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Rockhopper Expert 29

4.8

39 Reviews

Excuse the brag, but we’ve really outdone ourselves here. Proving that true trail-taming…

We deliver! Just say when and how.

Pedal the Planet Forward

1974 to 2024: A 50-Year Tradition of Innovation

As Specialized celebrates its 50th Anniversary of innovating to improve riders’ lives, we have our sites set on the next half century and creating the future of cycling. Join us as we look back at five decades of innovation so we can continue to Pedal the Planet Forward together.

See the Film

Product Details

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 SRAM’s always-in-charge Level hydraulic disc brakes?) and you have a tubeless-ready, SRAM Eagle 1x12-equipped Rockhopper that’s absolutely prepared to fly.

A heart of gold, presented in our lightweight yet durable Premium A1 Aluminum, the Rockhopper’s butted aluminum frame features hydroformed top and downtubes in order to keep weight low and strength high, all while providing increased standover clearance, slick internal cable routing and dropper-post compatibility.
With the goal of making sure that the Rockhopper offers both the best fit and best performance for every person, no matter their measure, we’ve paired each Rockhopper frame size with the optimal wheel size. The result is a Rockhopper to fit every rider and the assurance that every Rockhopper is rolling on the best-handling wheel for its frame size.
Beautifully beastly, SRAM Level hydraulic disc brakes pack a mean bite but deliver their power with a refined, intuitive feel to make for a package that punches way above its pay grade.
Keep things simple with a durable 1x Sram SX drivetrain that offers plenty of range.
Pair dead-reliable hubs from Formula with our 25-millimeter internal diameter, hookless Stout rims for a wheelset hat-trick: strong, light and durable.

Technical Specifications

Frameset

Frame

Specialized 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

Seat Binder

Alloy, quick release, 34.9

Suspension

Fork

RockShox Judy, Solo Air, Turnkey damper, 46mm offset, QR, 80/90/100mm travel (size-specific), alloy steerer

Brakes

Front Brake

SRAM Level, hydraulic disc, 180/160mm

Rear Brake

SRAM Level, 2-piston caliper, hydraulic disc, 180mm

Drivetrain

Shift Levers

SRAM SX Eagle, trigger, 12-speed

Rear Derailleur

SRAM SX Eagle, 12-speed

Cassette

SRAM PG-1210 Eagle, 11-50t

Chain

SRAM SX Eagle, 12-speed

Crankset

SRAM SX Eagle, Powerspline

Bottom Bracket

SRAM Powerspline

Wheels & Tires

Rims

Specialized Alloy, hookless, Tubeless ready, 25mm inner width

Front Hub

Formula DC-20, 6-Bolt, disc, 100x9mm spacing, quick-release

Rear Hub

Formula DC-22, 6-Bolt freehub, disc, 135x9mm spacing, quick-release

Spokes

Stainless, 14g

Front Tire

Specialized Fast Trak, Control Casing, T5 Compound, 29x2.35

Rear Tire

Specialized Fast Trak, Control Casing, T5 Compound, 29x2.35

Inner Tubes

Presta, 40mm valve

Cockpit

Stem

3D-forged alloy, 31.8mm, 7-degree rise

Handlebars

Stout Mini Rise, alloy, 9-degree backsweep, 15mm rise, 31.8mm

Grips

Specialized MTB Grip, lock-on

Saddle

Bridge Sport, Steel rails, 155/143mm

SeatPost

Alloy, 2-bolt clamp, 30.9mm

Accessories

Pedals

PLATFORM PEDAL,VP,SBC-54,PP (POLYPROPYLENE) BODY,BUSHING BEARING,10B21,9/16 INCH SPINDLE

* Weights based on production painted frames as pictured. Actual weights will vary based on colourway, frame size, and component variation. Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Geometry

	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Crank Length	170mm	170mm	175mm	175mm	175mm
Handlebar Width	720mm	740mm	740mm	740mm	740mm
Stem Length	40mm	60mm	60mm	70mm	70mm
Saddle Width	155mm	143mm	143mm	143mm	143mm
Seatpost Length	350mm	400mm	400mm	400mm	400mm
Front-Centre	672mm	696mm	719mm	745mm	770mm
Reach	405mm	425mm	445mm	465mm	485mm
Chain-Stay Length	440mm	440mm	440mm	440mm	440mm
Seat-Tube Length	360mm	400mm	450mm	500mm	560mm
Stack	607mm	616mm	626mm	640mm	654mm
Fork Rake/Offset	46mm	46mm	46mm	46mm	46mm
Bike Stand-Over Height	732mm	754mm	781mm	820mm	853mm
Head-Tube Length	95mm	95mm	105mm	120mm	135mm
Top-Tube Length (horizontal)	608mm	630mm	654mm	679mm	586mm
Seat-Tube Angle	73.5°	73.5°	73.5°	73.5°	73.5°
Head-Tube Angle	68.5°	68.5°	68.5°	68.5°	68.5°
B-B Drop	62mm	62mm	62mm	62mm	62mm
Fork Length (full)	505mm	515mm	515mm	515mm	515mm
Wheelbase	1105mm	1128mm	1152mm	1178mm	1203mm
B-B Height	310mm	310mm	310mm	310mm	310mm
Trail	97mm	97mm	97mm	97mm	97mm

