Specialized Rockhopper Review
Lightweight yet hard-hitting the Rockhopper is a versatile hardtail MTB that offers a great ride quality in every model and frame size.
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 Sport and the Comp feature custom Multi-Circuit damping for improved performance on rough terrain. The RockShox Judy fork on the Elite and Expert models features a Solo Air spring for a plush feel that can be fine-tuned.
Like wheel size fork travel varies with frame size between 80mm and 100mm meaning 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 to provide all the gears you need. 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 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.
