Specialized Rockhopper 29 Review

Curious about the Specialized Rockhopper 29? This review covers its features, advantages, disadvantages, where to buy, and more.

Introduction

Looking for a great entry-level cross-country bike that won’t break the bank? The Specialized Rockhopper 29 is a great option. With a lightweight frame and 29er wheels, the Rockhopper 29 is perfect for cross-country riding. And with a price tag of under $1000, it’s great value for money. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the Specialized Rockhopper 29, its features, and its advantages and disadvantages. So whether you’re a beginner mountain biker or an experienced rider looking for a new bike, read on to see if the Specialized Rockhopper 29 is the right bike for you.

specialized rockhopper 29
The Rockhopper 29 has a wide range of gears that allow you to tackle any hill or mountain with ease.

What is a Specialized Rockhopper 29?

The Specialized Rockhopper 29 is a mountain bike by Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.1 that is designed for those who want to ride on rough terrain. It has a lightweight frame that makes it easy to maneuver and a suspension fork that absorbs the bumps and shocks of riding on rough terrain. The Rockhopper 29 also has a wide range of gears that allow you to tackle any hill or mountain with ease.

Therefore, if you’re looking for a great bike that is lightweight and can handle any terrain when mountain biking, the Specialized Rockhopper 29 is a great choice.

Are there different models of Specialized Rockhopper?

Yes, there are different models of Specialized Rockhopper. The Specialized Rockhopper 29 is the most popular model, but there are also Specialized Rockhopper 26 and Specialized Rockhopper 27.5 models. Each model has different features, but all are designed to offer a great ride on rough terrain.

Whichever model you decide on, you can be sure that you’ll get a magnificent bike that is built to withstand the difficulties of riding on difficult terrain. Additionally, all Specialized Rockhopper models include a variety of gears that make climbing any hill or mountain simple.

How much does a Specialized Rockhopper 29 cost?

Costs for the Specialized Rockhopper 29 are around U$650. However, prices may vary depending on where you purchase the bike and what accessories are included. Always check the features and components of the bike to be sure you’re getting what you expect and that the price is fair.

specialized rockhopper 29
The Specialized Rockhopper 29 is a great entry-level cross-country bike with many features, that offers good value for money.

Is the Specialized Rockhopper 29 good for trails?

Generally speaking, the Rockhopper climbs smoothly and doesn’t seem harsh over trail noise. Thanks to its strong grip and calm feel on uneven trail-center terrain, you can maintain control on steep ascents. Due to its modest weight and comfort, it is also a suitable bike for prolonged journeys.

The Specialized Rockhopper is, in a nutshell, an excellent mountain bike for trails. It has a strong grip and control, is lightweight, and is comfortable

“With the goal of making sure that the Rockhopper offers both the best fit and best performance for every person, no matter their measure, we’ve paired each Rockhopper frame size with the optimal wheel size. The result is a Rockhopper to fit every rider and the assurance that every Rockhopper is rolling on the best-handling wheel for its frame size.”

specialized.com/us/en/rockhopper-291

What are the main features of a Specialized Rockhopper 29?

The Specialized Rockhopper 29 is a great entry-level cross-country bike that offers good value for money. Its features include:

Frameset

The frame of the Specialized Rockhopper 29 is made from A1 Premium Aluminum, with Trail 29 Geometry. The down tube is reinforced with ORE, and the tube sets are butted. The head tube is externally alleviated, and the dropouts are forged. The disc mount is reinforced, and the derailleur hanger is replaceable.

Similarly, the seat binder on the Specialized Rockhopper 29 is made from alloy and has a QR clamp. It is also 34.9mm in width.

Suspension

The Specialized Rockhopper 29 comes equipped with an SR Suntour XCT fork. This extraordinary fork provides coil spring suspension2 as well as hydraulic lock-out with Multi-Circuit Damping. This allows for 80/100mm of travel that is size specific. You’ll be able to take on any terrain with ease with this top-of-the-line suspension system.

Wheels

The Specialized Rockhopper 29 comes equipped with Stout 29 rims that are made from alloy. They are double-walled and have a pinned joint. The inner width is 20mm and 32h. The front hub is a Shimano Center Lock that is made for disc brakes. It has a 9x100mm QR and 32h. Similarly, the rear hub has a 10x135mm QR and 32h.

The spokes on the Specialized Rockhopper 29 are made from stainless steel and are 14g. In the same way, the front, and rear tires are Ground Control Sport. They are 29×2.1 inches and have 60TPI. Both the front and rear tires have Flak Jacket protection.

Drivetrain

The Specialized Rockhopper 29 has a Shimano Altus front derailleur that is down-swing and 7/8-speed. It has a 34.9mm clamp. Similarly, the rear derailleur is Shimano Acera that is 7/8-speed with an SGS cage. The shift levers on this bike are Shimano EF510 that are 8-speed with EZ Fire Plus. The cassette is a Sunrace that is 8-speed with 11-34t. The chain on the Specialized Rockhopper 29 is a KMC X8 that is 8-speed with a reusable MissingLink. The crankset is a forged alloy with a square taper spindle and chainguard. The chainrings are 44/32/22T. Finally, the bottom bracket is also a square taper with 73mm internal bearings.

Cockpit

The Specialized Rockhopper 29 comes with a Stout stem that is made from 3D-forged alloy. It has a 31.8mm clamp and a 6-degree rise. The handlebars are also Stout and made from alloy. They have an 8-degree back-sweep, 6-degree upsweep, 10mm rise, and 720mm width. The grips on the Specialized Rockhopper 29 are Specialized MTB lock-on. Finally, the saddle is a Body Geometry Henge Sport that has steel rails and 143mm.

