Mountain Bike Upgrades - Specialized Rockhopper

My Specialized Rockhopper was a very basic entry level hardtail mountain bike when I bought it in late 2019. I rode it in stock form for a season, and then began upgrading it. Over the course of the next couple of years, I replaced the stem, handlebar, fork, and pedals and added a dropper seatpost and hydraulic bikes. The bike cost $560 new and I now would put it up against any similarly equipped sub-$1500 hardtail.
Costs
Initial purchase: $560.00, local bike shop
Wake aluminum handlebar, 720mm: $28.94 (2020 price), Amazon.com
KS eTENi Dropper Seatpost - 30.9mm, 100mm, $115.00 US, worldwidecyclery.com
RockBros resin flat pedals: $34.99, Amazon.com
Wake aluminum stem, 45mm: $9.97, Amazon.com
Rockshox Judy Silver TK 100mm travel air fork: $169.00, worldwidecyclery.com
JG Bikes 9 speed conversion kit: $99.00, Amazon.com
IFX crank and bottom bracket: $48.00 Amazon.com
Snail 34 tooth narrow-wide chain ring: already owned, $0.00
Tektro Vela HD-T290V Hydraulic Disc Brake System $89.90, e-Bay.com
Trip to Mathieu's Cycle and Fitness: $40.00
Total: $1,194.80 US
Stock Specifications
FRAME A1 premium butted alloy
SEAT BINDER Alloy, quick release, 34.9
FORK SR Suntour XCT 29, 28mm stanchions, Rx Tune, coil spring, QR, 100mm travel (size-specific), 46mm offset
STEM Stout 3D-forged alloy, 31.8mm, 6-degree rise (stock)
HANDLEBARS Stout Mini Rise, alloy, 9-degree backsweep, 15mm rise, 31.8mm (stock)
GRIPS Specialized Trail Grips, lock-on (stock)
SADDLE Venge, steel rails
SEATPOST Alloy, 12mm offset, 2-bolt clamp, 30.9mm
FRONT BRAKE mechanical disc, 180mm
REAR BRAKE mechanical disc, 160mm
FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano Altus FD-M315
REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano Tourney RD-TX800, 8-speed
SHIFT/BRAKE LEVERS Tourney TX, 8-speed
CASSETTE SunRace, 8-speed, 11-34t
CRANKSET Stout 3x, forged alloy
CHAINRINGS 22/36/44T
BOTTOM BRACKET Square-tapered, 73mm, internal bearings, 122.5mm spindle
RIMS Specialized alloy, disc only, double-wall, 25mm inner width, 32h
FRONT HUB Formula 6-Bolt, disc, 100x9mm spacing, quick-release, 32H
REAR HUB Formula 6-Bolt freehub, disc, 135x9mm spacing, quick-release, 32H
SPOKES Stainless, 14g
FRONT TIRE Ground Control Sport, 29x2.3"
REAR TIRE Fast Track, 29x2.2"
INNER TUBES Schrader, 40mm valve

[@fabioleal4665]

Congrats for the upgrades, especially the fork and dropper post. These are the ones I plan to do on my Rockhopper soon. XCT sucks, especially on high-frequency bumps.

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

The Judy Silver TK has been trouble free the whole time I've had it.

[@aaaaaa6583]

Had to change specialized hybrid bike stock steel handlebars & handlebar stem were very heavy. Mechanical Brake calipers & brake cables. Steel Seatpost was also very heavy & changed along with the saddle. Also had cassette & chain replaced along with new tyres. Total cost was almost same as a cheap new bike but worth it. Stay away from carbon fibre is very dangerous aluminium alloy is better lasts longer. I used mainly XLC branded parts no unbranded parts were used

[@tenten5499]

So happy to see another update video on your rockhopper! I’m venturing into my own rockhopper upgrade journey, and your experience has helped immensely! I had dropped post lower on my upgrade list and it is now higher on my list because of YOU. Thanks!

