2021 Specialized Rockhopper // 6 BEST BUDGET Upgrades

2021 Specialized Rockhopper Sport - 6 key upgrades RANKED!
Support nerdy bike content:
www.thebikesauce.com/
Each upgrade in greater detail:
The Plan: • 2021 Specialized Rockh...
Tubeless Conversion: • Specialized Rockhopper...
Square Taper to Hollowtech II BB / Crankset Conversion: • HOW TO: Square Taper t...
Box Components 1x Drivetrain Conversion: • Box Components Prime 9...
Brand X Ascend Dropper Seatpost Install: • Brand X Ascend MTB Dro...
Rockshox Judy Silver TK Fork: • Specialized Rockshox J...
The Whole Playlist: • 2021 Rockhopper Budget...

[@mattkavanaugh5623]

100% agree that dropper seat post = huge difference in ride-ability for MTB and gravel bikes. As always, very thoughtful video.

[@timfreeman2603]

Good series wrap up. I’ve recently bought a 2nd hand bike with the aim to have a dedicated trail bike and keep a MTB for urban use. Tyres, brakes, pedals and grips were necessary just to get it rideable. Beyond that 1. Dropper 2. Tubeless 3. Hollow BB 4. Air shock

[@alexsindledecker3665]

This was my first real mountain bike and I just recently got it. Already got my dropper and Chester pedals for it too :) Bike is great so far and I think I might upgrade to that fork soon. Thanks for the series

[@TheBikeSauce]

Nice and congrats! Sounds like you’re all setup for some solid trail rides

[@nagylevi3827]

Smart, very smart. Having just acquired an Elite myself, I am quite impressed by the frame. It certainly deserves and can handle much more than the base models come with.

[@KILLA-J]

I began mountain biking in 1989. The two mountain bikes I bought last year both came with dropper posts. This video really helped me understand how important they are and I really appreciate that. I'm "in the process" of converting my 2017 2x Rockhopper Expert to a single speed - we'll see how that goes (ha - I've owned two SS's before so I understand the pain - ha). Your videos are excellent - thank you very much! I used to teach engineering graphics to ME's at the local university (I'm retired) so, if your students wanna use any of them, then I will be happy to publish them (&/or set their view status to "public") so, let me know. Here's one video (& these are crafted as "disposable videos" intended to get the job done - not fancy - not well polished and we were only creating "concept models" in order to learn how to use the basic functionality of ME-related CAD modeling, therefore the components are lacking greatly in many details) --> kzbin.info/www/bejne/nauXdIpnr9ibpNU

[@jimbossjames]

Really helpful video. My son has a rockhopper and I was looking for the first things to upgrade for the biggest impact. Think I’ll start with the forks and the seat post 👍🏻

[@chriszawacki4092]

Great video. I'm about to buy a Rockhopper and the input on the fork and dropper post is great, thanks!

[@keirangannon7248]

I have appreciated this series, because I own this exact bike in this exact color and I have been waiting for a video exactly like this

[@TheBikeSauce]

Right on! Hopefully you got some good ideas

[@chrisphil00]

I'm looking at a rockhopper elite. Excellent video and extremely helpful, thank you!

[@j.cornett]

What a great video. Thanks for taking the time.

[@yani7104]

As someone new to cycling, I really dig your videos, even in topics I'm less interested in. Your reasoning about bike upgrades, how you evaluate them, and your ability to communicate it has been really wonderful to keep up with.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thanks! Great feedback

[@ericgelders]

Agree - really comprehensive!

[@agrojim1975]

Watched this AFTER adding my first mod to my Rockhopper Expert - an X-Fusion Manic dropper post. Not surprised at all that you rate the dropper post as the number one upgrade as it's made my bike much more fun on the trails. I already have the RS Judy forks (standard on the Expert model) so I guess pedals are next for me. :)

[@sammer28]

This playlist is really helpful for my Rockhopper mullet build. I appreciate the time and effort. I ride below -30°C in Canada so I'm not sure I can go tubeless.

