Specialized Rockhopper vs first real trail!

Took my Rockhopper Elite 29 to John Nicolas Trail in Sanborn County Park. The trail starts off pretty easy followed by about 3 miles of climbing. The view at the top and the descent to the bottom is worth it!

[@Churr0Youtube]

I'm just about to pick up my rockhopper today and I'm extremely exited to see how this thing rides on trails. Thank you for sharing your adventure with yours and I'll be riding very soon today

[@jaysunmai]

Awesome! New bike day is always a good day. How did the ride go?

[@Churr0Youtube]

@@jaysunmai it was amazing! I really love the suspension on it and the 29 inch wheels make for a smooth ride. I'm extremely happy with it. To make sure it doesn't get stolen I have a really sturdy lock too.

[@qudlik301]

Jesus i want to ride that trail, it looks so smooth and fun to me

[@JMb1kes]

I’ve had my rockhopper a little while now, great bike. I haven’t upgraded a thing and I hit black trails all day, but it’s a lot more fun on blue trails. For the price though it really is an amazing bike that can perform beyond my capabilities.

[@jaysunmai]

Really hit the nail on the head with this comment!

[@davidknell8831]

Yeah I got one! The bikes awesome! Enjoy

[@154Jamesp]

"Woooo!" Mission accomplished, Specialized.

[@nagylevi3827]

It looks so easy when you do it. I'm just sitting here, estimating the number of broken bones after I try to emulate your riding tomorrow.

[@kennnethbrown7582]

Nice MTBIKEING looks like so much fun I haven't been out on my MTB in a few days

[@Schwing27]

I’m thinking about getting this bike. I noticed in the beginning you had to get off the bike and walk. Is the lowest gear not good enough for steep inclines?

[@jaysunmai]

Great question! I got off because this was my first real steep climb and I used all my energy too quickly. I think the Deore 10 speed is a phenomenal drivetrain and it is more than capable of climbing.

[@Carlisle_NinetyOh9]

I have the same color comp 29..the redwood is cool. I tanwall T7 Eliminators on mine. Great bike! lots of upgrades coming soon!

[@americanmade422]

I had a northrock xc27 for a year, I just bought a rockhopper 29. I couldn't find them or the marlins during the pandemic. The xc27 has been great but I'm giving it to my son and were going to start biking together. So stoked for this bike

[@jaysunmai]

You won't be disappointed, awesome that you guys get to enjoy this sport together.

[@Ja2808R]

I have the NR xc27 and looking into the rockhopper 27.5 as well. Seems the 29 is more popular?

[@kamuelalee]

Very cool vid, thanks for posting! How would you rate the Rockhopper Elite 29 versus other mtbs you might have ridden?

[@jaysunmai]

Glad you enjoyed it! Out of all the bikes I've ridden, I would say this Rockhopper is by far my favorite. This bike isn't meant to be taken on jumps, but it handles itself well on smaller drops and typical XC trails. It is light and climbs well; nimble and responsive. This bike is a solid 9/10. Certain changes would make it a 10/10, like thru-axles or a tapered headtube, but they aren't dealbreakers. I love this bike.

[@kamuelalee]

@@jaysunmai Awesome, thanks for responding.

[@emi.boaglio]

Hey man! Great vid! Looks like a very fun trail! 🙌🏼 I have a little question! Do you recommend it to get into more advanced trails? Like trails with mid ramps and all those things? I'm in love with the fuse, but I'm not able to buy it because it disappeared of the Argentinian market and no one is selling it second hand... So, te only option closer to the fuse price is the Rockhopper elite! I don't want to buy a bike that limitates my little "agressive desires" hahaha

[@jaysunmai]

Super late reply! Didn't see this one come through. Which bike did you end up getting?? Curious to know haha

[@kaemeleon]

i got a 2009 Rochopper expert itv still looks and feels brand new

[@miguelkieling532]

Great video. I have a Rockhopper Comp 2021. 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?

[@jaysunmai]

Hey! Thank you for the kind words. I was in your exact position after owning the Rockhopper for a while. If you enjoy the color/geometry of your current bike, you could upgrade the fork and it'd still serve you well for many years. However, what I did was I sold my Rockhopper and upgraded to the Chisel. The Chisel is much much lighter and snappier on the trail with its slimmer tubing and more aggressive XC geometry. Eventually I sold that one too for something more trail-capable and have been riding my specialized Fuse ever since. Hope this helps!

