New 2024 Specialized Rockhopper
New 2024 Specialized Rockhopper
The Specialized Rockhopper has been the go-to bike for beginner mountain bikers for a couple of decades now. These bikes are affordably priced but properly built so they can be used for real off-road riding. We have used them for big mountain loops in Scotland and the Lake District, and even taken them to the Alps. But the Rockhopper can also be used for more everyday riding, from commuting to college and work, or weekend family rides.
Although it is one of Specialized’s best-selling bikes the Rockhopper hasn’t really had an update since 2022. The new 2024 version uses a Premium A1 Aluminium frame and comes with different size wheels depending on the frame size. There is a 27.5” wheel bike which is available in the XSmall, Small and Medium frame sizes. The 29” wheel bike is available in sizes Small through to XLarge. The 27.5” wheels reduce the overall height of the bike and make it easier to manoeuvre for smaller riders. The 29” wheels are faster and will roll over rocks and roots more easily. Having the choice of wheel size lets you choose what will suit your riding.
One of the biggest changes on the new 2024 Rockhopper is that they all come with 1x gearing. That means a single chainring at the front and then either 9, 10 or 11 gears at the back, depending on the model. 1x setups are now the standard for most mountain and gravel bikes. They reduce maintenance, reduce weight and still give enough gears to get up hills.
Initially there will be 3 models released for the 2024 model year. These will be:
Specialized Rockhopper Sport £600
Comes with Shimano CUES 1x9 speed gearing, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes and an SR Suntour XCM suspension fork.
Specialized Rockhopper Comp £800
Comes with Shimano Deore 1x10 speed gearing, Shimano hydraulic brakes and a Rockshox Judy suspension fork.
Specialized Rockhopper Expert £1000
Comes with Shimano Deore 1x11 speed gearing, Shimano hydraulic brakes and a Rockshox Judy suspension fork.
Our first deliveries of these bikes are all the Sport and Comp model. We expect to have the Expert model in the near future but stock will be limited on all bikes until later in the year.
