Our pick? At $750 USD, the Rockhopper Comp 29er shows a lot of promise. Of course, this might not be our first recommendation for tackling the Oregon Timber Trail, but for families looking to pick up multiple bikes this summer, the Rockhopper lineup is certainly worth checking out. So, what does $500 get you in 2021? The base-level Rockhopper comes in both a 29″ and 27.5″ wheel option, complete with a coil-spring SR Suntour XCE fork, an 8-speed drivetrain, and mechanical brakes. It’s designed around SRAM’s affordable SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain, 29 x 2.3″ tires, and Shimano Acera-level hydraulic brakes.

The $1,125 USD Rockhopper Expert is at the top end with Specialized’s Premium A1 aluminum frame, internally routed cables, and a RockShox Judy fork. You can check out the entire Specialized Rockhopper range on their website here.The 2021 Rockhopper lineup consists of six different models, ranging from just $500 up to $1,125 USD, with size-specific suspension and wheel sizing, in enough colour options to make you dizzy. Shimano Altus/Alivio/Acera 9-speed drive.Angles are 68 degrees and 73.5 degrees for head and seat tube respectively.Ģ021 Specialized Rockhopper models Rockhopper Expert On the 27.5″ bike the sizes are XS to M, with the reach on the medium dropping to 415mm but with a longer 400mm seat tube length. Specialized say that the geometry is XC-inspired, remember, this isn’t a long travel enduro machine, it’s an entry-level MTB… A 68.5 degree head angle is mated to a 73.5 degree seat tube angle. The 29″ bikes range from size Small to XXL, with reach on the medium being 425mm combined with a 350mm seat tube. Fork travel is size-specific, starting at 80mm and rising to 90 and 100mm on larger sizes. The new frame sheds some weight courtesy of the new butting compared to the outgoing Rockhopper. The same multi-butted, A1 Premium alloy frame features throughout, sporting internal routing and dropper compatibility, as well as rack and kickstand mounts. The range is five models deep, starting with the Rockhopper, available in 27.5 only at £379.99, rising all the way up to the Rockhopper Elite at £899.99 in both 27.5 and 29″ wheels. The 2021 Specialized Rockhopper takes the ingredients from the outgoing model, blended with that of the Pitch, to get you their new entry-level hardtail range.

Rockhopper rigid fork