Specialized Rockhopper 29er or 26er? Help buying

elliotclem1

Hi there,

I'm looking to buy a new bike as my current diamond back is far too small. I mostly ride XC and want to ride more serious trails and technical sections when I get my new bike.

I've been looking at the Specialized Rockerhopper 2013's and 2012s models for some time now, but still can't decide which one to choose.

From my understanding all the 2013 Rockhoppers are now 29er's and the frame has been downgraded from the lighter M4 to the heavier A1 frame.
With the 29er being a much bigger bike what will it be like to maneuver? I'm wanting to learn more advanced techniques with my new bike like learning how to manual, bunny hop etc for when I'm out on the more advanced trails. So my question is will a 29er bike make it harder to learn these types of technique due to it being heavier and bigger, or won't it really make much difference?

However if I were able to find a rockhopper comp 2012 still in stock would that be better for what I'm wanting to do with my new bike?

I did go to my local bike shop to try a 29er and set at the right height and it felt great however I'm not sure if that was because it was the right size bike for my height or if it was because of the 29" wheels. I'm about 6 ft

Makes me wonder though if I should be investing in a 29er since specialized have changed there whole rockhopper line to the bigger wheel size?

I really want a Specialized bike but if there's a big advantage of getting a different brand for around same price then I'm willing to consider it.

I'm looking to pay no more than £800

Hope someone could give me some advice

Cheers
Elliot

supersonic

The only way is to test them I am afraid. Generalising, but the 29ers usually roll over bumps better, but are slightly heavier, a bit flexier and can feel slower to turn. And usually have worse specs compared to the equivalent.

£800 will gt you some superb sale bikes from the likes of Paul's Cycles.

chez_m356

supersonic wrote:

£800 will gt you some superb sale bikes from the likes of Paul's Cycles.

this, or if you particularly want a 29er take a look here, decent spec and under your budget http://www.bike-discount.de/shop/k1275/ ... ml?mfid=52

The Rookie

I demo's a Trek Superfly Elite carbon (29er) at the NEC and it was noticeably slower to turn (despite being a real top end bike) than my Heinz57 bike (see link in sig) 26er.

elliotclem1

Thanks for the replys,
Ended up getting the Specialized Rockhopper Comp 2012 virtually brand new off ebay for £400 , so have plenty of money to spend on upgrades

The guy that sold me the bike has changed the tyres to flat road ones, so looking to get these changed before hitting the trails.
What brand and tread would you recommend?
Mostly ride my bike through wooded areas but an all round tread would be best.

Hear Maxxis is a good brand but there's such a vast amount of different treads I'm unsure which to choose. Have my eye on 'Maxxis High Roller 2.35 60a Tyre' seem to have so good reviews

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/max ... e-ec007258

mcnultycop

The tyres you have linked to are steel bead. Folding tyres are "better", generally lighter and generally available in more advantageous compounds.

This is a bit bigger than the one you linked to:

http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/t ... -x-24.html

harry1982

I have just bought the 2013 Rock Hopper, but I'm slightly gutted after reading the reviews of the Voodo Bizango.
What adjustments or upgrades could I do to make my bike feel and handle just like the Voodo Bizango?

cooldad

You probebly can't but replacing the forks would be the obvious, but expensive way.

mali01

harry1982 wrote:

I have just bought the 2013 Rock Hopper, but I'm slightly gutted after reading the reviews of the Voodo Bizango.
What adjustments or upgrades could I do to make my bike feel and handle just like the Voodo Bizango?

Dont be gutted!

If the bike fits and feels right then you have made the right choice regardless of what bits are bolted on. I sat on and test rode as many as i could and the Rockhopper felt the best (fit) but i knew the fork would need replacing. I managed to get a Rockshox xc32, Slx shifters and rear mech all brand new for £160 and fitted them myself. Sure i could have got a better spec from the start but i wouldnt have been as happy long term.

Adjustments i made were bring the stem to the top of the steerer tube via a 5mm spacer and also flipped the stem.