Ritchey framed Rockhopper

[CeeDee51]

I've just bought a 10 year old Rockhopper, in really good condition. It has a Ritchey Nitanium frame, Suntour xcp remote lockout forks, discs on the front, v's on the back and has been used as a commuter rather than off road. Does anyone know anything about Ritchey frames and did I get a bargain for £90?

 

[Jonathan M]

I'm going to say that you did. Ritchey tubing frames were well thought of in the days of steel, and while it sounds like some of the componentry has been changed, it'll be a nice enough bike.

 

[craigwend]

Yes I've got one!

cost £450 year 2k (should have been £550, but was previous years model)

reveiwed in cplus many years ago (as a expedition conversion tourer) with good review, think 'cass whatsis' name from cplus used one for touring

this was the original spec:

MODEL SPECIALIZED ROCKHOPPER COMP FS

COLOUR SILVER / BLACK
FRAME RITCHEY NITANIUM DOUBLE BUTTED FRAME
FORGED DROPOUTS
SIZE 17”
FORK MANITOU MAGNUN R
HEADSET TANGE SEIKI SB AHEADSET
HUBS SPECIALIZED
RIMS RITCHEY COMP / OCR COMP
SPOKES PLAIN GAUGE
TYRES & TUBES TEAM MASTER 26 X 1.9IN
STEM SPECIALIZED
HANDLEBAR ACOR X-COUNTRY
GRIPS SPECIALIZED
GEAR LEVERS SHIMANO DEORE RAPIDFIRE UNITS (27 SPD)
BRAKES TEKTRO QUARTZ LINEAR PULL
BRAKE LEVERS TEKTRO QUARTZ
REAR MECH SHIMANO DEORE LX
FRONT MECH SHIMANO DEORE
CRANKSET SPECIALIZED FOREARM COMP CRANKSET
CHAINRING SUNTOUR 22-32-44T
BOTTOM BRACKET SHIMANO UN40
FREEWHEEL SHIMANO HG-50 11-32T
CHAIN KMC SUPER NARROW
SADDLE SPECIALIZED
SEATPOST KALIN 30.4MM


Great bike never given it the off road riding it deserves, mainly used for commuting & pulling trailer around

original tyres are crap - always getting puntures

 

[CeeDee51]

I took it out on the coast path today and am really pleased with it. As Jonathan says a lot of the componetry has been changed over the years. The chap I bought it from still had the original manual from 10 years ago and has obviously given it a lot of TLC over the years. If I new how I would put up a photo!

 

[craigwend]

To insert photo go to the 'advanced tab' near submit reply?

use the attachemnts logo thing (erm the paper clip) and follow the instructions...(you may need to resize it - e.g. jpeg 800 x 600 pixels max)

or you can do it via a website that you store pictures on using 'insert image' these are the big images people use

example of 'insert image' & below 'attachment' of how its changed.

 

[CeeDee51]

Specialized Rokhopper

Hopefully there should be pictures

 

[dan_bo]

Nah it's a pile. I'll take it off your hands for you so you don't embarass yourself.

 

[dan_bo]

p.s. what size is it?

 

[CeeDee51]

You're all heart Dan! Its 59cm.

 

[02GF74]

that frame looks a bit too big for you, judging by the amount of set post showing. Mine is below for comaprison - the frame is about on the limit for size - it could do with being 1 inch bigger (18 vs 17)

I am sure it is a good frame but does look dated with its thin steel tubes and horizontal top tube - but sure is a bargain.

 

[CeeDee51]

I dont think the frame's to big, I think I had the saddle way to low! I've moved it up 40mm and it seems more comfortable. I'm changing that saddle too. I'm getting a Brooks B17 for my Globe and putting the Specialized saddle on this one.

 

[Slitemere]

I used a 1998 Rockhopper (which is what I believe yours is or 99 model) for years as a street bike and pulled two kids in a trailer. it is completely bombproof and unless you plan on dropping off any large rocks it will cope very well off road as well. I had mine stolen 5 years a go but recently bought another on Ebay - I prefer steel forks so mine is has these. Tubing is Ricthey Nitanium which is lighter and stronger than most aluminium frames. You will have many many years of service out of this bike