Aboard the Specialized Rockhopper Disc, you are forced to become a better rider because it shares the identical butted-aluminum M4 frame of the $1200 Rockhopper Pro Disc. Even a fast learner who rides beyond the standard components will always have that top-drawer hardtail frame to handle extreme singletrack. Basing a bike purchase on the frame is one of the oldest tricks in the book.

Test quote: “Descending is where the generous top tube, short stem, and 3.9-inch fork really help. The rider is back in the cockpit, and the front wheel floats smoothly over bumps. The fork is well damped, and the coil spring makes for easy preload adjustment. High-speed nervousness is toned down with the 25-inch-wide bar. Being able to instantly drop the seat with a seatpost quick release is mandatory for a recreational rider.”

Stoked:
Great value
A fantastic frame
The backing of the Specialized network

Bummed:
Fork lockout failed
Could use a lighter set of tires

Bottom Line: A long, long time ago, the Rockhopper was one of MBA's starter bikes. It's a longstanding member of the Specialized family that is going to stay around forever. That is because it is one of the best beginner bikes made. It also demonstrates the oldest trick in the book. Its frame is better than the price tag.
(See full specs below)

SPECIALIZED ROCKHOPPER DISC
Price...$700
Country of origin...China
Weight...28.6 pounds
Website: www.Specialized.com
Full test: November 2008 MBA
Size tested...17"
Bottom bracket height...11.4"
Chainstay length...16.8"
Top tube length...23.2"
Head angle...70°
Seat angle...73°
Standover height...29"
Wheelbase...42.3"
Suspension travel (front)...3.9"
Suspension travel (rear)...None
Frame material...Aluminum
Fork...RockShox Dart 3 SL
Shock...None
Rims...Alex RHD
Tires...Specialized Fast Trak LK Sport (2")
Hub...Specialized
Brakes...Avid BB-5
Brake levers...Avid FR-5
Crankset...Shimano non-series
Shifters...Shimano Acera trigger
Front derailleur...Shimano Altus
Rear derailleur...Shimano Alivio
Chainrings...Shimano non-series (42/32/22)
Cassette...SRAM PG-830 8-speed (11-32)
Pedals...VP steel cage