Specialized Rockhopper Comp 1x - My New Hardtail

[@OLKIEMTB]

The Rockhopper range starts at 500 dollars and tops out at 1125 USD. The comp 1x goes for 750. There are better value bikes out there; however, the rockhopper is a popular choice among new riders purchasing at bike shops.

[@joen3992]

My GT Avalanche Comp 2x9 has better specs....300 cheaper than the cock hopper. Gawd! Does Specialized know how to cripple a legend with straight tube, microcrap train. A grand?! Seriously? Trek does the same...

[@OLKIEMTB]

Yeah big bike brands aren't usually the best place for value.

[@albertodelafuente6072]

Great option you got, I got my rockhopper comp 2018 in November 2017 and still have it, it now has a crankbrothers high line 160mm dropper post, magura mt5 with the performance brake pads, maxxis aggressor 2.3 in the rear and maxxis minion dhr maxx terra 2.4 in the front.

[@albertodelafuente6072]

Rockhopper might not have the better value but they have lifetime guarantee for the frame

[@JTYooper]

@@joen3992 Comp is $750

[@chadhertz4092]

I have that identical bike in a medium 27.5. Been running it hard on trails since June.... love it! No problems at all.

[@OLKIEMTB]

Nice! I've put 25 miles on it in the last week. So far so good.

[@abrahamsolis1990]

Thinking of buying the same man, how tall are you?

[@OLKIEMTB]

Im 6 foot 1 on a good day. The large frame fits me well.

[@andrewscribner3058]

That intro gave me chills. Keep up the awesome work!

[@neletg]

I ordered two for me and my daughter (basic and Sport) last week. Can't wait for them.

[@Buckeye_4_Life_]

How do you like them..?

[@Spilchen]

I really laughed at the plastic peddle comment 🤣 "but it's better then nothing" lol 👍

[@hamishtimmins]

Good review, I got me comp. Three rides in and loving it

[@ibby81ae]

Great review and knowledge of the bikes you ride.

[@OLKIEMTB]

Thanks for watching!

[@5wisher5weet]

Lol this is the question I have. I was going to get a Marlin 6...the guy said the 7 is worth the money for the upgrades. I might look into getting the comp

[@OLKIEMTB]

I think the comp is a better value and so do all the people I poled.

[@jesseevans846]

Im about to head to that shop tomorrow to look at a Pitch Comp 🤙🏻

[@OLKIEMTB]

Nice, I hope you find that it fits your needs.

[@jordanbrown5922]

That fade into the logo though!!

[@OLKIEMTB]

Thanks bro!

[@Tiger24kicks]

I got the specialized Rockhopper Comp 1X a few months ago in medium. I love it so far I just wish the fork was a little better I don't like the quick release on the wheels make me feel like I can't do nothing to extreme.

[@OLKIEMTB]

I will be swapping out the fork soon. You know just a few years ago everybody had quick release. I don't really notice a massive difference between my bikes with thru axels vs quick release skewers. But then again, my local trials are pretty mellow.

[@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?

[@OLKIEMTB]

If you like the rockhopper I would just upgrade the fork on it.

[@RudeReaper]

That insect matched the paint scheme. Cool lil fella 2:54

[@boustrisservice1868]

Good pre-review. It does feels like some of that money is paying for the name vs components. Looking forward to the 100m review.

[@OLKIEMTB]

Maybe a little but look at the diamondback hook, it's from a "value" brand and it's only 50 bucks cheaper but it isn't spec'd as good as the Rockhopper.

[@flhandster4395]

Great video. A couple of questions. What are your thoughts about the wheels not being TUBELESS ready, is that an issue? Also, what are your thought between the fork shock on this bike versus the Rock Shox on the Elite? I know the difference in price is $200. Are the differences in the components, fork shock and tubeless wheels worth it? Thanks in advance for your time.

[@BruceChastain]

looks nice. did you mention the price? I know you did say something about $1000.

[@OLKIEMTB]

The range starts at 500 and goes up to 1250 for the expert. The comp model, shown in the video cost 750.

[@wqed22]

That intro though👌

[@Digital_Gangster]

Go away bee!!!

[@JTYooper]

Great preview! Did you ever post the full 100mile review? I am close to buying a new bike, this one is on my short list. Local shop sells Specialized, and am hoping to make my purchase soon, maybe make payments over the winter (assuming he can get one).

[@OLKIEMTB]

No I haven't completed the review yet.

[@JTYooper]

@@OLKIEMTB Really curious on your review. I put money down on a XL 29. Owner at the LBS figures he won't start getting his orders in until early next year, so I will be making downpayments until then. Looking fwd to riding it next spring!

[@____j____a____c____k6466]

Is the head tube tapered?

[@OLKIEMTB]

Unfortunately no.