[@jamieburkholder2392]

I performed the same six changes to my REI Co-op 1.1, I upgraded using an SR Suntour XCR32 air fork, Microshift Advent 9 speed clutched gearset, JG Bike bottom bracket and crank set, Fooker flat pedals, PNW Pine dropper seat post, Maxxis Aggressor rear tire and Maxxis Minion DHF front tires set up tubeless. These changes completely transformed my riding experience. The order of impact for me is (6)upgraded bottom bracket and crank set with narrow wide teeth (5) a good one-by drive train (4) flat pedals with good MTB shoes (3) dropper seat post (2)air fork (1) good tubeless tires

[@JB-qr2jq]

It’s nice to see that the new 2022 Rockhopper comes with the upgrades front forks.

[@timb544]

Love the video. I changed my sons 3x8 into a 1x10 Deore and upgraded the brakes to basic hydraulic and it has transformed the bike… sooo much more reliable and enjoyable to ride. I’m seriously considering some of your top pics. Thanks.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thx Tim!

[@bryancopeland2540]

Really enjoyed this video! I have the 2023 rockhopper 29. I want to put on the dropper seat but not sure on sizing when I went to order one. I already ordered the JUDY!

[@johndoeski5948]

Thanks for the insightful upgrades

[@Jaro3Me]

Only just discovered your channel today, honestly really impressed with how informative and great your videos are - really enjoying them so far! Keep up the good work man and hope you have a good day! =)

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thanks! Much appreciated!

[@afterthesmash]

I got mine for urban riding as a temporary solution until I can afford a recumbent e-trike (which tend to run CDN $10,000). Had stopped biking because I was getting too many neck problems, and it was sending me to chiro after every second ride. I'm a tall guy at 6'5" and this was what they put me into from what they had in stock. Bigger wheels than my last bike, big tires, and the front suspension have so far not caused any further neck problems. Like the balance. Not sure I'll do much trail riding, but for basic trail riding I felt confident on the first day. So far so good.

[@JerseyStyle7]

👍🏽great vid man👍🏽👍🏽just ordered a expert today

[@benrodriguez6901]

Bought the same bike for my first MB a few days ago, came stock with the upgraded shocks and the shop converted to tubeless for me. Dropper post is next!

[@OliverDesigns]

I am looking to upgrade a 2013 rockhopper 29er to a 1X, thx for the vid. Very nice!

[@mtbmikey553]

Hey man great channel! I love the way you make and present videos. Although , as I am a mountain biker I am struggling to find many mountain bike videos besides this series and a couple others. No offence, but I don’t think many people would watch a lot of gravel bike videos and reviews as it is a fairly new and uncommon topic. I think if you made some more mountain bike related videos and reviews would get you many more viewers (especially me ;) with the way you make fantastic videos. Cheers,

[@TheBikeSauce]

thanks! MTB is pretty saturated, but I do occasionally put out MTB videos. I'm just really into gravel right now (ha)!

[@Mach400]

Good info! Thank you

[@annmariebarsanti1906]

I really enjoyed your video series! Just wondering what the total cost was for all the upgrades? Thanks!

[@americanmade422]

I just bought one of these bikes. I had a Costco xc27 due to the pandemic. That bike was okay starting out but I plan on doing more and I needed something that was going to be worth the upgrades.

[@Jacob99174]

At least upgrade the fork, and then put a dropper. Huge change!

[@morgankenney7542]

Me and my fiancé both have the same bike! I’ve been loving it but the chain slap and front chainrings dropping the chain drives me crazy. I’ll definitely be looking into the same fork and pedals you have. My only suggestion from personal experience is today when I was surprised by a skinny with a very sharp drop off, I death gripped my bars and the stock grips twisted on me like crazy! Great series thanks for keeping it budget focused. Already installed the brand x dropper and love it!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Nice! Yea grips will probably be next. I love the Ergon GA2s

[@thefrogking481]

Old BMX trick is to use extra hold hairspray. Pull off the grips and spray inside with something like Aquanet. Its surprisingly effective.

[@michaelmay9728]

I did a lot of these upgrades to my AL Comp, next is definitely tubeless, already had most parts in my bin

[@coconutmallman]

I find it funny how I made some of the exact same upgrades (same brand and all) before I found this video!

[@tinshield]

Getting the BB out of my daughter's Rockhopper was brutal. I think Megatron installs them.

[@igorbonifacic424]

Would love to see you do a similar series with a gravel or road bike 😁

[@TheBikeSauce]

I kind of did with my Diverge. But that wasn't really 'budget' by any means.

