2021 Specialized Rockhopper Elite 29 |Test Ride & Review | Serious about getting into MTB start here

#specializedrockhopper #2021rockhopper #hardtail
Looking for a great beginner hardtail start with the new Rockhopper.
2021 Specialized Rockhopper Elite 29:
www.specialized.com/us/en/roc...
Need new gloves?
Gloves I use: bit.ly/2BV5Miv - Use code JCTRAILS18

[@julioprado8092]

This guy rode this bike much harder than I ever will I think, so if it works for him it will 100% work for me! Just got mine today! Thanks for the review

[@TomyyY90]

I got the same bike, and I freakin love it! my first MTB and I am hooked into this sport! I think I went on my local trails every day now, that's insane for me to have so much fun in a sport! thanks for your video man, really can feel the passion and the excitement!

[@93ihateyou]

Great review. It has definitely sold me and I will be buying one next week. Good to actually see someone riding one, not just the usual walk around…

[@annettebrunner5993]

Impressive riding, sir! Thanks for the great explanation.

[@gazzahd7808]

I’ve just ordered one of these, it’s nice to here positive things. I haven’t been on a bike for ten years my last bike was a BMX back in high school. I can’t wait to get it now thank you for the video.

[@sebastiangonzalez2032]

Do U recommend this bike?

[@danshilling4240]

I was very lucky enough to find a large in Mountain Green. The difference is that mine is a rockhopper expert that has SRAM components on it versus Shimano. It is an excellent bike excellent hardtail and so far I love it. It handles extremely well and the quality of the bike is second to none! Solid just like specialized bikes always are. Awesome review by the way thank you!!

[@KevinQuintAdventures]

Awesome review! Great to see you out there on a hardtail! The sand reminds me of some of my trails on Cape where I still ride my 1999 Specialized Hardrock Comp A1 daily although there are very few original parts. Specialized made some really fun hardtails back in the day, glad they have continued! The Rockhopper Elite is on my short list!

[@jctrails]

You’ll love it . It’s a great bike.

[@jasonallen7779]

Awesome video and bike. I just purchased one today. Have to go pick it up. Can't wait to ride it.

[@txconfidential9586]

Wonderful review. I purchased a 2022 Elite today. The bike is ready to rip! Only needs a damn dropper! Love the vid.

[@sparks4270]

Just got one and boy oh boy is it fun, you ride it really well !!!

[@IvanLopez-rv7wh]

thaks for your video it really helped me on my decision on my first Mountain bike

[@doubletrackdodger2512]

This is correct you don’t need a super fancy bike to have fun! I got a pitch that’s upgraded to be just like a rockhopper expert and it sends everywhere! Things fast too

[@jctrails]

Heck ya 🤘

[@chrisliston2588]

Just bought the elite for my son. Hope he has as much fun. Same colorway too

[@owenphilipps8392]

This is a great video. Thanks for sharing. I'm looking for a bike at the moment so it's really nice to see how well bikes like this ride and also seeing how much genuine fun you are having on it. This is definitely the kind of riding I want to be doing, as well as everyday riding about the city/commute and maybe someday some bike-packing adventures. Seems really versatile. Unfortunately, there are no rockhoppers available here (Mexico), but Giant Talons will be arriving soon, so I'm looking at Talon 0. I am presuming it would have a similar feel to this (based on spec and geometry). Is that a fair presumption to make? Thanks!!!

[@marconiiii]

those trails are insane! nice review

[@ravykam5194]

Your video convinced me to buy this bike,thank you !!!! Lol. Good seller point.

[@SwyvCrux]

Just purchased a 2022 extra with tubeless. This is premium for an aluminum tail. Works for trails and commuting

[@PakmanR3]

Awesome review, thanks 🙏

[@allocke9446]

Before you had mentioned the shock I was thinking that it looked smooth. I love hard tails.

[@mjb4671]

I’ve got the comp version and I debating on a dropper but I’ll for sure wait for you to see how it goes.👍

[@MatiaS28MetallicA]

I'm about to buy that one and came to this video to see if the frame has internal routing for the dropper, which he told that it has so it was a nice review and cleared my only doubt about this bike. Excellent vid.

[@modestcrow]

great review! thanks!

