4.5 | 4 customer reviews

Rockhopper Expert 29

£1,099.00
10 days free insurance available
Colour:

SATIN SILVER DUST / BLACK HOLOGRAPHIC

Size:

XXL

Check store availability

The 'Specialized' Rockhopper Expert MTB delivers true trail-taming capability without the hefty price tag. With a premium A1 Aluminum frame, modern geometry, RockShox Judy SoloAir fork, Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes, and SRAM Eagle 1x12 gearing, this bike is ready to dominate any trail.

Part Number:

91520-3506

GTIN/UPC:

888818624928

Excuse the brag but we’ve really outdone ourselves here. Proving that true trail-taming capability doesn’t have to come at an intimidating price the Rockhopper Expert is the culmination of 30 years of redefining the relationship between value and performance.

Start with a painstakingly engineered Premium A1 Aluminum frame add in modern geometry that keeps one eye on efficiency and the other on confident capability and you have the rock-solid foundation of our best Rockhopper yet.

Pair that with a parts list that just doesn’t quit (...can we get a shoutout for RockShox’s Judy SoloAir fork and Shimano’s always-in-charge MT200 hydraulic disc brakes?) and you have a tubeless-ready SRAM Eagle 1x12-equipped Rockhopper that’s absolutely prepared to fly.

FrameSpecialized A1 premium butted alloy, zero-stack head tube, internal cable routing, 135x9mm forged dropouts, chainstay-mounted disc brake, replaceable alloy derailleur hanger, stealth rack mounts, dropper post compatible
ForkRockShox Judy, Solo Air, Turnkey damper, 46mm offset, QR, 80/90/100mm travel (size-specific), alloy steerer
StemStout 3D-forged alloy, 31.8mm, 6-degree rise
HandlebarsSpecialized, alloy, 9-degree backsweep, 15mm rise, 31.8mm
GripsSpecialized Trail Grips, lock-on
Front BrakeShimano BR-MT200, hydraulic disc, 160mm
Rear BrakeShimano BR-MT200, hydraulic disc, 180mm
Rear DerailleurSRAM SX Eagle, 12-speed
Shift LeversSRAM SX Eagle, trigger, 12-speed
CassetteSRAM PG-1210 Eagle, 11-50t
ChainSRAM SX Eagle, 12-speed
CranksetSRAM SX Eagle, Powerspline
Bottom BracketSRAM Powerspline
RimsSpecialized Alloy, hookless, Tubeless ready, 25mm inner width
Front HubShimano HB-RM35, Center Lock™ disc, 9x100mm spacing, quick-release, 28h
Rear HubShimano FH-RM35, Center Lock™ disc, 9x135mm spacing, quick-release, 32h
Front TireGround Control, Control casing, GRIPTON® compound, 60 TPI, 2Bliss Ready, 29x2.3"
SpokesStainless, 14g
Rear TireGround Control, Control casing, GRIPTON® compound, 60 TPI, 2Bliss Ready, 29x2.3"
Inner TubesPresta, 40mm valve
SaddleBridge Sport, steel rails
SeatPostAlloy, 2-bolt clamp, 30.9mm
Seat BinderAlloy, quick release, 34.9

Please note: Manufacturers can sometimes change the specification of the products from time to time.

Size SM MED LRG XL XXL
B-B Drop 62mm 62mm 62mm 62mm 62mm
B-B Height 310mm 310mm 310mm 310mm 310mm
Bike Stand-Over Height 732mm 754mm 781mm 820mm 853mm
Chain-Stay Length 440mm 440mm 440mm 440mm 440mm
Fork Length (full) 505mm 515mm 515mm 515mm 515mm
Fork Rake/Offset 46mm 46mm 46mm 46mm 46mm
Front-Center 672mm 696mm 719mm 745mm 770mm
Head-Tube Angle 68.5° 68.5° 68.5° 68.5° 68.5°
Head-Tube Length 95mm 95mm 105mm 120mm 135mm
Reach 405mm 425mm 445mm 465mm 485mm
Seat-Tube Angle 73.5° 73.5° 73.5° 73.5° 73.5°
Seat-Tube Length 360mm 400mm 450mm 500mm 560mm
Stack 607mm 616mm 626mm 640mm 654mm
Top-Tube Length (horizontal) 586mm 608mm 630mm 654mm 679mm
Trail 97mm 97mm 97mm 97mm 97mm
Wheelbase 1105mm 1128mm 1152mm 1178mm 1203mm
Comment author

Verified Purchase | 2022-03-30 15:44:49

This is my third Rockhopper since the early nineties... the original is still in good working order (in fact it may be stronger, but heavier). Says a lot. It's a solid bike. You can certainly spend a LOT more, and will mostly only save on weight when you do.

Here are the issues that you should know:

1. The geometry of the bike is fundamentally based on an older standard. This most affect the width of the frame for the wheels. Many top-range bikes allow wider wheel hubs, which adds stability (called Boost). A consequence is that you have to consider NON-BOOST Wheels/ hubs.