[@jamesbike92]

I've been on a 2019 Norco Storm 3 which is a very similar bike to this one, almost Identical to be honest. and I've been really contemplating dong some upgrades, I just bought this dropper post and found your channel when looking for instal tips. this series is awesome and really has me considering a new fork as mine I think is a slightly better version then what was on this one but I still notice the choppiness and slight pogo action like you mention. great series and great tips! I would love to know what the total upgrade cost was.

[@horusgarcia1]

Would you consider increasing the travel on the fork suspension as an upgrade? Also, would consider changing the frame size as an upgrade? I recently purchased a large rockhopper and noticed that the frame dimensions were not that different from a medium and I can install a shorter stem to compensate. Will the longer wheel base be considered an upgrade? Also, the 2021 rockhopper came with a 30T. Will a 34T be better suited for speed and climbing shouldn't be an issue since they came with a 50T cog?

[@JessicaFelt]

Loved watching this series. Is it still possible to add the dropper seat/lever without the 1x conversion?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Thanks! Sure you can add the dropper with a 2x system. Perhaps the only downside would be the slightly cluttered cockpit.

[@Mytro34]

Bro. Hands down you are a top 10 YTer I’ve come across. Love you stuff! I have a question for you. I’ve watched all your rockhopper videos and the 6 upgrade vid got me thinking I kinda wanna find an entry level and do the same. BUT entry levels are hard to find and it’s sad that the RH sport just a year ago was $599 and now it’s $799 🙄 what bike would you recommend the most for an entry level and doing the similar upgrades you did ? I’m looking at Talon 4, 2, Marin Bobcat Trail 3. Anything else I could do? Thanks!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Nice, appreciate it! You might look into the Trek Marlin series as well.

[@wildman9364]

nice video man! I did kinda the same with my hardtail as well but I already had a dropper and 1x system with tubeless wheels and tire just with tubes in them but would still say dropper is #1 for any MTB! But I did brakes/cranks/BB/tubeless converstion and new fork! for me Tubeless was #1 most better feel then any of them! I ended up dropping 3 lbs after all was done! Cheers!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Holy weight reduction! That’s seriously impressive. Did you cut tubes off your frame? 😆

[@wildman9364]

@@TheBikeSauce haha I went from cheap shimano brakes/lower model mt200 I think and rotors/RT 26 to SLX brakes with XT rotors/Sram NX cranks with powerspline BB to Sram GX crank with Dub BB/tubeless with remove tubes and add sealant/rockshox judy to fox 34 but I didnt do it for weight I did it for performance

[@Jacob99174]

@@wildman9364 just upgrade your wheelset, and you have a completely new bike!

[@sachaquadrelli4674]

No argument there! Dropper seatposts rule!🤘🏻

[@sgazzz]

Great series...I have a super old 2000 stumpy xc that sucks to ride as is, planning tubeleas, wider bar/shorter stem and if I can fit it, a dropper. Not sure I can do a 1x with the 26" wheels and how huge the new cassette and derailleur would hang down. Also swapped the SPDs for flats and got an air shock to replace the old coil, but not installed yet.. Maybe a few hundred bucks to see if I can slightly modernize it, but it can't be worse?!

[@craigarons8492]

Greet video. I have the Elite version and would like to add the dropper seat. which brand and model number did you purchase. Thanks.

[@witkidone]

Fullerton Loop…let’s goooo! 😉

[@samperry9418]

Great video and I’m in the process of doing the exact same updates on the exact same bike. From what I’m seeing, the Rockshox Judy only comes in a 51mm offset. Thing bike comes with a 44mm offset fork. Any thoughts on that jump from 44 to 51? I’m new hear so just looking for a little information on how that actually changes the feel.

[@bicross87]

I can't agree more with you about the dropper post ! I do prefer a cheaper bike with a dropper than my bulky Canyon Stoic without his dropper... :)

[@TheBikeSauce]

It's a great improvement. Some retro grouches prefer the challenge of descending on their tip toes 😆 Kidding..

[@ozzysgarage]

Love my 2020 Rockhopper, thanks for posting this!!! 🔥🔥

[@IamGroot786]

Like everything else, back in 2020 in the middle of the pandemic, these bikes were impossible to find. I had to settle for a base Rockhopper even though I'd have wanted a Sport or Comp model. One thing I'd like to upgrade is perhaps the brakes. There's been a few times where I felt that I wasn't gonna be able to stop in certain areas of a trail.