[@funincanada]

Got mine in red white gloss, XL frame can't go wrong 👍

[@xchangemuzik5931]

You went beast mode bro great ride 💪

[@abshassan]

OMG those trees are getting mighty close to you. Nice Riding

[@prestonlipkowitz2612]

I hate to be that one guy but, the Rockhopper comp does have a 1x drivetrain. One of the differences between the elite and comp is that the elite has a air fork not a coil fork. I have the 2021 Specialized Rockhopper Elite 29er and its an amazing bike. But great video!

[@rjahn3000]

Great entry mountain bike, I got back into riding on a Trek Marlin 7 similar spec and worked my way up to a Giant Trance. Nice to see some entry level reviews...thanks!

[@jctrails]

🤘

[@papasears1982]

all about the rider

[@overhorizonfy3457]

I am a subscriber watching in Korea. I am currently riding the 2021 Rock Hopper Expert model. I heard that the frames of the Rock Hopper lineup are all the same. However, because I was quite scared, I was worried that my precious bicycle would be damaged in the mountains, but after watching this video, I realized that it was a big mistake.

[@texjames2000]

Yeah, they fit me with a large & I'm only 5'9 180lbs. I had to cut the seat post so I could get it to a comfortable position. My 1st mountain bike, so I don't have anything to compare it to besides the other ones I test drove, which were all Specialized too. Rockhopper Sport just felt the best.. I don't ride nearly as fast as you.. 52 years old & haven't been on a bicycle since I was about 13.

[@vijayanchomatil8413]

Comp with the advent gearing is also good.

[@letour32rr]

I like everything about those, but I do wish it had a tapered head tube. I have the previous generation Rockhopper and I’ve got it setup with a dropper, Shimano XT drivetrain, and Novatec/Stans Flow wheels, but limited on fork options. It’s great with a Suntour Epixon 120mm fork, but an adapter headset cup to install a tapered fork has 12mm stack and it’s change the seat tube angle another .5 degrees. So from 73.9 to 72.4.

[@mmafuu.]

I've been saving up for almost 2 years to buy a new bike (I'm 14, so don't work), and I'm pretty sure this is the one I want, seems like a massive improvement to my $300 carrera that can hardly handle simple trails

[@benjaminreohr4577]

I was in the same predicament at your age (18 now). Try mowing some lawns, shoveling driveways and walking dogs. Soon enough you will be able to afford a Rockhopper, Fuse or whatever entry level bike you are looking at.

[@nicholashall575]

for $300 less you can get a Vitus Nucleus which has the same brakes, drivetrain (1 by 10), and an air fork.

[@mmafuu.]

@@nicholashall575 Yeah, but I've also changed my mind now, I think I'm going to get a Trek Roscoe 7, slightly more expensive, but slightly better parts, and it already has a dropper post

[@michaeldevries2482]

Glad to see another lower priced bike. Good vid!

[@jctrails]

Thanks

[@robgoffroad]

I'm picking up a new green 2022 Rockhopper Elite 29 today or tomorrow. It'll pair well with my Turbo Levo ebike. Definitely gotta put a dropper on it ASAP.

[@Tiger24kicks]

This is my bike had it for about 4 months loving it plan to upgrade the fork and a few more parts. I was think it was a trail bike didn't know much at the time later I found out its a cross country bike.

[@gustavohernandez2062]

I have the rockhopper expert and I love it.

[@nvire5202]

I got the Comp 2× 29er version and I think I could upgrade my bike to the same level as this one. Good bike tbh

[@OLKIEMTB]

The comp comes with a 1x and hydro brakes.

[@alexstrong20]

I have the Rockhopper comp. It’s a 1x with hydraulic brakes, as well.

[@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!

[@ozzysgarage]

I am 6'3" and I wish I also went a size down on the frame. I had to change the stem to make the bike fit me better. Great vid!

[@wilbo8028]

I've just bought the specialised rock hopper and it's black

[@GoweserExploreJogja]

Warm greeting from Indonesia🇮🇩, bro. Keep cycling! Success!

[@ridingwithpat7251]

I have this bike and it's insane for the money!!!

[@mihailpetrovski4372]

How much did you pay for it? In my country this same bike is 1000$

[@reillypoe2260]

i was just looking at this bike cuz i want it looks really nice

[@leooosimon3470]

hi you probably won’t see this but is the rockhopper elite 27.5 okay for jumps aswell as trails ? love this video btw

[@MikeLukins]

Dropper..dropper..drop,drop,drop 👍

[@tjay_mac]

Fuse 27.5+ for $1400 is what I would suggest for the newer riders. It can fit both 29x2.3 and of course the stock setup at 27.5x2.8. It comes with boost spacing, dropper post and confident inspiring HA at 66° for the newer riders.

