2021 Specialized Rockhopper Comp 1x - 100 Mile Review

[@OLKIEMTB]

Specialized raised the price of the bike after the release of this video. The bike is currently 850 on the market. At that price point, I would recommend looking into the new Trek Marlin 7.

[@jonmark11]

trek marlin 7 2021 prices went up by $50

[@OLKIEMTB]

Dang, everybody keeps raising their prices.

[@joen3992]

Can't buy this in Canada...must be nice to be American and rape the world of duty, taxes and vaccine. Enjoy the ride.

[@OLKIEMTB]

It's out of stock or it isn't sold in your market? It seems like there is a lot of stuff available in the US that isn't in Canada. Makes you wonder...PS I haven't been vaccinated, you can have mine.

[@jonmark11]

you're a fucking idiot. @@joen3992

[@johnthunder717]

Back in the 90s when I first got into MTB I bought the 'hard-rock' (pre-rockhopper) I thought it was the best bike I had ever ridden in my life, it made me love this sport. Five years ago I re-connected with mtb again and I bought the rockhopper expert. I've made more than 4000 miles and got no need to worry about the bike, only changed tyres, no real issues with the fork, everyhing working well until now. That I'm jumping to the 'epic ht' because I'm really satisfied with the brand in each upgrade I''ve gone for.

[@nilwccm123]

Just bought mine, comes in monday, havend rode in a long time, i'm so hyped! Great vid and great info.

[@OLKIEMTB]

Thanks for watching! I hope you enjoy your new bike.

[@whatfreedom7]

Do you guys feel it has enough gear for on and off trail? I never really used the 3rd gear on the front of my bike much but mostly I used the 1st for trail and 2nd for road. I guess the big factor is does it go low enough for steep climbs?

[@ryleuty]

Thanks for an extremely useful and relevant review! There are so many vids of people reciting angles and specs, I can read a spec sheet! But this is excellent, thank you!

[@spoketube]

Great review, and still relevant. In 2024, a lower headset cup can go external, to allow tapered fork steerer. Mitigates upgrade concern mentioned in the vid.

[@aldrinclementina4297]

I was going to comment this. 😂 👍🏽

[@rono35806]

Your grandmother watched this video, she was impressed, though she isn't going to buy a mountain bike.

[@jbirch817]

I love my Rock hopper XXL comp, i bought less than a month ago and I have already done about 75 miles in 20 days EASILY. However this is my first high end mountain bike and i didn't know any better! needless to say it is a great bike and i am happy customer.

[@clanyoung14]

One of the best reviews I have seen. I am debating between this and a Narco.

[@thriftyamerican5719]

Hey thanks for the info video. Much love for the smaller channels. If you keep looking to make more professional videos, looking at your lighting will help make things more polished.

[@s1mpl3_]

I got a Rockhopper Comp 5 months ago. I'm really happy with everything except the fork. It will probably be the first part I upgrade.

[@Jack-pj6wk]

I completely agree with you. The fork is horrible.

[@junrheysanterotv]

I got 2021 rockhopper i agree shox are stiff and it heavy because its not playing well. I upgraded my tyre to vittorai barzo and tubeless front and rear. The rear hub replaced by novatech i finally reduced the weight of my bike now its fun during uphill.

[@nvire5202]

I have the 2× version of the 2021 model, and I have changed the cassette, fork (SR Suntour Epixon air fork), tires, cranks and the front gears to raceface, pedals and honestly love it, good looking bike and plan on keep upgrading the bike

[@fabianf1125]

dude, with those upgrades you could have bought a more high class bike in the first place?!

[@brianbernier1418]

Thanks for the video, just picked up my 2022 Specialized Rockhopper Comp 2x 29 smoke black.

[@Bradonomous]

I found your videos very helpful in deciding to buy the 2022 rockhopper comp. I had the 2021 rockhopper entry level and I loved it, but it was stolen, so I’ve upgraded. I really prefer the 1x, the lockout is perfect for paved rides, and the hydraulic brakes are a whole world better than the mechanical. Ok yeah it’s a coil fork, it’s not great, but you can’t have it all. Now let’s hope I can keep this one from being stolen……

[@OLKIEMTB]

I'm glad my videos were helpful! I hope your bike doesn't get stolen either!