[@MANBEARPIG111]

Yeah I agree I don’t like the brakes, I have a rockhopper comp and they are sketchy.

[@tariqayad3294]

Hi, thanks for this series. Curious as to what handlebar is on this bike as I see a rise in the videos, and the stock rockhopper handle bars are very flat.

[@johndoeski5948]

Love my Judy

[@therealkers]

Were you happy witht the Tektro brakes? Did you ever upgrade that after these videos?

[@GTAristeu]

I bought a rockhopper and upgrade: supension bolany 120mm brakes deore m6100, shifter, rear derailleur, crankset and chain shimano deore 12s, k7 sunshine 11-52 next upgrade will be the rims and after will be a dropper seatpost :)

[@BENfromSUNDIAL]

Your replacement of the bottom bracket may have made my mind up about going with a Giant Talon instead. That seems like one of the bigger differences between the two.

[@tommykb2898]

i have a question. What is the dropper post diameter on this bike? and does the diameter differs from other sizes?

[@ghostpeed]

hello, are you able to provide the exact list of the upgrades or links if possible :) Thanks!

[@khangaroo]

Hello! New viewer here, what air fork would you recommend for the rockhopper 26 under 200? My coil fork is too stiff to me

[@bisayasadbai]

Like your videos.just asking if you happen to know if the rockhopper can take a boost wheelset on the rear? Thanks

[@TheBikeSauce]

Unfortunately it’s not boost spacing

[@anderst.3541]

Thanks for the videos - can the Rockhopper Expert 2021 take a t36 chainring?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Sure

[@matthewcumberland157]

Is the Judy shock and 1x system you added come on the expert version of the rockhopper?

[@IamGroot786]

Watch this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXmWfappp7pjgZY

[@plixplux]

2021 Rockhoppers come with square taper cranks?? Damn, I had no idea.

[@hoxiey688]

What do you think about SR SunTour's RAIDON XC-RL-R as a fork upgrade?

[@JogieGlenMait16]

So you made a Trek Xcaliber 9 in the process.

[@briansantotomas9701]

I have a rock hopper 29 elite. Which judy silver tk fork should i go with? Would this work with no modification? RockShox Judy Silver TK Suspension Fork - 29", 100 mm, 9 x 100 mm, 51 mm Offset, Black, A3

[@fabioleal4665]

NO doubt the dropper post is the most transformative, as it does prevent crash landiings on some challenging descents / drops. My next Rockhopper will be this, mainly because of the capability to get this feature. Furthermore, Suntour XCM w/ no lockout works just great, buying you some more time before you can put a Rock Shox on. Great video. BTW in 2022 it comes with a Microshift groupset. Does anyone here ever used components from this brand or can tell about how durable / precise the are ?

[@Littleweenaman]

I have a micro shift on my rockhopper and honestly it feels like cheap crap I’m sure other people feel different but I don’t like it at all

[@matron1]

I just bought a Rockhopper sport 29 2022 with the microshift and I had the same doubt. I hope that it works fine, I'm not an expert I always used normal city bikes so maybe I won't be able to find any difference. Has anyone others opinions on that?

[@merodzblodder4782]

nice

[@Charlvdwalt073]

Charl south Africa Thank You for this video,I wish front sepension fork is R170 in South Africa 😢😢😢

[@beeblebug]

just put a dropper on my Rockhopper, and OMG how did I ever ride a bike before? i'm still using a 2x gear system, but i use the dropper switch more than my front gear change.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Haha yea. Some will find it a game changer.

[@alejandrotorres9994]

Budget is what you need for the upgrades

[@Dave_Ehlers]

What handlebars are those? They don't look like the ones that came on my base model rockhopper.

[@maxlarock8788]

IMPORTANT QUESTION: I was wondering if I can install an upgraded tapered fork on my 2021 Specialized Rockhopper sport 27.5. Is the head tube tapered so I can install a tapered fork? I would love to get a response considering you’ve upgraded the fork. Thanks!

[@TheBikeSauce]

There are adapters, but this is a non tapered headtube

[@sandrawillick6944]

What more supple tires would you choose?

[@alexandergriffith9942]

Curious what the offset was on the stock fork and the Judy upgrade? My stock rockhopper is a 46mm and all I can seem to find is a 51mm Judy. Wondering how this affects the ride.

