Looking for a few answers

James93

Hi there, so finally after many years of saying that I am going to buy a bike and get in to mountain biking, I am soon to be the proud owner of a 2014 rockhopper. And subsequently I have a couple of questions I'm hoping someone can answer before the bike arrives.

Here is the link to my bike and spec:

Questions:

1.Would it possible to run a tubeless set up on these rims via either a conversion kit or a new pair of tyres?

2. If all goes to plan and I upgrade my wheelset. What would be the best tyres to but on my current wheels that are sutible for road riding?

3. Am I correct in thinking. I can just remove the biggest ring, replace with a bash guard and adjust the retention screw. To achieve a 2x9 set up or will I need a chain guid aswell?

4. What size seat post clamp do I need for this frame?

5. And finally what upgrades would you suggest and in what order? Just looking to turn it in to a decent xc/trail bike. Not yet sure weather I have the stomach for DH/jumps/drops lol.

Any help apriciated, Thanks in advance James

cooldad

Possibly bit of a link fail, but:
1 - probably
2 - pass
3 - Yes
4 - probably 34.9 but why?
5 - Ride it and see. Normally pedals, grips and saddle are personal. Anything else and you probably bought the wrong bike.

larkim

Why not just ride it for 6 months first before tearing it apart? If you've not yet started MTBing, how do you know that you would either notice or need any of the upgrades that you are considering?

James93

Hi thanks for the quick reply. My bad I forgot to Even paste the link. http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized-Rockhopper-29er-Mountain-Bike-2014-Hardtail-Race-MTB_64808.htm

The reason I choose this bike is because I like thought it would be a good base to start from, I appreciate that it will cost more to upgrade the bike than if I had just bought the spec i was after from day one. I wanted reba forks and a good wheel set but just couldn't afford a shop bike with these components as standard. So I choose to get a new bike. And then wait until some nice cheap Reba forks and a wheel set pop up on ebay. I will then be using my spare parts to help build a second 29er.

With reference to a seat clamp I would like one that is not QR. And since I will be swapping it out, I may as well get one that matches my other "bling"

I have ordered a pair off DMR V8 Pedals, Hope bash guard, lights and set of Mudguards. But sure enough just like other people have stated in different threads, the store 'tredz' have since emailed explaining that they do not have the parts in stock, dispite all the items being listed as in stock when I ordered online.

The next parts will probably be a set of spacers and seat clamp to make it a bit more personalised.

I'm hoping you still don't think I have purchased the wrong bike. I will mostly be riding xc and the odd DH bit every now and then. Will only be going as fast as it takes to put a big grin on my face. Nothing competitive. Is this bike suitable?

Chunkers1980

You seem more interested in looks that what it will do.

XC and DH are opposite end of the mtb spectrum.

WHy a Hope bash guard already.

A QR seat clamp is very usful - especially if you actually mean doing some XC finding a big hill, riding to the top and then down - you can pop down the seat very easily to change the feel of the bike.

Chunkers1980

And that Rockhopper is not a good bike really.

James93

Lol im really showing my noobness atm. Il try and explain. The way you worded it is exactly how I plan on riding, ride to the big hill, have fun on the big hill then ride home.

The bash guard is just because i plan on riding on mostly dirt and therefore hoping I don't need the big ring so will run the 2x9 week in week out and if I do any charity rides/ long road treks which I hope to be doing. I will go back to 3x9 with some slicks.

Tbh currently I'm am more focused on the looks, then after a month or so getting use to the feel of the bike i will look into adapting it to suit me more. Let's face it who doesn't want a good looking bike.

And I agree that compared to some off the beasts on here my bike really isn't much. But I still feel it will be adequate for the riding I'm expecting to do. Even if I had up to 2k to spend on a bike I just wouldn't because to me I wouldn't get my money's worth out of it, that's not to say I think 2k bikes are a waste of money. It's just that atm I can't see me ever needing that sort of kit.

Once again thanks for the input and quick reply.

bigmitch41

Enjoying my Rockhopper, I upgraded the fork pretty quickly as the old Dart3's where siezed so it was the excuse I needed to fit a new set of Reba's, apart from that its been a good bike, ride it first and see what you thnk..

njee20

WHy a Hope bash guard already.

Why not?

A QR seat clamp is very usful - especially if you actually mean doing some XC finding a big hill, riding to the top and then down - you can pop down the seat very easily to change the feel of the bike.

I disagree, and would (/always have) changed to a bolt up seatpost.

And that Rockhopper is not a good bike really.

Arguably there are better specced bikes for the money, but it's a perfectly decent starting point.

James93

Sounds like a plan, hopefully the bike has been delivered today if not should be here tommorow, just in time to go find some big hills at weekend

When I purchased the bike I wasn't expecting it to "pro spec" and am well aware the fork mine has is not very good at all. With a few future upgrades it should handle anything I'm likely to throw it. And if for some reason I get too good for the bike (not likely) and buy a better bike at least I will then know the price will be justified.

Glad to see so much input on my first thread, think I will be sticking around

kajjal

I would ride it , get used to the bike and where you ride first. You will then know which upgrades are right for you. I see a red 2013 rockhopper flying round the reservoir near me and the rider seems to be really enjoying themselves

FishFish

James93 wrote:

my current wheels that are sutible for road riding?

is that really true?

James93

I ment to write. "What would be the best tyres to put on my current wheels that are sutible for road riding?" Funny how one letter can change how a sentence is read. Will remember to proof read next time.

Chunkers1980

Even more so when you're helping your Uncle Jack off a horse.

Just some slicks. Ranging from City Jets at the cheap end to some Conti Gatorskins at the other.

The Rookie

For just road riding you want road tyres, I believe the '14 'hopper is a 29er, so just get some 700c road tyres to a suitable width, for just road riding get 32mm or 28mm (no point going narrower on an MTB), for more general riding you could go as wide as some 48mm Hybrid type tyres which will cope fine with gravel tracks and the like.