[@jctrails]

...and it has thru axles so you can upgrade the wheels easily if you choose to. Good choice.

[@elbskipper5893]

The Chisel also a good one for Beginers?

[@shalomguillen4421]

I have this bike in medium, awesome bike very versatile and great to manuver, mine is a 1x12 sram nx , I have done trail riding , XC and Epic Riding, I participated in a Epic ride competition where I did over 50km. Really good and comfortable and FUN!!!

[@neishalanee3735]

How the bike ride on flat surface

[@k.a.w1774]

My beginner hardtail was a specialized Hardrock 29er sport disc in 2013

[@jctrails]

Sweet

[@SourPatchPuss]

Bro… this video blew my mind. Why havent I seen more trail videos with this POV. I have an entry level 2018 Pitch Comp and I want to upgrade to one of these and thats how I found your video. How can I find a trail like this?

[@adamrice617]

Nice review! Which would you choose over this, or the Trek X-Caliber 7? In the UK, the Rockhopper Elite is £850 and the Trek £900. Cheers

[@itsacowmeat1358]

This bike is the trek I want mix with the rei coop 1.2. ❤️🔥

[@nihallondey5977]

can u make more vids on this bike nice vid by the way

[@HereIsWhatISaw]

Is this a good bike for just doing wheelies? I'm worried about the seat height adjustment? Does it not go low?

[@toot6325]

How is the gear range? curious as I'm looking at this bike going for a 2x drivetrain but still would like to try some steep climbs.

[@magiccitymike2227]

Yeah I'm definitely getting this bike entry-level you're kicking ass in those trails lol

[@gavanpiper4167]

Hi awesome video, I'm 179cm 5"10.5. So you think go with the medium or large? Been to two shops that sell this bike one said different to the other. I'm still undecided and worried about the step over being to high especially if you have to plant your feet quickly. Be great for your help Cheers

[@Sternodox]

I called my LBS and asked if they had any Rockhopper Elite's in stock. He said they have one. Crossing my fingers I asked what size. He said large. I said DON'T SELL IT I'll be there in 15 minutes. So I just got home with my new mountain bike! Can't believe they had one in stock.

[@Alexlorne82]

How tall/heavy are you mate?

[@Sternodox]

@@Alexlorne82 I'm 6' 1" 220 lbs. Cheers mate!

[@Kristian_Saile]

Man, I have been looking at Fuses and Timber Jacks, stuff in that category but being a dad with three kids who ride, I see the Rockhopper Expert and think that could work and save some $. QR isn’t that big of a deal for me but add a dropper post would be key. Think a 29x2.6 would fit? Looks plenty fun, definitely tempting.

[@SlimPickens90]

The RH expert is only $100 less than the Fuse, at that point might as well go with the fuse. I think the RH elite is the best value in the RH lineup and its $400 less than the fuse. RockShox air fork, deore drivetrain, shimano brakes

[@Kristian_Saile]

@@SlimPickens90 I ended up getting a Fuse comp and have been loving it. I am a pretty aggressive rider and glad I ended up going with a bit more trail geo. My wife grabbed a Rockhopper Elite and I agree, that is a great value especially with the 11 speed Deore drivetrain now. It is shockingly fast. She is an advanced rider and has been enjoying it though we need to get a dropper on it soon.

[@theendlesssea8520]

I am not really a beginner mountain biker, I been biking for a year on a GT aggressor pro, so I'm kind of over hardtails. I was wondering if there was a full suspension version of the Specialized elite, because I love the build of the bike, just not the hardtail. Any suggestions?

[@jannonapster120801]

how about the Rockhopper 29 comp 2x are they good to start with? thanks

[@SlimPickens90]

Im 6' even but came across a mint 2021 RockHopper Elite medium frame 29er for 600 and couldnt pass it up. Even though i should probably be on a large. They have gone up to $1150 now for a new one so it was a nice deal. I think the elite is the best value in the rockhopper lineup. RS air fork, deore drivetrail, shimano brakes etc.. The expert is too much at 1400. For that much, you might as well go up a model to the fuse which starts at 1500.