[@charliedillon1400]

Much like with dicks, quality of travel and rebound is more important than amount of travel.

[@mofmanp8874]

Did you find out?

[@pingwingugu5]

How much tyre clearance Rockhopper has on the rear? I was thinking of getting the 29er model and putting beefier tyres (2.5"), or going crazy with converting it to 27.5+ with 2.8" tyres.

[@TheBikeSauce]

2.5 on a 29 will fit. 2.8 on 27.5 is doubtful, but I can’t confirm

[@mytucsoncycling]

Have you done a follow up on your upgrades yet? I did the tubeless conversion which made a huge difference in the ride. I am looking to do the dropper post and the fork upgrades and am wondering how the held up after one year of riding.

[@TheBikeSauce]

No follow up video, but this bike has been getting lots of use since the upgrades. Nothing to report other than the Box drivetrain hasn’t been stellar. Shifting isn’t as crispy as day one. Everything else is solid

[@mytucsoncycling]

@@TheBikeSauce Thanks, for the info. I went with the Rockhopper Elite 29 which already had a 1x installed. I just ordered a PNW Components Ridge 125 Dropper Post using my REI dividend. It had some good reviews as well.

[@Jacob99174]

@@mytucsoncycling if you can get in on the SRAM discounts, upgrade to a full NX drivetrain for $200. VERY good deal

[@mytucsoncycling]

@@Jacob99174 which SRAM discounts? I haven’t heard of any.

[@Jacob99174]

@@mytucsoncycling check out some of the big bike component retailers for their discounts. Competitive cyclist for example

[@MW-fr7bx]

So how much are you “all-in” so far? I bought the Rockhopper Elite and swapped out the pedals and went tubeless and I’m about $1200 in. Just need the dropper next. I would have liked to start off with this bike, but the Elite was the only thing in stock anywhere

[@TheBikeSauce]

Let’s see, so all parts came to about $675. Bike purchase was 600, so about $1300 all in.

[@AsimMahmood101]

I actually found 2021 Elite used with dropper added, its my first mountain bike and so far I'm loving it. I agree with all the upgrades on the bike so far. Only thing left to do now is go tubeless. I need learn how to fit the forks for my weight. As a beginner I think starting with Elite is worth it. I don't have the mech skills to upgrade myself yet.

[@hyp3rducky556]

Is there anyway you could put the links to the specific parts you used in a reply or just in the comments

[@andrew.cardone]

Just came across your videos. Great stuff! Curious tho and I just bought a rockhopper sport 29….is it possible to keep it minimal budget and just get the Deore crankset while using the stock cassettes and everything in the rear? Want to convert to a 1x9 but I plan on getting a whole new bike in a year but wanted to upgrade this one a tad without breaking the bank.

[@TheBikeSauce]

You can, but the overall range probably won’t be enough

[@andrew.cardone]

@@TheBikeSauce could you elaborate in that a little just so I have a better understanding? Thank you for the reply!

[@TheBikeSauce]

@@andrew.cardone sure. The rear cassette doesn’t have a wide range (it’s 11-36t 9-speed in stock form), but it doesn’t need to since you’ve got 2 chainring up front. If you just remove one of the chainring (convert to 1x), then you’ll be stuck with just the 11-36t range overall. Typically, when converting to 1x, you’ll also increase the range of the rear cassette to compensate for the loss of the extra front chainring (to something like 11-48 or 11-50t)

[@andrew.cardone]

@@TheBikeSauce makes a lot more sense thank you appreciate it

[@johndoeski5948]

My 2022 Rockhopper Sport upgrades... 1. EAGLE NX Sram 1x12 cassette swap and crank 2. 2 Tubeless Maxxis Aggressor tires. 2.3 3. WTB Rocket Seat 4. TRP TRP-33 MTB & Road Bike 2-Piece Disc Brake Rotor 180mm front and back. 5. Stock Shimano hydraulic brakes 6. MADSPEED 7 RIMS......❤❤❤ 7. THROUGH AXLE FRONT AND BACK SWAP. 8. ERGO 3 handles 9. Spank Spoon Riser handlebar 10. Dropper next....thanks for the suggestion

[@Jacob99174]

@The Bike Sauce I’m looking to upgrade the wheels and hubs. With the 135 QR. Recommend a set?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Yea, tough one. The bike is mostly upgradable, with the exception of limited wheels. May be a good opportunity to learn to build your own wheels if you've never done it. Then your options open up; 135 qr disc hubs are available.