[@andyrobbinnit5995]

Get a motorcycle disc lock with an alarm.

[@oliviachoate1358]

First bike I ever bought I got the base rockhopper 2021 model in a medium on fb market place for $600 brand new . I have put WAY over 400 miles on mine riding everyday 20-50 miles and I haven’t had to replace a single part or do any major fixings . I HIGHLY recommend this bike for people looking to ride normal and learn mountain technique at the same time . If anyone has upgrade recommendations I am definitely open as I plan to upgrade this bike a good bit . It has been amazing to me

[@ChuyySpace]

Just paid 550 for mine. Cant wait to take it to the trial. Nice video!

[@OLKIEMTB]

Nice, enjoy it!

[@jandopineda98]

Where did you buy?

[@vgspotting5331]

WoW good price in Belgium 900 euro 😭

[@the_original_destroyer34r]

I remember my Raleigh xxix with avid brakes and a rockshox Reba. Very solid bike I only pair 499 for it and it was 7 years old. Unfortunately i was hit by a car the day after I bought it. Luckily the wheel was the only thing bent. Unfortunately a few months later it was stolen and I haven't been able to find one since

[@toanmaxdark7]

You can buy a tapered headset. I did that on my Marin San Quentin 1 with a straight head tube. As always, enjoy the quality of your videos.

[@OLKIEMTB]

I forgot you could do that but I still think bikes at this price range should come standard with a tapered headset. Thanks for watching.

[@davidknell8831]

The rockhopper has a tapered head tube!? Or am I imagining it ? Great video ! Cheers

[@philiptreuer9088]

Thank you for the review. It was really well done and very helpful. It would seem to be an ideal bike for my needs but the lack of a through axle is making me hesitate. The QR axle in the rear seems to be the one thing on this bike that you can't upgrade.

[@dmcalister4505]

I've heard there's not a lot of upgrade options on the hoppers 🤷🏼‍♂️ I have a 2023 😅 I like it

[@SummitAndShred]

I can't tell if I like your color correction or not lol, unique for sure!

[@jacobhrtl621]

I have one around my 120th mile I bought a dropper post and it was so helpfull and I wouldent go without it. On the thing about the shifter I have no idea how you use your shifter but I deffnetly dont take my finger off of it.

[@Consolethumbs]

I’ll just save more and get the fuse comp or expert 29r. I’m still riding a 1996 Rockhopper comp in a 1x config. Still holding up was thinking about striping it down and doing a retro build with the frame.

[@fortunateson2]

I got the Fuse Expert. You can't go wrong it's plush.

[@fabianf1125]

could you give me a few options on which (not so pricey) air forks will fit the comp? thank you so much!

[@vgspotting5331]

Picking my new rockhoper comp up as and upgrade over thé normal

[@vincentlivoti4184]

Really solid review on this bike and the comparisons. Best I've seen so far. Looking to buy this bike for my two sons. What are your thoughts on the Kona bikes in this price range. To me they look like a much better bike. But I have been out of the MTB scene since the late 90's and a lot has changed.

[@JasonBrozic]

What’s the song that starts at 6:44….?

[@OLKIEMTB]

Honestly, I don't remember at all. It should have been in the description but I never put it down there.

[@JasonBrozic]

@@OLKIEMTB I also asked this on Instagram in case you did not receive it here - also be aware you gained a follower here and on Insta as well…. 🤙

[@lucasw713]

Rockhopper is a killer value bike!

[@vgspotting5331]

Agree

[@jansonminton1503]

The sport is also amazing!!

[@williambreeze2659]

Thanks for the review!

[@hyp3r_n0va79]

do you have a video on the rockhopper sport? also i love the amount of detail you go into aswell

[@OLKIEMTB]

No, I just have the Comp 1x.

[@GalliumEnergy]

Got this bike a few months ago in the gloss oasis color. Totally agree with you on the fork; it's pretty bad. For basic XC trails it's okay but downhill or anything sketchy it just doesn't perform well. Definitely worth looking into a cheap air fork.