Manual Downloads

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (All Languages)

2022 Rider/Bike Weight Limits and Terrain Conditions

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual Addendum: Riding With Kids

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Chinese Simplified)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Dutch)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (English)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Finnish)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (French)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (German)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Greek)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Hungarian)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Italian)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Japanese)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Korean)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Latvian)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Norwegian)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Polish)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Portuguese)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Romanian)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Russian)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Slovakian)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Slovenian)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Spanish)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (Turkish)

Specialized Bicycle Owner's Manual (All Languages)

Trainer Usage Addendum to the Bicycle Owner's Manual

Dodatek - POUŽITÍ TRENAŽÉRU

Rider Reviews

4.8

39 Reviews

08/02/2024

super disappointed

I hadn't bought a bike in 25 years, I saw this one and really liked how it looked, did some research and decided to pull the trigger. The first thing I noticed was it sounds like I'm dragging a tin can behind me when riding. I took it back to the shop and they said it was the brakes. OK great, they adjusted them, but it still makes the noise, albeit less. Second, I noticed it shifts rough, I expect rough shifting from my 30-year-old Trek, but not from a brand-new bike. Third, the rear tire will not hold air. I suppose it's possible I picked up something but I'm riding in Illinois on a bike path. Just a very disappointing experience so far. Back to the bike shop today to see what the deal is.

Name:: chad

Helpful?

07/10/2023

Incredible bike.

This bike has thus far been flawless for me and all my needs. Before I even rode it I swapped the derailleur and shifter with a GX and put on an x01 chain, then a 180mm one up dropper post shimmed to 160mm on an XL frame. Next I'm doing tubeless with a rear insert. It may not be super slack with 170mm front suspension, or have a tapered head tube and what have you, but this bike rides amazingly well on single track and it an incredibly nice hardtail. I got it for $999 during the spring sale which helped quite a bit. Shifting has been immaculate, braking fantastic, whisper quiet. Tubeless and dropper ready. I love this bike.

Name:: Ali

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07/10/2023

Sweet hard tail

My old rig is a 95 Stumpjumper M2 which has served me well. I'm stoked with the purchase of my new Rockhopper 29 expert. I know these hardtails are on the lower end, but this bike is a definite upgrade for me at a sweet price. I look forward to years of riding this rig!

Name:: Pete L.

Helpful?

06/15/2023

Great bike for the money.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Verified Buyer

Name:: Stephen B.

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06/08/2023

Solid bike

Well this is my first real mountain bike and I’m very pleased. Bike feels great good brakes rides well and looks amazing.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Brandon

Helpful?

06/08/2023

Rockhopper Expert a great value for recreational riding.

Ordering from the store was straightforward, and I found the web content helpful when researching the features of each model vs. the price. Shipping was reasonable ($75), and the package contained both decent assembly instructions and the tools (small torque wrench and air fork pump) necessary to build the bike. From unboxing to tuned and torqued bike took about three hours, a "well done" to Specialized for delivering a partially-assembled bike that the consumer can finish without taking it to a shop. Paint, frame-welds, and components are first-rate. Bike shifts smoothly on steep (15%) switchbacks, rides smoothy over broken basalt, and brakes are adequate to quick descents, despite my 220lbs and "spirited" ride-style. Overall a great purchase experience, would recommend to a friend, or do it again.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Craig

Helpful?

05/31/2023

Solid

Great bike for the money. Bike handles great on the trails!

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Delfino

Helpful?

05/31/2023

Happy Customer

Seems all components is a high quality materials, i chose this model to be starting in the MTB segment, the lifetime warranty of the frame make me more comfortable to get the support from specialized

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Verified Buyer

Name:: Carlos R.

Helpful?

05/01/2023

What I wanted

Really like the dark green paint, geometry and size of the XL frame are a good fit for me at 6’2. SRAM components preform well, Judy is good on the road and XC trails, seems well made and should be a dependable bike. Good for fitness but probably not MTB racing.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Verified Buyer

Name:: Brad C.

Helpful?