[@Jacob99174]

@@TheBikeSauce Thanks. I ended up finding a pre built set, DT 533d rims with Deore M610 hubs. Aprox $280 for the set. In case others come across this post, thought this would help.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Nice, how do they compare to stock?

[@HEYDJ]

To anyone who's done the upgrade, how much weight difference does it make? It's not an issue on the ride but for when a kid is carrying it about. Also, will you do it again or just save up for a diffrerent bike if the trail's simialr to the one in the video?

[@Jacob99174]

I’d recommend fork and wheelset upgrade. Could save 3-4 lbs

[@galatians22122]

Purchased the Same Bike: The Only Stock Parts remaining? Handlebar and Stem. Amazing Frame to Build upon.

[@Jacob99174]

I did the same. Literally only stock part remaining - the saddle. I’ve changed everything from headset (cane creek 40 series), brakes (Deore 2-pot), wheels (ARC30 w DT350’s), dropper post, cockpit (full PNW), and drivetrain/BB (full GX). Love the bike

[@elliotjones2013]

@@Jacob99174hey do you know if the rims on the rockhopper comp are tubeless ready? I can’t find out anywhere 😂.

[@Jacob99174]

@@elliotjones2013 for the stock ones - if you get good tape, apply the tape well, and tubeless compatible tires, yes. The tape is very important

[@elliotjones2013]

@@Jacob99174thanks might throw some maxxis on at some point 😊

[@elliotjones2013]

@@Jacob99174what tyres do you recommend for the bike?

[@jaxonlittlefair3127]

Can you run a dropper post using the stock gear drivetrain 8:07

[@cyberbarbaro]

Hi the rock shox judy is tapered? I see the suntour fork is straight.

[@TheBikeSauce]

They’re both straight steerers

[@pwrshots]

i just bought a Rockhopper. With the money spent on upgrades, couldn't you just have a bought higher model? Not knocking your decision just asking. BTW subscribed

[@TheBikeSauce]

Then I wouldn’t have a video series. Haha, bought during height of the bike shortage. All that was available

[@pwrshots]

@@TheBikeSauce true that

[@charliedillon1400]

Upgrading a stock bike is always more expensive. Just upgrade gradually AFTER the original part is truly worn out or broken. Otherwise it's wasteful. Your thoughts were correct 100%.

[@garrettlimberis9313]

I have saved up saved a while for a new bike and I got the rockhoper Comp (the version above this) but I have noticed the poor quality with the components like how I don't have the lower baring cap and my rotors aren't replaceable (riveted into my hub) and my cassette looks like it cannot be replaced either. I probably should of bought the trek that only cost $100 more than the bike I have

[@TheBikeSauce]

Hi Garrett, happy new bike day. Your rotors are replaceable - they're called center lock rotors. You've also got a sunrace 9-sp cassette which is absolutely removable. It's a great bike. Undoubtedly, you paid a premium for the brand name, but a fantastic bike altogether

[@garrettlimberis9313]

@@TheBikeSauce thank you so much I probably should of done a bit more research and this is my first real mountain bike thank so much

[@julioserna5659]

Hi !! Ive have watched all the videos going through the transformation, a question , how much is your height , im 5' 7 and im between the small and the medium 29er on the rockhopper sport Thanks !!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Hey thx. I’m 5’8” and I feel cramped on the small. I’d prefer the med

[@julioserna5659]

@@TheBikeSauce Thank you very much for the reply

[@julioserna5659]

@@TheBikeSauce my neighbor is 5'10 he's also between the medium and the large ( were planning to ride together and he also likes the rockhopper) which size do you recommend for him? , thanks again !!

[@TheBikeSauce]

Haha right on the border again. Donno, it’s really down to preference at that point. Bigger will be more stable at speed, smaller will be more nimble and agile

[@julioserna5659]

@@TheBikeSauce hahaha yeah, you're right, on the spot for both, but hey thanks, apreciate your help. Ill let him know

[@hefo195]

What weight does this bicycle have?