[@tiagogoncalves4565]

I have a Specialized. Very nice!

[@andersonsalazar5757]

Excellent review!

[@marconiiii]

Nice video! what bottle is this 0:22 ? looks nice

[@MrPetite]

Voy a comprar rockhopper de entrada y posteriormente agregaré piezas para mejorar, agradezco su opinión sobre esta bicicleta.

[@nikoleino1108]

this or trek marlin 6 gen 2 2023 ? i have 750e

[@nelyat3892]

How does this compare to extrada 6? Which one is better?

[@hammer7226]

Cool video, Looking to buy my first mountain bike. Would you prefer this over a Marlin 5?Thanks

[@OLKIEMTB]

I would get the rockhopper comp over the marlin 5. Seems like you can get the 22 models on sale right now.

[@gabewiczek3136]

I got the rockhoper comp 2021 29er as well I was wondering if the 2022 sram sx group set would fit on it I have not changed the hub or the wheel?

[@rafaor2920]

Hello! In your opinion which is a better choice this one or kona fire mountain? 2022 Thank you in advance

[@PHM4614]

I loved mine it’s been threw hell I have scratches on it and everything the specialized rock hopper it’s durable you could update them to and make them faster ..

[@gabewiczek3136]

Can you transfer the stock rims and tire to tube less

[@adamaylsworth8237]

Do you have any issues with the chain jumping on the highest speed gear? #9

[@mon-yl8kp]

I bought this bike and read the reviews. I’m a bit scared that I might break it if I go trail. What upgrades do you suggest?

[@Tiger24kicks]

This is my first bike I have The specialized comp 1X I'm thinking of getting a dropper seat as my first upgrade then I will get a new fork.

[@OLKIEMTB]

I will be upgrading to a dropper post and better fork as well.

[@Tiger24kicks]

@@OLKIEMTB when you do post a video on it, im a post a video on my Rockhooper as well soon.

[@OLKIEMTB]

I will be posting a video within the next few weeks about installing a dropper post.

[@TheZalaran]

Wonderful to have on hand for little ones.

[@allegorx58]

what

[@Phlizz]

A tapered fork will fit when you put a 1.5 outer cup headset lower in... no problem 😉

[@mauriciomercado5506]

That tube seems like it supports tapered, if i change the headseat can i a put a tapered fork? Or i need to buy an adapter

[@Phlizz]

@@mauriciomercado5506 just changing the lower head set cup from zs to a tapered ec Standard will do. No problem 🙂

[@robi017.]

crank 30t or 32t ?

[@NB-ri8mw]

Any chance you could mention the chain stay guard on your bike? I have a lizard skin, but looking for something a little more rigid.

[@OLKIEMTB]

I am using the chain stay guard that came stock with the bike.

[@HullioGQ]

Base model into a bikepacking and winter tool!

[@jackppaape9553]

i cant find a single full suspension bike that isnt out of stock or that is over 2-4000 dollars. ._.

[@varun-xy1fm]

i can help you, message me where we could message more.

[@KRW01]

Hey man, I was just wondering whether you could answer a couple of questions regarding this bike. First of all I would like to know how it feels going uphill, is the smallest gear enough to get past 10% uphill tracks? Second question would be how does it feel when goin on flat roads, can you get some speed using the last gear? Thanks in advance, great review!

[@OLKIEMTB]

The largest gear, easiest gear can get you up some hills but it will test your fitness. I swapped the cassette to a 11-48 for better climbing ability. Yes you can get some speed on the last gear however the sport version has better gearing for going fast on flats.

[@KRW01]

@@OLKIEMTB thanks for the fast response mate. Do you think a sport model would be better for someone who uses the bike for 70% Road? And 30% trail?

[@OLKIEMTB]

Yes, I think that sport would suit your needs better.

[@KRW01]

@@OLKIEMTB Thanks dude, you rock! Keep the good videos rollin'. Stay safe!