[@elbino413]

Looking at the expert model but they only have XL and I’m 6ft and fairly heavy at 275lb so I thought a bit bigger would be fine does weight mean anything when picking a size?

[@TheKennybats]

Did you end up installing a dropper post? If so, which did you go with? I got the same bike with large frame, I'm also 5'10", and almost returned the bike because I thought it was too large because the seat was so high. When I put in an old seat, where the post is a smaller diameter that allows it to fully drop, the bike feels good.

[@mcnater]

Just bought the same today...curious about a dropper as well.

[@SirDShaw]

Got the base 29er and can’t wait to throw $1,200 on it

[@evesjeffersonsurban7051]

Hi, thanks for this review. Are you suggesting to get the smaller size if I’m in between the suggested sizes?

[@jctrails]

I would prefer a medium

[@bigrd007]

Picking up same bike tomorrow should I be worried about the QR?

[@NikolajOks]

Should you choose Specialized Rockhopper Elite 29 (2021) or trek x caliber 8 (2021) ?

[@runbikeswim3652]

Have u tried the Chisel? Wonder how it compares? Seems to be the an XC race ready low-ish priced bike

[@jctrails]

Have not tried it yet but it has similar geo to the Rockhopper. Looks like a rad bike.

[@TonyPuleo1]

Hello Just a heads up...The Rockhopper comp has a 1 X drivetrain as well and is the level below this one in the Rockhopper line. That also is a good all around entry level bike. I had one and gave it to my wife while I ride the Fuse.

[@spxrkfn7]

It's not, the comp is a 2 by 9

[@spxrkfn7]

At least the newest one has

[@spxrkfn7]

I'm not sure which one ur talking about

[@butchmeister80]

Looking to buy this when they come back in stock

[@tanner6446]

Did you ever get your hands on one? Im waiting for a restock

[@butchmeister80]

@@tanner6446 they did get one in stock in uk at my local store but i took the cheaper option got a ready built marlin 5 trek. Kind of wish I'd spent the extra on the specialised as seems cheap build quality on the trek. Mind you this is 875 compared to 495 I paid nearly double.

[@50mtb44]

"No Way!" ... not "Send it!" ??? Did we show your age? (and wisdom). That did take some balls to ride it on those jump trails. So much fun to get on a "back to basics" bike.

[@jctrails]

If the seat post would go lower I would of sent it.

[@50mtb44]

@@jctrails I admire your ambition.

[@sieq82]

Is the fuse comp better buy than this ? Is fuse worth extra cash ?

[@HereIsWhatISaw]

So how would a different post go lower if there is something stopping the post going lower in the frame tube?

[@SlimPickens90]

A shorter post...

[@wilburlim7]

Will it be okay to upgrade this bike to a 120mm fork? Would it have benefits?

[@nvire5202]

4:21 I have the same issue on my Rockhopper Comp too, same brakes. Might be a problem with the rotor or disc?

[@txm_ridez1572]

it happens to pretty much every Shimano brakes my calibre has it to and their the same brakes and my friend on his specialized has it to

[@nvire5202]

@@txm_ridez1572 interesting, I use tektro before and never had these problems

[@duanesamuel8741]

Nice to see a review of entry level hardtails. Were those the stock tires? Fast trak, or whatever they are called? Tire upgrades are always a good start. Bro, that "Boomerang" reference had me dying! RIP John Witherspoon.

[@jctrails]

The ground control tires are the stock ones. Witherspoon is a legend!

[@rafaelgodoy3703]

And they're pretty decent tyres for aggressive xc rides.

[@juliusmexMX]

Where is that downhill trail? I live in Worcester and would love to ride there. Cheers.

[@jctrails]

Pine hills in Plymouth

[@alex1231235]

Cool bike and just picked one up. 28 lbs is pretty light for alloy! Did you weigh it tubeless?

[@jctrails]

Yup tubeless

[@alex1231235]

@@jctrails Did you change out the wheels? My shop said they're hookless so they couldn't do it. The bike is SO much fun and feels like it has more travel!! The brakes could use more power. As for the seat tube, I had it cut down a few inches so it really gets out of the way. Wonder if anyone here got a dropper post to make things easier. Chime in!

[@GRPPLINGBJJ327]

What trail is this ?

[@equinox6609]

What to choose from Specialized rockhopper elite 2021 and Gt avalanche elite 2021? Please reply with some good answers. Thanks in advance.