[@chrisjames5823]

I just have to point this out since ur last video u basically said that this bike is for moms. I am a dad. I bought this bike to ride w my daughter lol. This is a good men's bike too. 🤣

[@MtbFonseca]

What water bottle and water bottle cage is it ? It looks clean

[@TheBikeSauce]

Lezyne side load cage w 22oz purist bottle

[@MtbFonseca]

@@TheBikeSauce thanks 🔥

[@Play4fun-6354]

Can i put a 130-140 MM fork on it??

[@benmezuri5514]

i bought the standard bottom range rockhopper and nothing is standard anymore except the front tire!

[@TheBikeSauce]

That’s the way to do it! #builtnotbought

[@pavloderevyanko3603]

My rear rim cracked. What can I do with it? It is not losing air yet, but the crack is around whole wheel perpendeculary. May be I can do some change for more robust wheel? Of somehow fix it?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Bummer. If it’s alloy, not too much you can do. If it’s carbon, you can actually have it repaired. I’d maybe look into a beefier wheelset in the future

[@pavloderevyanko3603]

@@TheBikeSauce It was stock stout wheel on rockhopper elite/ Got dt swiss h522 now and happy with it )

[@WaveDashZoom]

How much better was that fork upgrade?

[@Jacob99174]

Between performance and weight? Night and day

[@ellendrew1942]

Is the height of this bike really 27 inch?

[@radiomaster200]

What size are the original pedals? I bought the Chester pedals and don’t fit. Can they be a direct fit?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Pedals are 99% either a 9/16” spindle or 1/2” spindle. Most adult bikes have 9/16. Pedals are left right specific with the left (non drive ) pedal using reverse threads.

[@radiomaster200]

@@TheBikeSauce turns out they do fit lol, I was just screwing in the wrong way, thank you for you help though

[@michaelsvetlov1346]

can you put 2.3 tires on the bike?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Sure

[@mkviz]

What about slack headset cup

[@gabewiczek3136]

I got the rockhooper comp 2021 I was wondering if the 2022 sram sx group set would fit on it I have not changed the hub or wheel of it

[@TheBikeSauce]

SRAM sx uses the shimano hg free hub, so if your bike has that free hub (likely), then it’ll fit

[@gabewiczek3136]

@@TheBikeSauce yes it uses the Shimano tx505 center lock hub so that would work correct?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Yea. Center lock refers to how the brake rotor mounts to the hub. You’ll be good

[@gabewiczek3136]

Ok thanks

[@minituck04]

what was the rough cost of all the upgrades?

[@charliedillon1400]

Way more than the bike is worth.

[@radiomaster200]

Is that the best fork you can get or what else is there that is really good but not too high?

[@Jacob99174]

Rockshox Recon RL probably the best straight steerer available for reasonable $$

[@IndianaWhitetailFanatics]

@@Jacob99174 is a straight steerer better than tapered ?

[@Jacob99174]

@@IndianaWhitetailFanatics tapered would be better since it gives more material where more strength is needed, and tapers down to less material where less strength is needed. However, Rockhopper is a straight headset

[@TheBikeSauce]

Stiffer, not necessarily better

[@Jacob99174]

@@TheBikeSauce lol can be said of anything Faster not always better Stronger not always better Richer not always better _ _ _ _ not always better Lol

[@Brotha_J619]

What the name of the dropper seat brand

[@TheBikeSauce]

Brand x

[@ixsmaelable]

Can you tell me the specifications of the bb crank?

[@TheBikeSauce]

BB is Shimano SM BB52, cranks are Shimano Deore M5100 series 1x

[@Jacob99174]

73mm BSA English threaded BB

[@tatesmith3102]

Were you able to use the same derailleur hanger?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Yup

[@tatesmith3102]

@@TheBikeSauce I ask because I’ve had issues the last two days getting my box 4 b tensioner to line up with the notch in the hanger. Did you have any similar problems?

[@TheBikeSauce]

Didn’t have any issue. Is it backed out far enough? Are you installing with the chain removed?

[@tatesmith3102]

@@TheBikeSauce yessir. Chain removed. The B tension screw was backed out all way. It just doesn’t make contact with the notch.

[@TheBikeSauce]

Mmm. Could be a difference in the 8sp der. I’d ask Box - they’re pretty responsive

[@arturonovoa169]

The fork is a 100mm, can you change it to a 120mm

[@TheBikeSauce]

Technically it would fit, but you risk altering the geometry and handling too much the longer you go. The bike was designed around 90mm