Cant decide, Kona Hoss or Specialized Rock Hopper?

sparkydw
sparkydw Posts: 17
edited June 2007 in MTB general
Whats your views? im undecided the Hoss or the Rockhopper, which should i go for? and why?

Comments

  • Flurry
    Flurry Posts: 698
    for what sort of riding?

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  • sparkydw
    sparkydw Posts: 17
    general xc and trail riding
  • dave_s
    dave_s Posts: 4,362
    Rockhopper
    Dave S
  • Flurry
    Flurry Posts: 698
    ^seconded

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  • dave_s
    dave_s Posts: 4,362
    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
    Dave S
  • Red Lemon
    Red Lemon Posts: 3,433
    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.