Brakes

The Specialized Rockhopper 29 is equipped with Shimano BR-M375 brakes3. They are mechanical disc brakes with resin pads. The front brake has a 180/160mm rotor. Similarly, the rear brake has a 160mm rotor. Overall, the Shimano BR-M375 brakes provide great stopping power for the Rockhopper 29.

How much does it weigh?

Specialized Rockhopper 29 is 4.83kg in weight (L). It is a hardtail mountain bike with 29er wheels and an 11-speed SRAM NX1 drivetrain. The frame is made up of aluminum Specialized A1 Premium with Specialized XC 29 geometry.

Where are Specialized bikes made?

The manufacturing process for Specialized bikes begins in Morgan Hill, California4. The research and development for these bikes also take place here, in the company’s state-of-the-art offices. Once the specs for a new bike have been finalized, it is sent to a contract manufacturer in Taiwan.

In most cases, the contractor is Merida, a Taiwanese company that has been in partnership with Specialized since 1974. Merida owns 49% of Specialized’s shares. This explains why Taiwan is the chosen location for manufacturing.

Advantages of a Specialized Rockhopper 29?

A specialized rockhopper bike has many advantages.

●      Specialized Rockhopper 29 has the Specialized XC 29 geometry.

●      This bike is good for cross-country riding.

●      It is very lightweight, making it easy to transport and ride.

●      The Specialized Rockhopper 29 is a great choice as a first mountain bike, or for expert mountain bikers alike.

●      It is a versatile bike that can handle a variety of terrain and is suitable for a range of riders.

●      Specialized Rockhopper 29 is great value for the money and is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a quality mountain bike.

specialized rockhopper 29
The Specialized Rockhopper 29 is a great choice as a first mountain bike, or for expert mountain bikers alike.

Disadvantages of a Specialized Rockhopper 29?

The Specialized Rockhopper 29 has a few disadvantages.

●      It is not the best choice for downhill riding.

●      It does not have full suspension, which can be a drawback for some riders.

●      Tough tires, a rough ride that seems a little slow, and extremely poor fork performance, including a bumpy top-out.

“Specialized claims that the Rockhopper’s geometry enables the rider to tackle sharp, twisty trails with ease, while inspiring confidence on the descents.”

Alex Evans – bikeradar.com8

Where can I buy a Specialized Rockhopper 29?

The Specialized Rockhopper 29 can be purchased online or at a local Specialized retailer. To find a Specialized retailer near you, use the Specialized Dealer Locator5. You can also purchase the Specialized Rockhopper 29 directly from Specialized.

When purchasing online, be sure to do your research and buy from a reputable source. Specialized offers a wide range of mountain bikes, so be sure to select the Rockhopper that best suits your needs.

Conclusion

To sum up, the Specialized Rockhopper 29 is a great entry-level cross-country bike that offers good value for money. It is made from lightweight materials and has a versatile design that can handle a variety of terrain. While it is not the best choice for downhill riding, it is a solid bike for beginner and expert mountain bikers alike. You can purchase the Specialized Rockhopper 29 online or at a local Specialized retailer. Be sure to do your research and buy from a reputable source to get the most out of your purchase.

What do you think? Would you recommend the Specialized Rockhopper 29 to a friend? Let us know in the comments below!

You might also want to read our other bike reviews on:

Carrera Vengeance Bike Review

Trek Slash 8 Bike Review

Tesla E Bike Review

The Easy Motion Electric Bike: A Comprehensive Review

Reference List:

  1. https://www.specialized.com/us/en
  2. ‘Air vs. Coil: Which Shock Will Serve You Best?’, Matt Phillips, Bicycling. Published: April 15, 2022. Accessed online at https://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/a35235924/air-vs-coil-shocks/ on Sep 18, 2022.
  3. https://bike.shimano.com/en-AU/product/component/altus-m2000/BR-M375.html
  4. ‘Specialized Bicycle Components Inc. – Company Profile, Information, Business Description, History, Background Information on Specialized Bicycle Components Inc, Reference for Business. Accessed online at https://www.referenceforbusiness.com/history2/61/Specialized-Bicycle-Components-Inc.html on Sep 18, 2022.
  5. https://www.specialized.com/us/en/store-finder
  6. ‘Specialized Rockhopper 29’, Chain Reaction Christchurch. Accessed online at https://www.chainreaction.co.nz/products/specialized-2020-rockhopper-29#:~:text=The%20new%20Rockhopper%20is%20a,versatility%20and%20performance%20for%20all on Sep 18, 2022.
  7. https://www.specialized.com/us/en/rockhopper-29/p/199589?color=319845-199589&searchText=91822-7703
  8. ‘Specialized Rockhopper Comp 29 2x review’, Alex Evans, Bike Radar. Published: May 14, 2021. Accessed online at https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/mountain-bikes/specialized-rockhopper-comp-29-2x-review/ on Sep 18, 2022.
  9. ‘Where Are Specialized Bikes Made’, Robert Gibbons, Decline Magazine. Published: Aug 18, 2021. Accessed online at https://www.declinemagazine.com/bike-brands/where-are-specialized-bikes-made/ on Sep 18, 2022.
  10. ‘Bicycle Materials Case Study’, Andrew Cantrell, Published: June 12, 2003. Accessed online at https://depts.washington.edu/matseed/mse_resources/Webpage/Bicycle/Bicycle%20Materials%20Case%20Study.htm on Sep 18, 2022.

You May Also Like

Leave a Reply