Specialized Rockhopper

If you can't spend much, reviewers say the Specialized Rockhopper is a good mountain bike for new riders. The durable alloy frame is solid, and experts say it can grow with you as your skills improve. The lifetime warranty is a plus for the pocketbook, experts say. Reviewers agree, raving about the value and saying this bike is quite a steal at this price. The Specialized Rockhopper can hold its own on the trail against bikes costing much more, and the components are suitable for new riders. Even though the Specialized Rockhopper doesn't have suspension over the rear wheel, users say it provides a comfortable ride on tough trails. However, riders say the bike can slip gears easily, especially when climbing. Reviewers would also like to see better tires with more traction for wet or muddy trails. If your budget is very tight, reviews point to the Trek 4300 (MSRP: $570).

BikeRadar.com has the best review of the Specialized Rockhopper. Editors conduct extensive testing on mountain bikes, rating each bike on a five-point scale. User reviews are available at MTBR.com, Buzzillions.com and SingleTracks.com, but many of the reviews refer to the 2010 model. However, little has changed on the 2011 model with the exception of a new fork and tires.