04/28/2023

Second rock hopper

I bout the bike couple of weeks ago an its great

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Nicolas

Helpful?

04/28/2023

Smooth-shifting and braking. I love

Smooth-shifting and braking. I love it

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Verified Buyer

Name:: Kevin O.

Helpful?

04/26/2023

Perfect hardtail for us.

The recent sale price made this bike an incredible deal. The SRAM Eagle SX components are outstanding. The frame is light and strong. The air shock has a nice feel. Unless you really need a rear shock, this hardtail would be more than enough bike for almost anybody. Totally satisfied. I am glad the rims are TL compatible. Once the current tires wear, I will swap them for tubeless tires and valves.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Verified Buyer

Name:: Richard G.

Helpful?

04/12/2023

Great beginners bike

I got this bike a few months ago after my first race and it’s been great. I haven’t raced it yet, but it’s handled well on trail and road when I go on training rides.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Christopher

Helpful?

04/11/2023

It's never too late to get into Mountain Biking...

Great first mountain bike for a 67 year old man wanting to learn the finer points of mountain bike riding. Have a steep 800 foot hill near to my house with a lot of loose gravel. I can easily ride back down safely while building balance and a feel for the gravel. I have an XL frame on my Rockhooper Expert 29 that can handle my 215 lbs with ease. The Disk Brakes work great and the bike only weighs 30 lbs. It's a lot of fun and great exercise. Very happy with my purchase...

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Verified Buyer

Name:: Jesse P.

Helpful?

04/03/2023

First mountain bike… love it!!!

I’m 52 and this is my first mountain bike. I absolutely love it! A little scary but so much fun. I tried several models and this one felt the best, even over more expensive bikes. I’ve added a dropper seat post and some new grips. It’s light weight, the gears are perfect for mountains of East Tennessee. I love it! Thanks Specialized!

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Michael

Helpful?

04/03/2023

Nice entry bike

Just picked one of these up for my 12 yr old son who is new to MTB and plans to get into racing this year. It's a nice entry bike. A few things missing - tapered head tube and through axels, but overall a nice, light bike. The SRAM SX group has more plastic than I would like, but performs well. I figure this will serve him over the next two years until HS, if he sticks with it and continues to race I will upgrade. Got it for a good price during this Spring sale.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Jim

Helpful?

03/31/2023

Love it

Higher quality than expected! Set up was a breeze and I’ve never put a bike together before. Fits good on me love the scram cassette and lever and everything was good! Totally recommend this bike! The shipping on the other hand! Lol well well welll.. FedEx lost my package yes the giant box with a bike in it! Small thing to make a better experience is to use higher quality shipping labels! They don’t get misreads at the carrier!

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Verified Buyer

Name:: Brandon H.

Helpful?

03/29/2023

Great and reliable bike. Best

Great and reliable bike. Best bike I've owned.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Verified Buyer

Name:: Chris A.

Helpful?

03/25/2023

RockHopper Best Ever Bike

Riding to Racing, Shifting to breaking , Ultimately Best Bike

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Harman

Helpful?

03/15/2023

You can’t go wrong with

You can’t go wrong with specialized.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Verified Buyer

Name:: Guest G.

Helpful?

02/20/2023

Everything I wanted and more.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Verified Buyer

Name:: Guest G.

Helpful?

02/20/2023

Great value for the $.

Great value for the $. Looking forward to some quality offroading as soon as warmer temps finally appear. 👍

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Verified Buyer

Name:: Guest G.

Helpful?

02/20/2023

A great hardtail

This bike replaces my 27.5 hardtail with mechanical disc brakes. And let me begin by saying that these hydraulic brakes with resin pads are amazing! The comfortable stopping power increases safety greatly as does the wider handlebars, 4 in wider than what I had before. The SRAM shifting is flawless. I appreciate the front air shock, being able to add or release air as well as lockout the fork for climbing. This bike is well suited for intermediate trails but using good judgment and knowing when to walk your bike, you can dabble with some black diamonds as well. I appreciate the internal cable routing that I will be using for a dropper post. I have taken this bike out for three rides, about 33 miles with about 5600 ft of climbing. I .was concerned for the first 5 minutes that I wouldn't like the saddle and then it became very comfortable. I'm riding a medium and at 5-9 it fits me perfect with a comfortable reach and stand over height.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Paul

Helpful?

02/11/2023

My new Rockhopper 29 Elite

My new Rockhopper 29 Elite was an amazing deal in price, considering it has an incredible pairing of components. I’ve hit some light trails and sandy areas of Florida and I’m very impressed with what I can put this bike through.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Verified Buyer

Name:: Guest G.

Helpful?

