A beginner bought a 2026 Rockhopper Comp and regrets it: it has a quick-release rear axle instead of a thru-axle, no dropper post, and less travel than a Polygon Xtrada 7, so they'd need to spend more to use it properly and are considering a trade-in.
“So basically I made a rookie mistake of buying a Rockhopper Comp 2026 which apparently has quick release instead of a thru axle and doesnt come with a dropper post.”