If your looking to buy a mountain bike, get a 2000 model 'cause there going fast. At least that was my experience when I went bike shopping. All bicycle retailers should still carry a selection of 2000 models but the most popular sizes (18" and 19") are all but sold out. Since bike manufacturers don't really change their models from one year to the next, getting last year's model could save you a lot of money.
The 2000 Rockhopper A1 Comp FS ($570 US) was more than 30% less than the 2001 model. I did a bit of research comparing the two bikes and discovered that there wasn't a whole lot of difference between the two model years. The 2001 had slightly better components but not enough to warrant a 30% price inflation.
The Rockhopper has many components found on mid to high end bikes. One such component are the clipless pedals. Well, it's actually a dual purpose pedal. One side allows for SPD compatible cleats, while the other side of the pedal allows use with regular shoes. It's a pretty innovative design, except it adds weight if you exclusively use clipless shoes or if you don't. But in any case, it allows you to try clipless biking without the total commitment of purchasing clipless pedals.
Another great component is the 9 speed Shimano Deore LX rear derailleur. I couldn't find any other bike in this price range that had the LX derailleurs. It's full metal design means it'll take more abuse from rough trails better than the cheaper derailleurs constructed with plastic parts. The shifters and front derailleur are Shimano Deore.
The Manitou Magnum R fork is adjustable and doesn't make the squeaking noises that the RockShox Jett forks makes from other bikes I test rode in this price range. Another important thing is the fork has damping, unlike the Jetts. The ride is absolutely great on the Rockhopper. It absorbs bumps and tree roots superbly and the frame geometry places you more forward, allowing you to handle the bike more finely. If you're doing a lot of city riding, this may not be the best bike for you because the the stretch forward riding position and large 26x2.0 tires, which are great for trails but very rough on pavement.
On Specialized's website, the FAQs say this bike is ~26lbs. I bought a 19" frame and it feels more than 26lbs. Perhaps they were weighing a 13" frame? I'd expected this bike to be lighter considering the better (and lighter) components than the stock non-comp Rockhopper but at the same time, it's lighter than most other bikes in the same price range that I've seen. Besides the weight, the only other complaint is the racing style saddle that comes with the Rockhopper. Extended bike trips are painful on your butts so I suggest you upgrade the saddle to something more comfortable.
Since there are not a lot of reviews of bikes on the epinions site, I highly recommend you go to http://www.mtbr.com. This site has a huge database of bike reviews written by users. As a final comment, go get yourself a 2000 bike now before they're all gone. There's not point in waiting for further sales since by that time, the bike size you need will already be sold out. So, I'll just list in detail the components of a 2000 Rockhopper A1 Comp FS. If you can still find one, buy it! You won't be disappointed!
frame: A1, double-butted, heat-treated w/ compression and spear gussets, forged dropouts, replaceable derailleur hanger
fork: Manitou Magnum R 76mm (3.9lbs)
headset: Tange Sekai 1-1/8" SB alloy
front derailleur: Shimano Deore 34.9mm down pull
rear derailleur: Shimano Deore LX
shifters: Shimano Deore (Flight Deck compatible)
handlebar: Specialized butted alloy
stem: Specialized forged alloy 10 degree rise
grips: Specialized Double Density Kraton
brakes: Tektro Quartz linear pull
brake levers: Tektro Quartz
crank: Specialized ForeArm Comp
chainwheels: SR Suntour AP584-AZ 44A x 32S x 22S
freewheel: Shimano 11-32 silver, 9-speed
chain: Shimano Super Narrow 1/2 x 11/128
bottom bracket: Shimano BB-UN-40
pedals: Specialized Comp clipless
front hub: Specialized alloy forged w/ ground bearing surfaces, 32h QR
rear hub: Specialized Megaphone Comp w/ ground bearing surfaces, 32h QR
spokes: Specialized 15GA stainless w/ brass nipples
rims: Ritchey Rock Comp (front)/OCR Comp (rear), double wall, CNC sidewalls, 26x1.5, 32h
front tire: Specialized Team Control 26x2.0 black skinwall
rear tire: Specialized Team Master 26x1.9 black skinwall
tubes: Specialized super light w/ Schraeder valves
saddle: Specialized Rockhopper
seatpost: Specialized alloy 30.9mm x 300/350mm
colours: Black/Orange, Silver/Blue
weight: 26lbs (according to Specialized)
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