2006 model worth the extra?? Rockhopper.

in message <[email hidden]>,

Guildford-Unit (') said:

Hi,

I am new to mountain biking and was looking for a bit of advice. After
about an hour down at my local cycle store I decided that I would go
for the Specialized RockHopper 2006. This is the normal spec one
without disc breaks and cost £549.00
I have not bought the bike yet but it is the one I enjoyed riding the
most. After a look on the web I am seeing the 2005 version for about
£430.00. Is there really that much difference between the 06 and 05
models to justify the extra £120??

Not at this moment on a hardtail, no. Mountain bikes have been evolving
fairly quickly over the past ten years but there are not big innovations
in the last year except in full suspension bikes, where stable platform
valves continue to improve.

Quoted message said:

If I did go for the 05 model I
would not be able to try it so would hope it would be as nice to ride.

Also I am slightly confused with frame size (I am just short of 6ft, 12
½ stone). I tried the 19" which the store recommended and while I did
feel it was more manageable I felt slight big for the bike, hunched
over the handle bars slightly. The next size up was the 21" that was
less manoverable but a more comfortable ride on the flat. What would
you recommend??

I would _guess_ the 19" - 21" is an awful big size for a mountain bike
these days, and at 6' you're not that big a guy.

--
[email hidden] (Simon Brooke) http://www.jasmine.org.uk/~simon/

See one nuclear war, you've seen them all.

As far as frame size goes, I've found this feature of the Airborne site
http://www.airbornecycles.com//HowTo/WbmSizing.aspx
useful in the past.
IMHO the rear brake cable run along the top tube of the '06 Rockhoppers
is just plain horrible - don't know if the '05 was as bad? But at
least you have ridden one - I'd doubt that you could justify the £120
price difference on function, might affect selling price if you decided
to try something else after a year. Your LBS might offer you some
goodies / discount if you buy from them, and warranty issues might be
easier than a deal over the 'net......
Mainly though, just 'get out and ride' - have fun!

Thanks very much for the advice. As a novice this bike felt amazing in
comparison to the rusting 10year old mountain bike I have in the
garage. Looking forward to getting stuck in. For £400-500 it can't be
bad value for money? I hope.

Thanks again,
Dom

in message <[email hidden]>,

squeaker (') said:

As far as frame size goes, I've found this feature of the Airborne site
http://www.airbornecycles.com//HowTo/WbmSizing.aspx
useful in the past.

Don't do this. Airborne geometry is not Specialized geometry and what
fits you in an Airborne will not necessarily fit you in a Specialized.

--
[email hidden] (Simon Brooke) http://www.jasmine.org.uk/~simon/

;; making jokes about dyslexia isn't big, it isn't clever and
;; it isn't furry.

Sure Airbourne is not Specialized, but
http://www.airbornecycles.com//HowTo/WbmSizing.aspx does give you some
clues as to top tube + stem length, which is the 'difficult /
expensive' adjustment.....
Personally, if you accept that a hard tail is not an 'all day' off-road
bike, then I'd go for the smaller side of any recommendations to get
more 'chuckability' and flex ('suspension'😉 from the extended seat
post, not to mention the extra 'crown jewels' clearance.

Well I finally decided on the 19" while giving the 05 model a test ride
last night. While the front suspension did not feel as nice I could not
justify the extra £125.00 for the 06 version.

I ordered off cycle surgery for £425.00 if anyone is interested. It
says low stock so if you fancy a good starter bike maybe this is the
way to go?

Thanks again for all your help,
Dom

Guildford-Unit said:

Well I finally decided on the 19" while giving the 05 model a test ride
last night. While the front suspension did not feel as nice I could not
justify the extra £125.00 for the 06 version.

I ordered off cycle surgery for £425.00 if anyone is interested. It
says low stock so if you fancy a good starter bike maybe this is the
way to go?

Thanks again for all your help,
Dom

Good choice. 19" sounds right for a six footer. I ride a 17 "
Specialized and I'm 5' 10.