Specialized Rockhopper Range Review | Tredz | Online Bike Experts

Lightweight yet hard-hitting the Rockhopper is a versatile hardtail MTB that offers a great ride quality in every model and frame size.
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Performance for All

The Specialized Rockhopper was first introduced over 30 years ago, since that time it has evolved into a fun and efficient MTB for taking on all types of terrain. A great first mountain bike the Rockhopper is great for riding everything from city streets and canal paths to singletrack trails and even small jump lines.

With nine frame and wheel size options and five model specifications available there is a Rockhopper that is suitable for every rider who feels the call of the trail. Watch our range review video to find out ore about this classic hardtail MTB.

Lightweight Alloy Frame

Every model in the range is built around an aluminium alloy frame that is lightweight yet tough enough for proper mountain bike riding. This makes the bike lively enough for riding around town on smooth paths but capable enough to take on the rough stuff.

The trail-oriented geometry offers a confident ride with great handling characteristics. There is plenty of tyre clearance if you want to upgrade your rubber, all the cables are internally routed, and you get all the usual mounts for bottle cages, luggage rack and mudguards.

Dialled in all Sizes

There are five models in the range with up to 7 frame sizes available for each. The XXS frame sizes will fit someone as short as 4’3”, while the XXL will fit someone as tall as 6’9”, so it’s a great choice for aspiring teenagers as well as the tallest of adults.

Wheels size is related to frame size, which offers a well-balanced ride for all. Wheel size ranges from 26” on the XXS frame size up to 29” on the larger bikes. Touchpoints are also dialled into frame size with the smaller bikes getting narrower handlebars and grips than the larger ones.

Custom Suspension

A standout feature of the Rockhopper is the custom RX suspension tune that improves the fork performance without adding to the price tag. The SR Suntour XCM fork on the Sport and the Comp feature custom Multi-Circuit damping that improves the performance on rough terrain. Moving up the range the RockShox Judy fork on the Elite and Expert models features a Solo Air spring that offers a plush feel that can be fine-tuned to suit the terrain.

Like wheel size fork travel varies with frame size between 80mm and 100mm. This means that each size bike is optimized for the height of the person who will be riding it.

Less is More

The range of gears offered by the rear cassette is wider than ever. This means that the top three models in the range only need a single chainring at the pedals to provide you with all the gears you need to take on the hills. With only a single chainring up front gear shifting is more intuitive and the chain is less likely to come off when you ride rough terrain.

To give the other two models in the range a wide enough spread of gears to tackle the hills you get a double front chainring. While this isn’t quite as intuitive to use as the one-by system on the other bikes it is a big step forward in usability from the triple rings and narrow range cassettes found on cheaper bikes.

Speed and Control

The Specialized Fast Trak tyres on all models offer a great balance between speed on smooth surfaces and grip on loose terrain. This low-profile cross-country style tyre offers great all-round offroad performance without slowing you down too much on the tarmac. The Elite and Expert models both feature tubeless-ready rims and tyres.

Speed is nothing without control which is why all models get disc brakes for confident stopping in all conditions. All models from the Sport upwards get hydraulic discs with SRAM or Shimano brakes on the top models.

Offering versatility and performance for all riders the Specialized Rockhopper is a hardtail that’s hard to beat at this price point. It’s a good choice for those new to the sport as well as more experienced riders looking for an affordable upgrade.

[philiptreuer]

Unless you are using the Rockhopper exclusively for trail riding you might find the 30T single chain ring models (Comp, Elite and Expert) limiting in the highest gears when trying to accelerate going down hill on asphalt. I got the Elite and end up replaced the 30T chainring with a 34T chainring however that also required replacing the crank and bottom bracket (~$200 with labor). In other words a single chain ring doesn't give you the same higher gear range that you would get with one of the cheaper Rockhopper models that come with two chain rings and front derailer, assuming the largest chainring in front is larger than 30T. Specialized website doesn't specify the number of teeth on the largest front chainring for the Rockhopper and Rockhopper Sport.

[BreakerDay]

Can anyone help me with sizing? I fall between a medium and large size at 5”10. Not sure what size would suit me better. Thank you

[WINMAG]

If you are going to spend the money for the Expert would it make more sense to pay a little more and jump up to the Fuse 27.5?

[AgentMTB]

I have the 2022 Rockhopper Sport 29. Unless you have boost your tire width options are extremely limited!

[heritagedefender]

Pity that the forks don't lock out.

[LRP-em]

The base model was justified at $550 but now $700 is to much