2. The Expert Rockhopper, while top of the range, is fitted with SRAM SX -it's essentially the bottom of the line for the 1x12 drivetrain group-set components (crank/ derailleur/cassette/controls). Because of this choice, it is not a direct swap out to upgrade to the much more robust and beloved SRAM GX cassette (the gears on the back wheel). You can If you plan on putting a lot of hard miles on, you'll run into this. The other components can be swapped out and are compatible.

3. If you are planning on doing any substantial off-road trail or mountain biking, get yourself a spare Derailleur hanger - they are designed to fail, and can leave you stranded in the woods, carrying your bike all the way back to civilisation. You risk being the meat in a bear/racoon sandwich. Ask for a hanger when you buy the bike, they might include it for no cost. Mine cracked off in a week. I think the Specialized hanger is particularly frail.

It's a great bike. I only wish the Expert version had SRAM GX group-set and accommodated the boost hubs - but then it might cannibalise sales of the EPIC range (more like treble the price). But you have to ask, WHY not offer the better bike? Call it "the Actual Expert Rockhopper"

Oh and replace the plastic pedals they come with... that one thing dramatically enhanced the quality and feel of the ride.

Straight-up advice, hope it's helpful. Now get out there and have some fun instead of reading about it.

Comment author

Verified Purchase | 2022-02-02 14:58:03

Love the bike, great upgrade from my Bergamont Revox3.

One issue is that the powerspline bottom bracket has had to be replaced after 460miles/6months. Rather than a straight replacement I upgraded to a better BB and crankset at nearly 20% of the original cost. Hence the 4* rather than 5*

Comment author

Verified Purchase | 2021-01-08 12:17:32

Received this from Plymouth concept store on 7/1/21. The bike had been expertly prepped and just needed minor assembly. Went for a 20 mile ride, very comfortable and everything works as it should - smooth and efficient. If buying as a winter fitness bike as I have (mixture of road, riverside path and trail) then you might want a larger chainring (34 or 40) or you could run out of gears on downhill road sections. The off road sections were a breeze.

Will definitely recommend to friends and family

Comment author

Verified Purchase | 2020-08-09 17:29:52

Had it 3 weeks now and i love it, im a fat 44 year old trying to keep up with my kids but on this bike its the kids trying to keep up with me. Looks good,rides great.

Lifetime warranty* to the original owner against structural defects in material or workmanship on ALL models of Specialized-branded frames and forks

  • Includes seatstays and chainstays on full-suspension bikes
  • Does not include suspension forks and suspension parts
  • Does not include paint and graphics (these are covered below)

* Register your bike, frameset, or Roval wheels within the first 90 days of purchase for a lifetime warranty to the original owner.

Read the full warranty here

When you purchase a bike from Specialized Concept Stores, you'll receive a complimentary tune-up service at your nearest store within 6 weeks of bike delivery.

This free service is designed to ensure that the bike you've chosen is operating optimally and to make any necessary adjustments, such as cable stretching, common with new bikes.

However, if you encounter any issues with your bike at any point, we strongly advise you to cease riding and promptly book your bike in for its complimentary service to ensure your safety and riding pleasure.

When you receive your bike, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how effortless it is to get it road-ready. We've designed the assembly process to be as straightforward as possible, so you can start enjoying your new ride without delays.

All you need to do is install the handlebars, pedals, and wheels. It's a quick and hassle-free process that requires no advanced technical skills. Our user-friendly instructions and included tools will guide you through each step, ensuring a smooth and secure assembly.

Whether you're an experienced cyclist or new to bike assembly, you can trust that the process will be a breeze. Within no time, your bike will be fully assembled, and you'll be ready to hit the road, trail, or bike path with confidence.

We offer 10 days free cover with all new bikes purchased, provided by our insurance partner VeloLife. You will be covered for the first 10 days of ownership against theft and accidental damage, so you can purchase with confidence.

Give yourself the comfort of no obligation free insurance, make sure you have peace of mind from the moment you leave the store. If anything happens to the bike in the first 10 days of ownership, know you are covered!

Cycle to Work Scheme: Affordable Riding for UK Employees

Unlock a cost-effective way to own the bike of your dreams through the Cycle to Work Scheme. This initiative, available to employees in the UK, lets you enjoy the benefits of cycling while saving on your bike purchase.

With the Cycle to Work Scheme, you can use your pre-tax salary to acquire a brand-new bicycle and essential cycling accessories. This means significant savings for you, as your salary sacrifice reduces both your income tax and National Insurance contributions.

The process is seamless: Choose the bike that suits your needs and budget from our extensive range. Your employer will then set up a salary sacrifice arrangement, spreading the cost of your bike over a specified period, typically 12 to 18 months.

Once the salary sacrifice period ends, you have the option to own the bike outright for a nominal fee, ensuring you get to keep and enjoy your trusted two-wheeled companion for years to come.

Experience the freedom of cycling, save money, and reduce your carbon footprint with the Cycle to Work Scheme. Join countless UK employees who have already embraced this eco-friendly and wallet-friendly way of commuting.