[@innuendo8676]

Yo tengo el modelo chisel, realmente es incomparable, la geometría, es como una bicicleta de carbono

[@jasonallen7779]

Cool video. I just purchased a specialized Elite 29 rockhopper mountain bike. It rides real nice. Do you ever ride trails up in Washington area?

[@jaysunmai]

I haven't ridden my bike in that area yet. Are the trails nice up there?

[@jasonallen7779]

@@jaysunmai yeah I've only rode out to Discovery Park Beach. Pretty good ride. There is a mtb trail out in Renton called tapeworm. That Looks pretty cool to shred on. But haven't tried it out yet. You can check it out on KZbin.

[@amoore4363]

I just got that same bike and I love it.

[@jaysunmai]

Congrats! These things are like unicorns nowadays. Enjoy your new bike 🚲

[@pavloderevyanko3603]

@@jaysunmai got Rockhopper Elite and love it. Try to install seatpost dropper. It is really a musthave for speed turning.

[@TheGstvjd]

@@pavloderevyanko3603 What post did you get? i need to geet one for mine

[@pavloderevyanko3603]

@@TheGstvjd I bought Brand-X Ascend. Works great. It has some free play, but I really can't notice that. PS standard lever wire is too short for XL frame.

[@lukaweixler]

how did it hold up? i am looking to buy one. should I?

[@5.2jay]

What model spec is this rockhopper? Base?,sport?,comp?, or elite?? Would appreciate the reply thanks! Looking into getting one.

[@jaysunmai]

This is the Elite model! I am a huge fan of this bike and would recommend it to anybody looking to get into a solid entry-level hardtail.

[@sumtingwong8135]

Got this bike 2nd hand today need some Services done but after it should feel smooth to ride I’m gonna make mine 1000w 48v

[@KRW01]

Hey man, i would like to ask you about the bike, how does it climb? Can you manage climbing steep hills with it? Also the last gear is it great enough to have some speed on flat roads? Also what would you choose between specialized rockhopper 29 sport or gt avalanche 29 sport. Thanks in advance!

[@jaysunmai]

This bike climbs extremely well! It is extremely efficient going uphill and power transfer feels good because it’s a hardtail. The range is very capable and I feel like the only limiting factor is the rider. The 10 speed is also less finicky when compared to a 12 speed and I feel like it’s bulletproof. The smallest cog can pick up quite a bit of speed too. I was able to keep up with my road biking friend without spinning out (but not for long before I got tired)! Comparing the two bikes you mentioned, they are very similar in price and spec. The GT avalanche has a tapered head tube which is stronger and better if you decide to upgrade the fork down the line. It also has a fork lockout which is useful if you plan to ride on road. Spec-wise, it has the edge over the Specialized. However, I prefer the styling, color options, and drivetrain of the Specialized and I would personally get it over the GT for those reasons. I hope this helps!

[@KRW01]

@@jaysunmai thanks Jason, it was really helpful. Keep up the good videos mate!

[@gkoogz9877]

Nice vid you put together.

[@jaysunmai]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@shawnwebb9571]

What suspension do u have on it and are they air shocks?

[@jaysunmai]

This one has the Rockshox Judy 100mm air spring fork on it!

[@HsvKrazy]

I brought a rockhopper sport 29 today

[@RobinLazer-hh9vd]

Brilliant mountain bike the rock hopper

[@juanlibez4534]

The size of bike is L or M ? What do you recommend for 14 year olds?

[@benphillips1149]

I've rode many a black trail on my rockhopper, such a deceivingly good bike for the money.

[@jaysunmai]

Though I’ve sold my rockhopper and have switched to the 2021 Fuse, I miss it a lot and would still recommend this bike! Rockhoppers rule!

[@mkwakin]

Is the Rockhopper still alive? Wonder if it is strong enough for trail riding?

[@jaysunmai]

I have since sold it for my stumpy. I miss riding this bike a lot though and it could definitely handle itself.

[@anisoc]

I have Specialized 2021 Rockhopper Too

[@jaysunmai]

It’s a great bike!

[@teresobravi8439]

Me too man

[@greenflow1100]

hey man! what helmet do you use

[@jaysunmai]

Hey! I use the Giro Fixture. Works well with my big round head haha

[@need4speed290]

How is the bike doing on jumps?

[@jaysunmai]

Hey! I have only done minor jumps and drops on the bike ranging from 1-3 feet in height. The bike handles them no problem! I think any XC bike should be able to do those without issues. The front fork bottoms out on the 3 footer ones due to me lowering the air pressure and you really need to use your knees to absorb the shock in the rear. Haven't taken them on anything larger than that though!

