I'm a larger (athletically built) man (6'5"" 240lbs) and have had a difficult time finding a bike. I was excited to finally get a ruggedized quality brand mountain bike for a reasonable cost. The XXL Rockhopper fit me well and seemed to be a well built strong bike. I've had the bike for 6 weeks now and the experience hasn't been great. Downshifting/upshifting isn't smooth and makes riding tough. To compound everything, I was riding yesterday when the chain snapped. I have less than 800 total miles on the bike. I'm in the process of getting the chain replaced, but wished the components/bike were better than what I'm experiencing. I'm planning on continuing my daily riding and if I don't experience and changes, I'll speak with the bike shop on what I can do to upgrade the components (gears etc) to upgrade the riding experience.

I bought this bike about a month ago and I am less than impressed. I have used it on road, cc and downhill. It pops squeaks and I am about to just change brands I have only used specialized as long as I have been riding and I am disappointed in my new purchase.

After 1 ride around the block the sloppy chain chipped the paint. Have chain protector on order. Curve in the post tube does not let you out saddle all the way down. The trek marlin 4 has better frame and paint IMO. Does come with 29x2.3 tires which is good. Do not attach the kickstand because it will rub the tires. LBS built it up and it does have some squeak to it. Expensive for what you get but you do get hydraulic brakes.