[@edwardprete]

Rockhopper Elite, by a mile

[@j.s9875]

68,5 head tube angle in this bike, is this a real hardtail? Mmm

[@majbuster1996]

First timer here on buying a mtb can someone recomend what bike should i get rockhopper sports or rockhopper comp im 5’2 female & ill be riding about 4x during day off.

[@Mhhgfi]

Rock hopper comp!

[@meghanlamm8324]

I would recommend the comp I’ve never tried the sport but my little brother has the rockhopper comp and it is great. Its definitely worth the money and it’s a super nice bike I’m also around the same height as you and my brothers small fits me really well so for you height I would recommend a small the wheel size is more based on preference I like having a 27.5inch because I don’t feel so high up and in my opinion it’s easier to handle than the 29inch but the 29inch rolls over things a bit easier but it’s all based on what you prefer but I would definitely recommend the rockhopper comp.

[@thecast9175]

It’s actually $1050.

[@TheRabbit91476]

500$. Where you at. The elite go for 1100 here in cali

[@travisarnold9530]

Is that the “serious side” at Plymouth?

[@jctrails]

Yup

[@Buckeye_4_Life_]

Well the price must of went way up, the Specialized website price for a 2021 Rockhopper elite 29 is listed at $1,059..

[@insanetaco98]

The base rockhopper is 600 rn. Just bought one and honestly I love it

[@sonnyjames3964]

Just purchased my Rockhopper Elite 29 today and the price now is $1,100😏

[@Buckeye_4_Life_]

Damn...I'm surprised you could even find one and I'm even more surprised by the price. Although I shouldn't be surprised.

[@MrCharlietoma]

Damn ur fast

[@HereIsWhatISaw]

So does the seat/post not go all the way down?

[@jctrails]

The stock post does not go all the way down, but it goes low enough.

[@HereIsWhatISaw]

@@jctrails so if i want it lower can u just saw off some post? Or what can you advise?

[@zxtenn]

Quick recovery or no operation yet?

[@jctrails]

Filmed before the surgery.

[@YanicEtoCharles]

how is it going uphills with the 1X10?

[@jctrails]

Plenty of range

[@rommelalmanza846]

What made you decide on the Elite Version?

[@jctrails]

It’s the first model that has 1x10 clutch derail., air fork, and Hydraulic brakes

[@iuryrenato]

@@jctrails how many gears does it have?

[@jctrails]

@@iuryrenato 10

[@iuryrenato]

@@jctrails its confuse for me cause im new to this. How can the specialized rockhopper comp 29 2x have, it has like 18 or 20 gears and the elite only have 10.. could u explain it to me. Isnt the more the better? Thanks

[@YanicEtoCharles]

Do you spin out when going downhill?

[@jctrails]

Not on my local trails. Maybe if I rode something steeper.

[@Buckeye_4_Life_]

And they are currently out of stock...

[@charliesheene4182]

Does this have thru axle

[@jctrails]

Nope QR

[@severinoroseno4381]

Everything functions properly kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Nothing was damaged in the box aside from a decal on the fork. The decal was missing a piece of a corner but I ended up peeling them off anyways. Assembly is easy BUT make sure you tune up the derailleurs. Both the front and rear need adjusting. I'd advise going to a bike shop but I opted out and put in 10+ hours with the help of KZbin. Ended up fraying a shifter cable but all in all I learned from the experience. The Brakes work well but the front caliper needs adjusting or at least mine did because the rotor was rubbing against the pads. Make sure you swap out the seat, grips, and pedals. For the short run you'll be fine though. I've read that this bike isn't built yet for hard trails but I just need it for the city. PA has some of the worst roads and being in a mountain this was a great choice. Worth the investment!

[@mikebellamy9052]

Weird, newer should be better, but i like my rockhopper 2017 frame more,

[@HereIsWhatISaw]

What gloves are you using here???

[@jctrails]

They are Handup gloves bit.ly/2BV5Miv - Use code JCTRAILS18 to get a discount.

[@HereIsWhatISaw]

@@jctrails ok thanks but do u remember which model?

[@bandguy360]

I dont like the term beginner bike. Iv been riding mountain for years and just bought one. I prefer the term currensy impaired bike 😎

[@jankaskyevitchjellbet7293]

Doesn't have thru axle at rear.

[@jctrails]

Unfortunately no. It has QR