Cant decide, Kona Hoss or Specialized Rock Hopper?

sparkydw

Whats your views? im undecided the Hoss or the Rockhopper, which should i go for? and why?

Flurry

for what sort of riding?

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sparkydw

general xc and trail riding

dave_s

Rockhopper

Flurry

^seconded

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dave_s

Forgot to mention the Rockhopper is a proven long standing classic XC bike, it's lighter than the Kona and you'll appreciate that on the climbs.
The Kona is a very good bike too but is heavier and is designed for heavier riders.
As a general XC bike the Rockhopper is the choice to go for but if you are a big rider then the Kona Hoss might be the better choice.
It's best to test ride if you can, I'd go for the Rockhopper though no question

Red Lemon

It depends which side of the hill your priorities lie.

If you ride hard on descents and/or anticipate any sort of air-time, the Hoss is the way to go. It has excellent handling and is bomb proof. And as Dave says, if you're heavy then the Hoss is a better choice.

If weight is your priority, and you want to be fast uphill then the Rockhopper is a better bet. That said, I took a Hoss around the red and black runs at Llandegla and it climbs very well. It just carries a little extra weight that will slow you down.

Be wary of those recommending the Rockhopper without a good reason. A lot of people seem to automatically suggest the Specialized option in any thread like this. I've seen idiots recommend the Stumpjumper hardtail over the Marin Rocky Ridge to a rider who wanted a hardtail for trails and light freeride. Totally wrong choice, but because it's a Specialized, it automatically gets recommended.