[@TheMrjonv]

Thank you for your review

[@roostaraver]

What shocks are fitted this model the elite version here in the UK for 850 is fitted with a rockshock

[@OLKIEMTB]

I have the Comp which comes with a suntour xcm. The elite over here comes with a rockshock as well. It's a judy.

[@abshassan]

I was torn between Rockhopper and the Trek Marlin series, I ended up going the Marlin 8.

[@vgspotting5331]

Whyyyy

[@Buckeye_4_Life_]

Something I've not seen addressed on any of these bicycling videos I've watched. If you live somewhere, say Ohio like me, that gets crazy cold in the winter and crazy hot with crazy humidity in the summer, is it best to keep your bicycle indoors or would it be ok. to keep it say in a shed/garage that isn't heated..? Or does it even matter..? Thanks..!

[@jimmythompson8919]

I think a garage would be fine but if the sheds old or broken it’s probably best not too. I’m not an expert tho don’t take my word for it

[@OLKIEMTB]

I always store mine in my garage

[@Buckeye_4_Life_]

@@OLKIEMTB Does it stay warm in your garage or cold..? I'm just wondering what the temps do to a bike over time.

[@OLKIEMTB]

I live in South Carolina. During winter the average highs are usually high 40s to low 50s.

[@Buckeye_4_Life_]

@@OLKIEMTB Gotcha thanks..!

[@prodbyconscious]

I got a Rockhopper sport not long ago I’m going to upgrade to Rockshox Judy or Recon I think for the forks

[@vicenteignacioo7580]

rockhopper comp 29 or marlin 7 2021?

[@Arbiter-cf1xk]

Does anyone know the internal diameter of the bottom bracket?

[@cheese1067]

Not sure why you'd buy a mountain bike for greenways, gravel, etc. Seems like a hybrid would be better suited for that. I have a Diamondback hybrid with a wider tire and front/seat suspension and it's much better suited for that. Have even done trails with it. It's almost a cross between hardtail and hybrid. I don't think they make them like that anymore.

[@OLKIEMTB]

You would be surprised how many people I have come across that almost exclusively ride their mountain bike on Greenway and gravel paths. They are mostly families.

[@stuartmclean3843]

What does a comp weigh?

[@NotclownJ0k3r5]

what dropper post is that & length

[@OLKIEMTB]

I haven't put a dropper post on the bike. The example I used was from my other bike. It's an X fusion manic 150mm dropper.

[@Arhats_Corner]

Very Useful Thank You!

[@M3garage1]

is this video in 360p for everyone else?

[@OLKIEMTB]

It was probably still processing since it is such a long video. It's good to go now.

[@sim_dude]

it's 1080p now

[@M3garage1]

@@OLKIEMTB alright sweet, now i can watch the vid lol

[@julioserna5659]

Hi I'm 5'9" so what you recommend M or L , I'm undecided Thanks, great video.

[@OLKIEMTB]

You are kind of at the spot where you could almost go either way but I would probably go medium. My wife is 5'8" and the large frame is too big for her.

[@ryugaonblitz5546]

I wanna buy one but they’ve been out of stock for the past 6 months. Probably the reason why they increased the price cuz the demand for these bikes is too much

[@YuichiTamaki]

My 2017 Rockhopper had a tapered Head Tube, so bad they downgraded.

[@jsqared]

I’m 6’ tall and about 215 in weight. Should I go L or XL?

[@OLKIEMTB]

I'm about a half inch off from 6'1" and weigh 175 and I can go either way. I've had XL bikes and large bikes as well. I would probably stick with L because some companies XLs can be difficult to stand over.

[@jsqared]

@@OLKIEMTB sweet man, thanks

[@dieterbohlen8316]

you should have turned the light on.

[@DilbertMuc]

Specialized has the overall reputation that their bikes are highly cost optimized. They price their bikes only 30-40% higher than their competitors so they have to optimize the cost of material down to the cheapest components available on the market just above junk level. Paying U$ 800.00 for a 1x9 Microshift and a unresponsive U$60.00 Suntour XCM is like paying a price premium for a KIA car. We had 9spd cassettes back in 1997! At least a 1x11 should be available at that price range. And a tapered steering tube on the frame is not feasible because they supply their bikes with crap forks from suntour on Walmart level. You'd need to go quite higher in price for a solid Rockshox fork or a food Suntour fork.

