Hard Rock vs Rock Hopper

[dondford]

I have both an older Hard Rock and Rock Hopper, both need some work and I plan to get one up and running. I know the Rock Hopper was a higher priced bike than the Hard Rock; is the Rock Hopper a better frame than the Hard Rock or is the difference only in the better components on the Rock Hopper?

Thanks,
D

[ColoMtb20]

Will both fit you equally?

[FeedTheWolf]

Rockhopper frame is better. Lighter with slightly more aggressive geometry.

[dondford]

The RockHopper is a little better fit. I don't plan on doing any climbing with this bike; how would it work as an old school 1 x 7?

D

[bwheelin]

Loved my Hard Rock. Than it was stolen.

[AndrwSwitch]

Which frame is better depends on the years. In any given year, Specialized used a fancier alloy for the Rockhopper. But some of that stuff trickled down, so a 2000s Hardrock might be better than a '90s Rockhopper.

Since the 'hopper fits you better, though, that would be my pick for a bike to fix up.

1x7 would suck. IMHO. It uses either a freewheel, which are obsolete for a reason, or a 7-speed cassette, which has an overall width that matches nothing else. But I could see 1x8. Cheap, reliable parts and good cross-compatibility for the large-ticket items.

[slapheadmofo]

1x7 would suck. IMHO. It uses either a freewheel, which are obsolete for a reason, or a 7-speed cassette, which has an overall width that matches nothing else. But I could see 1x8. Cheap, reliable parts and good cross-compatibility for the large-ticket items.

If you've already got wheels, and they're built for 7 speed, you'll need to stick with 7. (Cassette carrier on the hub is shorter for 7 than 8/9.) Deciding what gearing to go with would really mostly have to do with what parts you already have around and how much you want to spend on newer stuff.

Got any pics of the bikes?