Specialized Rockhopper is a 2008, converted to a 1×8 drivetrain – $175
GT Tequesta is a 1996 with upgraded parts, converted to a single speed – $250
I’m looking for something not too expensive to tool around on light trails and around town. I prefer the 1×8 but don’t mind the single speed at all. Thoughts and/or recommendations?
by ForeignLibrarian9353
25 Comments
I think the GT is a better bike for your needs if you’re in a relatively flat area. I ride my 90’s specialized steel frame as a single speed around town and on the local trail and enjoy it just as much as my other bikes, if not more.
https://i.redd.it/71sgiyab0r6f1.gif
GT.
It has flames, and you could always add gears.
RockHopper.
That GT Tequesta has had some serious work done: the rear dropouts were replaced with fork-ends and that fork looks pretty stout!
IMHO: these are significantly different bikes: the 1×8 RockHopper is basically factory original except for the 2 chainrings, front derailleur and left shifter removed. With the gears and suspension, it’s a great “all rounder / do anything” bike while the fully-rigid Tequesta is a bit more tailored to flat terrain.
I love the work that’s been put into the Tequesta and love the simplicity of the single speed, but only if your rides are going to be mostly flat. I supposed you could build a new rear wheel around an IGH, but those fork-ends are going to limit your future drivetrain options.
I like the RockHopper as a good platform at a good price. I’d go this route if you need gears or would appreciate the suspension fork on your terrain.
Yer gettin’ more for your money with the Rockhopper.
I would buy both and just tell my wife sorry
I would never not buy a GT
GT all day long.
Gt triple triangle really rips, it’s crazy fast
GT
I prefer steel to aluminum
The GT has one of my fav gt painjob but is stuck being a single speed and while I also don’t mind single speed (see flair), I prefer having options which it does not offer
The specialized has gears, but you can also convert it to single speed by using a tensioner (of rewire the derailleur) which the GT owner wanted to avoid I guess) and it’s got mounts for disk brakes, options !
The one that fits you, those are definitely not the same size.
I wouldn’t even glance at the rockhopper, the GT is a rad bike. No such thing as a single speed, sit, stand and push.
Specialized Rockhopper 2008, the frame is super light, can fit 700cc with 42 tires, can be a perfect bike to buils a gravel bike, and has a mountain bike is a beast.
The GT
You realise this is xbiking right?!?
Gee Tee👽
GT baby!
G.T. All day long.
If you’re gonna go for some trails get the Specialized. You can still get a good air fork for it! Also it actually has gears..
Scoop that GT. They’ve been scarce since the company did whatever they did. I don’t know the full hows and whats of it all but I haven’t been able to find one since.
GT
Tequesta for sure
GT and give it a fixed gear