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Thanks for the kind words. A dropper really does make a huge difference. 🙂

[@palangimiko]

Very nice! 👍🏼 very similar upgrades done on my GT Aggressor. Got the same fork which made a HUGE difference in the handling and overall feel of the bike.

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Thanks. Yeah it is a very good fork for the price. :)

[@kevinborovsky3558]

Hey Jim. I have enjoyed watching the transformation of this bike in your many videos on it. I agree Oury grips are excellent. I have them on all my bikes. Nice job on the Rockhopper enjoy cheers .

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Thanks! And to think I walked away from this bike initially! LOL!

[@michaeljeffery4195]

Nice video! That’s one sweet ride you have there now! 🤙🏼

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Thank you!

[@MrJesusfreeek777]

Picking up a 2022 27.5 Rockerhopper basic in Flo red tomorrow as it was just received by one of my LBS today. Already have a brand new RS Judy TK fork and some RF Chester pedals going on it. Going to ride it for awhile and save up for more upgrades in the future. A dropper post is a must! Thank you for sharing your journey! Glad I came across it! GOD bless!!

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Thank.you! Congrats on the bike and I agree, a dropper post is a great upgrade.

[@MrJesusfreeek777]

@@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder Thank you sir!

[@Dontslaythybroski]

Did you put those Judy forks in no problem? I have a rockhopper comp 2022 that I want to modify

[@flyinarrow88]

Love the video by the way

[@mkgearhead5151]

Nice upgrades! I have a white 2015 Rockhopper that I built with most of the same upgrades you did. The only thing I don't have is a dropper post.

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Nice! If you can do so, I highly recommend getting a dropper.

[@adamhooper4293]

great video!

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Thanks!

[@oliviachoate1358]

More rock hopper representation !!

[@JerseyStyle7]

Very good vid, even though I switched over to Electric bikes, I just recently placed an order for a specialized rock hopper expert, I rode Cannondale’s my whole life. I had a few specialized, but I had to get out of the electric for a little while I’m gaining too much weight.😂👍🏽

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Thanks! I admit, this is my favorite mountain bike. Someday I hope to try an e-mtb.

[@jimhayes730]

Looks great…. Might want to look at your chain. It might be routed incorrectly.

[@almassengale]

We must have similar tastes. I also have a rockhopper in this color and ride a Domane AL (though different color and model)!

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Don't they say that great minds think alike?

[@kennnethbrown7582]

Nice

[@miguelkieling532]

Great video. I have a Rockhopper Comp 2021, with MicroShift 1x9. It serves me well on urban use + mid level trail riding. The problem is the suspension. It’s coil and heavy. I’m wondering if I should simply upgrade the fork to something like a RockShox Recon or if it would make more sense to sell the bike and buy another, like a Chisel or Trek X Caliber 9. What would you do?

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

If cost is not an issue, go for a new bike. But otherwise a lighter air fork would be a good solution. I've been very pleased with my Rock Shox Judy Silver TK.

[@davidmulhall.8711]

Jim hey!! You are what i call call a person iñ ...love with your bike this is astonishing with complete brief on this bike , what a smashing colour. Specialize 🎉 Only thing I say ù seemed to double the odds & probably more 💰 🤑 on this big expenditure on the bike??? I'm am concerned..😮 you probably wud of being better buying a top upgrade with all of those component's you installed 😉 but, I think it was really the colour (Green) than solded the deal!! I have a bike similar luv the ((colour on it)) not green thou? so many thing's I want to change & upgrade but I will buy a new bike with the spec/ I want ... rather than goin thru all of the upgrades. Keep your passion, keep cycling 🚲 stay safe Pal. Irl Ď.

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Thanks. Yes,the color is a big part of it for me. I could have bought a higher spec bike but it would not have been as much fun. :)

[@nrevo7]

I usually when upgrading the fork I like to also replace the headset for a sealed bearings type, if they aren't already. Did you keep the original one in the bike?

