travel.

Bernetini69

Would you reccomend this bike then, or is there better out fhere for that price?

Really unsure what to go for!

ljs1977

I have a 2010 comp SL, which has better forks, Jucy 3's, Slx rear and deore.

I love this bike, it has got me fit (fitter) and a great intro to mountain biking with a score of 10/10 in a couple of mags recently.

I am looking at swapping it after my first year of riding as I think I want / need something better, but every day i look at this bike / ride it I keep thinking that i will actually keep it.

buy it you will not regret it. also if you get the comp XL through the C2W scheme you should end up paying about £400 for it which you will get when / if you sell it 2nd hand.

Cheers

mattv

If you can find one in your size, its a good bike. Got the same frame as the bike that retailed at£1100 last year. The tyres on it (captain front, fast trak rear) are good combination tyres. I have that setup on my Epic and commute ten miles a day on it easily.