01/24/2023

Absolutely lobve the feel and

Absolutely lobve the feel and ride of my Rockhopper Expert 29er.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Verified Buyer

Name:: Guest G.

Helpful?

11/28/2022

Rockhopper 29

The most amazing light wait hardtail I've ever ridden. Never ridden a bike that is good at tech,jumps,flow and climbing this is an amazing all rounder bike the only downside to this beast is that it doesn't come with a dropper but comes at an amazing affordable price. The shock works like a charm and the climbing capability on this bike is what impresses me the most.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Jack

Helpful?

10/29/2022

Rockhopper 29 Expert is a Solid Performer

If you're viewing bikes in this category, I am guessing your new to the sport or a returning rider? I am the latter, but either way you wont be disappointed. The bikes geometry is solid. It rides dead quiet down the trail with no squeak's, rattles, or chain slap. The 29 wheel set is extremely fun for rolling over terrain. Tire width seems to be the sweet spot, and tubeless is an absolute dream here in SW Colorado. I am a 180 lb intermediate rider and the Judy at 100mm does its job and holds it composure/air just fine. The 1x 12 drive train is pure simplicity. The SRAM brakes have allot of modulation, but plenty of 'bite' when needed. Short of pedals, I didn't feel the need to rush out and upgrade anything on the bike. I think the biggest consideration between this and upper models would be the lack of 'boost' axels and the non tapered top tube, as this will dictate future upgrade options. Over-all I am extremely happy with my purchase.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Al

Helpful?

10/01/2022

My first bike in US.

So far so good for 50yo rider of the storm.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Jacek

Helpful?

09/20/2022

Awesome Ride

I haven't been riding in years. I had a couple of Hard Rocks in my younger days, decided to get back into it, and chose this Rockhopper. Best purchase ever, it feels like I've never stopped riding! The Rock Shox makes for riding the streets and and trails smooth. Had the bike shipped to my home, assembly was a breeze. Would definitely recommend to any new rider!.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Jake

Helpful?

09/12/2022

Great bike.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Verified Buyer

Name:: Guest G.

Helpful?

08/21/2022

RANDonnée ALL DAY EVERYDAY

ThIS VERSION of the rockhopper has bigger cassette 1x12, and SRAM SX EAGLE crank and well it is smoother and shifting is swifter than the rock hopper comp. Shoot for the expert as i have both MT BIKES. If you need a hard tail commuter get the EXPERT version.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Eric

Helpful?

08/14/2022

Awesome Bike!

I love this rig! It's a great climber, with that Eagle drivetrain, and it's stable and rolls over just about anything. I own the original 26er, from twenty years ago, and still use it! So i figgered if I get twenty years out of this bike than I'll be happy with that. I can't recommend this bike enough. The service was quick, it was packaged very well, and I can't think of anything they could've done better. It also came with a digital fork pump and a torque tool, unexpectedly.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Todd

Helpful?

08/04/2022

Size Wheels

We would also like some sizes on 27.5 wheels at specialized rockhopper expert

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: RuLLz

Helpful?

07/29/2022

Boated bike

Love this bike so much, Rides amazing, The air shocks are so smooth and I love the Gloss Lagoon blue because of how bold it is! Definitely would recommend this bike! BUY IT!!!

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Ryder

Helpful?

07/12/2022

Sick bike I love it

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Verified Buyer

Name:: brett d.

Helpful?

06/13/2022

Rockhopper no stopper

In my opinion this is a perfect bike for someone new to the sport. Quality components and great design. I feel confident on trails being in the driver seat of this magnificent beast.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Eric

Helpful?

05/22/2022

Verdict is in

I waited for a few hundred miles before submitting this review. I purchased the Rock Hopper Expert 29 and couldn't be happier. The bike has been flawless, easy quite shifting, comfortable for long rides, and the braking is good also.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Eric

Helpful?

05/09/2022

I couldn’t be happier with

I couldn’t be happier with my Rockhopper Expert! It hit all th right buttons: hydraulic brakes, wider handle bars, comfortable grips, RockShok front struts, and 12 speeds. The frame is a solid build, with the preferred elliptical frame rather than circular. Tires and wheels are awesome! I would have preferred about 5-6 more teeth on the front sprocket - I was always looking for a higher gear to shift to. But hills were easy enough to climb, and I learned to slow down and enjoy the ride! Heartily recommend!, It’s light weight,

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Verified Buyer

Name:: Michael K.

Helpful?

04/10/2022

Everything I expected plus much more!

I purchased the bike over the phone at a bike store 60 miles away because it was out of stock near my home! I had to wait six days on my day off to get it! (So excited!) My first ride I was amazed how this bike felt from the ride to the brakes and looks. I highly recommend this bike!

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Tim

Helpful?