[@____j____a____c____k6466]

@@OLKIEMTB ok

[@____j____a____c____k6466]

@@OLKIEMTB where did you find that out?

[@OLKIEMTB]

I'm pretty sure it says it on the website. I changed the fork on it and the headtube was definitely not tapered.

[@bigshoetimmy2861]

Great video. What mudguards would you recommend for this bike?

[@OLKIEMTB]

Thanks for watching. Any mudgard should work, I don't have one I prefer over any other.

[@slowjamcdub]

Is that Suspension fork air or spring?

[@OLKIEMTB]

Spring

[@downtoridemtb]

How do you like that Microshift Advent drivetrain? The 10 speed version of it looks great on paper.

[@OLKIEMTB]

It shifts well, I don't really notice any huge difference between it and my NX and XT shifters on my other bikes. Im not a fan of the shifting lever though. I like being able to upshift and down shift with my thumb. I don't like using my index finger to up shift.

[@downtoridemtb]

OLKIE oh yeah that finger up shift is no good. I’ll have to see if the Advent X is the same.

[@OLKIEMTB]

It looks like the advent x allows you to up shift with your thumb.

[@ARmYofSixxTH]

dose it have a taper

[@morganlingsweiler9813]

Thanks for posting this! I was looking at the 2x Sport version rockhopper, but my LBS just got a 1x comp in like this one. Would this 1x system feel slow if I were to use the bike to ride a lot on the street as well? As in would it be a lot slower than a 2x?

[@OLKIEMTB]

The 2x gearing will be a little closer to what you would find on a hybrid bike so yes it would be better suited for the street. The 1x is great for mountain biking and I think as long as you aren't trying to go for really fast road rides you will be okay.

[@Danceonyahead]

I'm 5"8 and still growing which frame size would u recommend

[@OLKIEMTB]

That's a tough one. A medium will fit you well now but if you grow to around 6 foot you will want a large. Will this be your first mountain bike?

[@Danceonyahead]

@@OLKIEMTB yes

[@OLKIEMTB]

Well if you don't think you will be taller than 5 foot 10 I would go with the medium. In my opinion it's better to have a bike that's a little too big for you rather than one that's way too small.

[@georgiaguardian4696]

M the best for sure. L might fit but one that fit better has more fun.

[@BruceChastain]

if it is $1000 I think it seems like a bit much for a 9 speed with tapered BB and coil fork.

[@OLKIEMTB]

It's 750. There are definitely better value bikes but I think a lot of people will be looking at the Rockhopper line up because they are widely available at bike shops.

[@BruceChastain]

@@OLKIEMTB ah okay at 750 I think that's totally in line. I got my wife a Scott for about that much with similar specs.

[@OLKIEMTB]

That's why I went with the comp. It seems to be the best value in the Rockhopper line up.

[@andriirokhov8806]

please can you tell me if size XL will ok for me? i'm 198 cm(6.4f) tall

[@OLKIEMTB]

XL should work. If the bike comes in XXL that might be even better.

[@andriirokhov8806]

@@OLKIEMTB Well I have only option to get XL size.. love this bicycle, but not sure about size

[@andriirokhov8806]

AND ACTUALLY 198 cm is 6.5f, which maybe is a lot for this bicycle

[@JayRaw9207]

What is the on/off switch on that derailer? I have the same exact bike bro

[@OLKIEMTB]

It's for the clutch. It changes how much tension is on the chain.

[@rajindaekanayake5605]

Brand vise which brand is better, Specialized or Treck? I’m debating on buying a Marlin 6 vs Specialized Rockhopper? Thank you in advance.

[@OLKIEMTB]

They are both reputable brands and either one is a good choice. However, I believe that right now the rockhopper sport is a slightly better value than the Marlin 6.

[@jonaskkyeo]

Can those rims and tires be converted to tubeless and will you do a video on it? Thks

[@OLKIEMTB]

They are not tubeless compatible.

[@mateuscabrera]

Not compatible BUT you can do it without any problem!!!! Just google Continental Tubeless conversion kit, Stans, Joes No Tubes etc plus Gorila Tape and a pair of good valves. Works perfectly

[@FraGGile22]

would u go polygon siskiu d7 or little cheaper hardtail for only trail and normal use bike ?

[@OLKIEMTB]

Here is my own personal experience with it. After I got a new hard tail I found myself not riding the D7 anymore. The trails where I ride are primarily XC and gravel and I found that the hard tail was more fun and fit the type of riding better. However, a full suspension bike like the D7 is more capable but I just dont have any local trails that used it to it's full potential, it was kind of overkill.

[@FraGGile22]

@@OLKIEMTB oh well, i went to my local shop only to check out d7. well i went out with 2xt7 :D for me and for my wife.