[@sraigtasnarglis]

Would you recommend the Kona Lava Dome 2021 or the Specialized Rockhopper Comp 2X 2021? They're both around 700 euro in my local shop.

[@OLKIEMTB]

I dont have any experience with the kona. However, looking at the specifications, I would go with the kona. The kona has a tapered head tube which gives you more options if you upgrade the fork later down the road.

[@andyjame28]

I’m enjoying the bike so far kzbin.infoUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA My only real complaints are the brakes and the pedals. I feel like a bike designed for bigger people should have much larger pedals and more heavy duty brakes. I’ve only gotten two really good rides out of it, minimal downhill action, and the brakes feel like they’re already going out. A larger person has more momentum, so I think this wasn’t thought through very well. Also, I wear size 13-14 wide shoes. My feet cramp up on these pedals that are clearly made for smaller feet. Since I’m not a pro rider (and I don’t think many are who purchase this bike) I don’t think that the straps on the pedal are necessary at all. None of this takes away from the enjoyment I get from riding, however. I’ll just head to a bike shop to improve on a few things.

[@xgannihilator1320]

Marlin 7 or this bike??

[@OLKIEMTB]

I'd probably go with the marlin 7.

[@kaioberst1899]

would you say this bike is heavy?

[@OLKIEMTB]

It's in par with other entry level mountain bikes.

[@stretchse7en680]

It also comes in a XXL 29er. My build.... so far?! I equipped 1 × 10 Shimano deore clutch derailleur, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes 180mm/160mm, With WTB wheel set, And a Cush core Pro rear tire insert. (Full tubeless) Also including a rockshox Recon fork 32mm/ 51mm offset. Cane creek headset.

[@OLKIEMTB]

Nice upgrades.

[@inteliagencia4717]

Rockhopper now comes w/ a Suntour XCM fork which is just awesome compared to the XCT which is a true piece of sh%¨t. If well-maintained, XCM is preety smooth and does a pretty good job on keeping the front wheel on the ground. And it can be easily serviced at home, besides being very cheap and durable. It's obvisously not as good or progressive as an air suspension but it's way better than most of the coil spring ones available, including most of the higher end ones.

[@matthewgoulamanian5968]

the fox 32 will work

[@tmayberry7559]

I have the Rockhopper base 2025 those grips are good for rides shorter than 20 miles IMO The shock isn't that good. The crankset 36 /22 is ok at best. I am use to a 42/ 32 crankset from the 26ers lot more power and better balance However the rest of the bike. The saddle and handlebar width are fine As for the Shimano MT 200. My bike came with 160 rotors front and rear plenty of stopping power much better than the trek FX2 (2023) with the crappy Rush hydro disc brakes. 🤮😡The bike doesn't accelerate as fast as a 26er. IMO

[@jamsforyams]

Nice video

[@osmaresquibel2684]

What is the model of yours??

[@finnchristensson2510]

Please remove the dork disc please please.

[@OLKIEMTB]

I did later on but like I said I wanted to ride it completely stock, so I did.

[@inteliagencia4717]

NO. You're NOT getting the same range. Just divide the number of teeth of the front gear by the smallest and the largest cassette sprockets and you'll realize that it doesn't provide the nicest gear uphill neither the fastest gear on the road, after leaving the trail to go back home. Period.

[@johnthunder717]

The rockhopper is not made for racing or top rough trails, not for the highest technical skills, it's just for normal riders and beginners in the sport.

[@maghetiadrian5350]

Trek marlin 7 and scott aspect 940 is whay better than this ,,but thank you for rev

[@andyc9902]

Give me a giveaway

[@Luis92r]

Hello just bought a rock hopper 29 comp but I don't have the same components as yours such as wave rotors help?

[@OLKIEMTB]

I had the 2021 model so if you just bought one from a shop you probably got the 2022/2023 model.