[@quintintapia8742]

I just got the bike myself and it does great!

[@lewiswilliams6519]

@@quintintapia8742 same I got mine in the Saturn black

[@AlbiMtb]

Going to buy my first mountain bike wich will be the rockhopper.I have lots of trails in my city and i cant wait to get started(:

[@jaysunmai]

Great to hear! It’s always a good time to get into MTB’ing! Have fun and ride safe!

[@juan-em3lt]

Que modelo de rockhopper es?

[@superfly4137]

Just got my rockhopper 29. When pedaling is it normal for the chain to make noise as if your about to change the gears but your not changing the gears?

[@jaysunmai]

Congrats on the new bike! This isn't normal. I suspect the rear derailleur needs adjusting. Iif you're mechanically inclined, you could follow a KZbin video and get it working pretty good. Good luck!

[@emilycs8823]

I would ride that on my gravel bike.

[@Sqxish]

Is this only a good downhill bike???

[@aslipunjabi613]

What is the size of the bike?

[@jaysunmai]

This is a size small.

[@user-jv1hi8dx1i]

Is it worth buying specialized rockhopper 2014?

[@jaysunmai]

How much would you be buying it for?

[@user-jv1hi8dx1i]

@@jaysunmai price is 270€

[@lukaweixler]

i am looking to buy one. should I?

[@jaysunmai]

Absolutely! It's a wonderful bike.

[@lukaweixler]

@@jaysunmai they dont have it in stock 😔

[@paul88146]

Good for beginners?

[@jaysunmai]

Absolutely! I would highly recommend this bike.

[@nuebz4k293]

Is it smooth

[@jaysunmai]

Yep! Shifting is crisp and I've had no issues with it at all.

[@animal_smth]

im gonna get a rockhopper bike for christmash

[@jaysunmai]

You won't regret it!

[@cccycling5835]

lol did JNT last year on my old MTB and boi what a good trail 👌 steep at the start tho, but few tech sections and fast and fun all the way down. probably try it on my gravel bike next time

[@jaysunmai]

The downhill is the best part! This is one of my favorite trails to ride. I’ve seen many gravel bikes on this trail also. Seems like a blast!

[@nicklarge007]

I have a Rockhopper Elite,best MTB I have owned by far, but have ridden more comfy road bikes!

[@karmamaster5035]

Can u wheeile it

[@jaysunmai]

It could probably be wheelied, but I can’t because I haven’t practiced haha

[@soundpro707]

Wearing a mask while riding alone, outside?

[@redlegds_adventures]

Why the mask bro!! I want a Rockhopper too!!

[@Mountain_Junkie_84]

Not a great review of how it is on a trail. Something is clicking all the time on the vid. is that the bike ? and theres not much reviewing happening more just lots of woooooooo noises. Would be good to know how it rides ? how the suspension feels? did u get off the bike because the hill was too steap or because it could have done with a better ratio of gears??

[@jaysunmai]

Thanks for the questions! The clicking noise was from the straw of my hydration pack hitting the GoPro. The bike itself has no creaking or clicking anywhere. This video was more for documenting purposes than to review how it did hahah. It was a blast to ride hence the woo’s and excitement. The bike rides extremely well! Shifting is smooth. No hiccups shifting up or down the entire gear range. 29 inch wheels make climbing a breeze and descending fast. I didn’t notice it being any less nimble than a 27.5. The suspension is smooth and absorbs small rocks and roots very well. However, being a hard tail, it does skip around on the rear end. I got off the bike because I got tired by overexerting myself at the start of the climb. A 12 speed would have been helpful by increasing range but definitely not needed to get up hills. I prefer the 10 speed actually.

[@MW-fr7bx]

I think “woooooooooooo” noises are the best review you can give

[@jaysunmai]

@@MW-fr7bx I couldn’t agree more!! Ride on bro! 😄

[@TranslateToEnglish]

Do you have any reviews posted so we can all learn how to do them?

[@jaysunmai]

@@TranslateToEnglish sorry what do you want a review of? Let me know!

[@marcp.1752]

The best is the frame, as usual. All other parts, components are cheapskate, like cannondale, -trek into this pricerange. I wouldn't bother with it. It's only for the kids, guys - "look 'ma, i bought myself a nice cannondale, specialized or trek!" That's pretty obvious since decades. You've to invest much more, for a serious brand MTB, say 2K, as hardtail. Or use a cheaper brand, like Canyon, Radon, etc...to get more up spec'ed parts within the same price range - vs. the good old premium brands.