[@julioserna5659]

Is there a why ?? Rockhopper over marlin 7 ?? Thanks

[@OLKIEMTB]

I created a poll asking which bike my subscirbers would get if they had to choose between a Rockhopper comp or a Marlin 7. 66% said they would rather have the Rockhopper. So I bought it to review. The full review will be coming soon. I will also be doing upgrades on it.

[@julioserna5659]

@@OLKIEMTB I thought or read that the rockhopper has a new frame on the 2021 lineup, that one doesn't fit the new frame shape ,,, maybe I'm wrong but if you compare the frame shape on the specialized web page with the one you showing, is not the same frame shape...

[@Giraffefistfight]

How well do you think this will handle a heavy rider? I'm currently 270 lbs and looking at this bike as getting me into biking and back into shape. I can't really find any info on weight limits, but similar bikes are saying 300 lbs combined rider, gear, and bike weight which concerns me a bit.

[@OLKIEMTB]

I'm not sure on that one. I don't see why it wouldn't be able to support your weight. I would ask your local shop that sells these just to make sure if it is a concern of yours.

[@Jameshhl]

Buying first bike here, I'm debating between this and the Fuse 27.5. Is it worth the extra $500 to get the Fuse 27.5 as a beginner?

[@OLKIEMTB]

Honestly, if you are going to spend 1150 I wouldn't go with a specialized fuze. Something like a Raleigh Tokul 1 would be a better option at 1100 dollars. It has a tapered head tube, thru axels, boost spacing, and tubeless compatible rims. It will last you much long and has more upgrade potential. If you know you are going to mountain bike a lot I would be okay with you spending 1000 bucks but if you aren't sure, I would go with am enexpensive hardtail before you commit too much.

[@Marrk001]

Trek marlin 7 or this?

[@OLKIEMTB]

Honestly the new trek marlin 7 specs are pretty impressive. I've not ridden a marlin 7 but based on specs alone, I would go with the marlin.

[@Marrk001]

@@OLKIEMTB thanks, i was thinking about marlin 7 or rockhopper elite 29er. Elite is bit more expensive but has air fork. Idk if it is worth it

[@BlackFlag94]

Is this the 2020 or 2021 model?

[@OLKIEMTB]

2021.

[@BlackFlag94]

@@OLKIEMTB balls... didn't realise it has a straight head tube when I ordered mine! Massively limits upgradability.

[@OLKIEMTB]

I don't know why they didn't put a tapered head tube. Even Schwinn puts tapered head tubes on their new range of mountain bikes.

[@BlackFlag94]

@@OLKIEMTB it will be purely down to cost. Its much easier to inspect something that's straight and inspection time is expensive. I have to wait 8 weeks for mine. I may cancel the order and get something else. Trek or Cannondale

[@OLKIEMTB]

If you want a tapered head tube don't get a trek Marlin. You have to go up to a Roscoe to get a tapered head tube from trek. Cannondales trail 4 is tapered as well but starts at 1000.

[@Alba0825]

That is not a Rockhopper. That is a Pitch comp. Do you know if the rockhopper elite or any of the rockhoppers have a tapered headtube?

[@OLKIEMTB]

It's is a 2021 Rockhopper comp, look it up dude.

[@Alba0825]

@@OLKIEMTB My bad. I got confused with the name 1X as the pitch is called that too.

[@OLKIEMTB]

It's all good. It looks like you would have to go with the fuze if you wanted a specialized hardtail with a tapered head tube. The pitch and the hopper don't have tapered head tubes at ant trim level.

[@julioserna5659]

Rockhopper new geometry has the tube straight all along from head tube to rear hub ,,, that cannot be the 2021 new rockhopper frame , please educate me, thanks

[@cristianfuentes69]

hello, any experience with gt avalanche? or which could be better on mixed terrains? upgrades do not worry me, only the quality and geometry of the frames ... weight 110kg ... I will appreciate any help to choose, thanks, new sub

[@OLKIEMTB]

I do not have any experience with the GT avalanche. I looked up the geometry specs and they are both similar. It really comes down to your budget and what parts you want. On paper they appear to be very similar but the avalanche has a tapered head tube which increases your fork options. Thanks for subbing!

[@cristianfuentes69]

@@OLKIEMTB thanks

[@AustinPetDetective]

Why a Black frame ?. Everything else is Black WHY WHY ?

[@OLKIEMTB]

That's the only color they had. I waited two months to get one and I couldn't be picky.

[@brucechavez9535]

Hardtails from any bike company these days, all look the same, anyway. And almost all of them are made in Taiwan or China. So my point is, what's the big deal? Nothing. I would go for the cheapest one. Better yet just get a GT or Nishiki hardtail, entry level MTB from Dick's Sporting Goods. They are a lot cheaper than these overpriced brand like Trek or any other high-end brand like Santa Cruz, Yeti, etc.

[@OLKIEMTB]

I agree that the big brands like specialized and trek over charge. You are paying for their reputation. Look into polygon bikes, they offer great value for the money.