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

I didn't but that is a good idea.

[@Jacob99174]

Can you help with what would be a great wheel and hub upgrade???

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

I have not replaced any mtb wheels and hubs but on my road bikes I have had success with Alex Rims wheels and hubs. I believe they also do mtb wheels.

[@IamGroot786]

Looking at the website where you got your fork, how do I know which's the right one? There's a 27.5" one and a 29". Is that referring to your tire size? Also, what offset should I get? Mine's a 2021 Rockhopper Base.

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Hi! The fork size is the same as your wheel size. You could probably put a 27.5 wheel in a 29 fork, but the geometry would be a bit off, and obviously not the other way around. I looked it up on geometrygeeks.bike and the stock offset is 46mm for all frame sizes. You can probably go a few mm either way without any problems. In fact, I didn't check offset when I got my fork and it's been fine.

[@minnil7927]

How did you do the change to the Judy? Is there a tutorial you recommend? If you paid how much did the labor cost?

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Hi, I did the work myself. The only special tool needed is a star nut setter. You can see how I did it at kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYrSf3miotCgos0.

[@pingwingugu5]

Hi, 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.

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Hi, the tires are 512mm wide fully inflated, with 16mm clearance on the seat stays, which is where they are closest to the frame.

[@pingwingugu5]

@@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder thanks, you mean 51mm wide?

[@GaryGalmin]

what size would you get? Im 6'5 - Just got my rockhopper after a 20 year hyatus from biking. Used to run stumpjumpers and stumpjumper comp hard tail

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

I'm 5' 8" with a 32 inch inseam and I'm on the upper limit of a medium. I'd guess that you would want a large at the very least.

[@Carlisle_NinetyOh9]

I have a Comp 29 Rockhopper Redwood color on T7 tan Eliminators, but everything else is stock....can anyone help me with what go-to's I need for my Comp.

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Not to be funny, but that depends on your goals. My suggestion would be a fork upgrade and drivetrain upgrade, in that order.

[@_kaiii_1]

i bought one my self in 2021 but im not so sure what to upgrade.. (2021 model)

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

It depends on how you plan to use it, but an affordable upgrade would be a 45mm or 50mm stem and wider alloy handlebar to replace the stock long stem and steel handlebar.

[@_kaiii_1]

@@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder and upgrades such as new brakes?

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

@@_kaiii_1 Hydraulic brakes would be definitely be a good investment.

[@Brotha_J619]

Can you send exact model and make for dropper post upgrade

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Hi. Sure it's a KS eTENi Dropper Seatpost - 30.9mm. I bought it from worldwidecyclery.com.

[@Brotha_J619]

@@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder ty

[@Dontslaythybroski]

Is this a rockhopper comp?

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Nope, it's the base model.

[@paulkarkorian6377]

This bike is your best bike in your fleet, in my opinion of course. In other words if I break into your house , I would search for this bike to steal, and completely ignore the FS Polygon and the others.

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

So....if Gojira goes missing, I know who to look for! :)

[@paulkarkorian6377]

Hahahahahha , nice name Gojira

[@tenten5499]

@@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder yooooo is that a Godzilla reference? Well done…well done!

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Yup,. It's big and green, and I'm a big Gidzilla fan.

[@Littleweenaman]

I deadass have the same bikes as this guy lmao a domane and a rockhopper lmaooooo

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

great minds and all that...

[@bige2012]

Why not just buy the level bike that has these features?

[@sACLeFR]

Can be to upgrade progressively the bike with a annual budget fixed ?

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

Well, the initial buy was an impulse purchase. Also, I was better able to afford the upgrades while I rode the bike.

[@flyinarrow88]

…do I detect a little downeastah in that accent of yowahs?

[@JimsObsessiveCyclingDisorder]

More than a little, ayuh!