[@jaysunmai]

There's a price range out there for everybody. As long as it gets more people on bikes and into the sport of MTB, I'm not complaining!

[@marcp.1752]

@@jaysunmai Just right. But especially when you're young, and starting, you really would break bad quality material way more than usual. And there's the saying "Who buys cheap - buys twice", just think about it. It's true. My 1st MTB was a really cheapskate 250 bucks crap, cheapest shimano SIS derailleur, shifters, 3x6 - 18 gear drive, etc..then, i was sitting on the bike from my neighbour, Shimano DX and XT mix, i was delighted ! I thought as a kid, all Shimano Parts are the same, bad, crappy quality. Then i started with the XT 732 Group...and the rest is history.

[@nagylevi3827]

Quite true. It's overpriced, especially these days. That being said, it's a great frame, especially ergonomically and I passed on quite a few better equipped bikes after a sit on this one. As a novice, all I really need is confidence and this bike delivers. The comfort is a welcome bonus too.

[@marcp.1752]

@@nagylevi3827 Fair enough. My last bike i've bought was into 2014, a Trek Elite 9.6, and still, serveral parts needed being upgraded, and -replaced. Honestly, almost everything besides the frame. ;) It all starts the same - first i am unhappy with the handlebar, stem, grips, seatpost & especially the saddle and seatpost clamp. Too cheap, too heavy, to crappy bike parts as usual. Then it goes over the crank, front derailleur, and disc brakes. Then comes the Wheelset, because it's too heavy, crappy inner tubes, heavy tires. Into the end, almost everything into some 3-5+ years is being replaced - but that's part of the fun, too. ;-) I just build one bike exactly from scratch, and it took me many years to find the bike parts with ebay, bikeforums & co. But like i've said before - that was being part of the fun. :-) For instance, that 2013 Trek gets a new crankset soon, 2x10 instead of 3x10 ordinally. (was Deore class, now some 2x10 Crankset from Aerozine) Shifter upgrade to XT. Diskbrake for a lighter, better brake. Cockpit, saddle & post already replaced, also the Wheelset with tunes and tires - also from Bontrager, but much better ones. That standard wheelset with SLX hubs went to my smaller Trek Hardtail, means cheaper one...many years ago. And i've found some cheapskate, asian brand clamp-on bike grips, which are a cheap substitute for my beloved crankbrothers cobalt grips - and much cheaper, from aliexpress, years ago. :)

[@marcp.1752]

@@nagylevi3827 It's always better, to buy a used Bike, with _quality_ components, therefore bike parts, than a new shiny one, with cheapskate bike parts, because you don't have the money or being lazy. You get much more value, with a bit older bike, not the latest year & spec, but it does hold much more value into the long run, and it's more worth to upgrade parts of it, into the long run. I have only a under-spec'ed suspension fork on one bike for instance, and it's okay that way. My standard is at least a RS reba (26" wheels still here) or a Fox equivalent. On one, i've a Black super Manitou, it's ok. I'd never buy a MTB neither used or new, with some kind of Suntour XCR(air), RS Tora, etc...at least, it should being a Recon gold...air, of course. Well, 29ers are a different thing, but i don't want to have a suspension fork which is heavier than say ~1800gr...then it get's really heavy. Then i really prefer a rigid fork, no maintainance, and worlds lighter, too. Its okay for into the city, and also forest trails. No need for a expensive suspension fork - oh, and i never bought a Fox or RockShox at original price, i bought them slightly used, mint condition only, back into the heyday. I am not Richy Rich or crazy. ;)

[@Schah_Dagobah]

Du trägst beim Sport eine Maske und wunderst dich warum du keine Luft bekommst 😂

[@milesbedford9311]

why are you wearing a mask?

[@TheC0mmentSection]

It’s in California, the squirrels have Covid out there

[@ethenbergen8261]

stop wearing a mask

[@MELLOKUB]

is this a 2021 bike? I have the exact same thing but I can’t figure it out. The sticker on the bike says it's a 2022 model. and everywhere on the Internet they write that it’s 2021

[@jaysunmai]

Hey, this is a 2021 bike. A way you can check is to register the bike on the specialized website and it will show you the model and year

[@SPEEDYBEANIE22]

What size frame