The Rockhopper is a time-tested XC hardtail built for cruising fire roads and slicing through singletrack. The Expert model features a RockShox XC30 fork and Shimano BR-M446 hydraulic disc brakes.
| FRAME | Specialized M4 fully manipulated alloy frame, fully butted, disc only, externally relieved HT, forged dropouts w/ replaceable derailleur hanger |
| FORK | RockShox XC30 TK SL, magnesium lower, 30mm Cr-Mo stanchions, 1-1/8″ alloy steerer, coil spring w/ preload adj., TurnKey damping w/ LO & external reb. adj., XS/S: 80mm, M-XXL: 100mm travel |
| HEADSET | Integrated 1-1/8″ threadless, Campy-style, full cartridge bearings |
| STEM | Specialized 3D forged 6061 alloy, 4bolt clamp, 7º rise, 31.8mm |
| HANDLEBARS | XC riser bar, double butted alloy, 8º backsweep, 6º upsweep, 31.8mm |
| GRIPS | Specialized Body Geometry XCT Men’s, dual compound, Kraton rubber, closed end, 130mm |
| FRONT BRAKE | Shimano BR-M446 hydraulic disc brake, post mount, 180mm 6-bolt rotor |
| REAR BRAKE | Shimano BR-M446 hydraulic disc brake, post mount, 160mm 6-bolt rotor |
| BRAKE LEVERS | Shimano BR-M446, hydraulic lever |
| FRONT DERAILLEUR | Shimano Alivio, 9-speed, 34.9mm clamp, top-swing, dual-pull |
| REAR DERAILLEUR | Shimano SLX Shadow, 9-speed, SGS cage |
| SHIFT LEVERS | Shimano Alivio, 9-speed Rapidfire plus, SL type w/ optical display |
| CASSETTE | Shimano 9-speed, 11-34t |
| CHAIN | KMC X-9, 9-speed, reusable Missing Link |
| CRANKSET | Shimano Alivio, 3pc, 9-speed, Octalink spline |
| CHAINRINGS | 44/32/22, replaceable |
| BOTTOM BRACKET | Shimano, Octalink spline, cartridge bearing, 73mm |
| PEDALS | Alloy 1pc. body and cage, reflector kit, 9/16″ |
| RIMS | Alex RH Disc 26″, alloy double-wall, 28mm, pinned, 32h |
| FRONT HUB | Formula disc hub, high-low flange, double-sealed loose ball, polished races, machined disc mount, 21mm contact, QR, 32h |
| REAR HUB | Formula rear disc hub, cassette, double-sealed loose ball, polished races, machined disc mount and flanges, 19mm contact, QR, 32h |
| SPOKES | Stainless, 2.0mm (14g) |
| FRONT TYRE | Specialized The Captain Control, 60 TPI, 2Bliss Ready, aramid bead, dual compound, 26×2.0″ |
| REAR TYRE | Specialized The Captain Control, 60 TPI, 2Bliss Ready, aramid bead, dual compound, 26×2.0″ |
| INNER TUBES | Presta valve |
| SADDLE | Specialized Body Geometry Rockhopper, steel rails, 143mm width |
| SEATPOST | Forged 6061 alloy, 2 bolt head, 30.9mm, 12.5mm offset, micro adjust |
| SEAT BINDER | 34.9mm, forged alloy, extruded QR lever |
| NOTES | Chain stay protector, reflectors, clear coat, owners manual |
Rockhopper riders want a light and capable mountain bike for cruising open fire roads, attacking a sweet stretch of flowy singletrack, or even the occasional weekend event. Since these riders are often enthusiasts looking to get more serious about mountain biking, they’re concerned with quality, reliability, and performance, but also a good value.
WHAT:
Fully formed and butted, lightweight M4 alloy frame with balanced XC Trail geometry in dedicated 26” and 29” models.
WHY:
Delivers faster acceleration and climbing, remains stable on descents, and offers increased comfort and durability. The combination of forming and butting produces the lightest frame possible, without sacrificing strength.
HOW:
Fully formed tubes are individually shaped for their unique purpose, allowing our engineers to optimise tube sets for specific performance characteristics. The butting process shaves excess material and weight in low-stress areas of each tube.
WHAT:
Hydraulic disc brakes equipped on every model.
WHY:
More consistent stopping power, brake modulation, and overall control in any weather and all trail conditions.
HOW:
A master cylinder pumps hydraulic oil to the calliper, which pushes the pistons into contact with the disc rotor. Hydraulic systems produce more power than mechanical brakes, which means increased power at the calliper and a more positive touch on the levers.
WHAT:
Lightweight fork with magnesium lowers and an alloy steerer, plus hydraulic lockout and damping.
WHY:
Reduces weight and improves bump absorption, steering precision, and tunability.
HOW:
Magnesium and alloy parts are much stiffer and lighter than steel, for quicker handling, while oil-regulated compression and rebound damping provides a smoother, more controlled ride over rough terrain. With the fork-mounted lever, riders can lock out the fork for increased efficiency on hardpack or smooth climbs.