Out of the Box report for Rockhopper SL Comp SS 29 by Grannygear.

It seems that recently we have been riding and talking about some pretty high-end bikes – the Tall Boy, Epic Marathon 29er, Stumpjumper Expert carbon 29er, etc. So, with GT putting some time on a very blingy single speed Lynskey, I wanted to check out a more entry level SS.

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In this case, the bike is the 2010 Specialized Rockhopper SL Comp SS 29. Some specs:

Fully butted M4 alloy frame, 29er geometry.
80mm travel RockShox Tora S-Lite 29er fork.
Avid Juicy 3 SL hydraulic disc brakes
Truvativ Firex 2 piece single speed crankset, 32×20 geared.
Specialized Fast Trak LK Control 29″ tires
Suggested retail: $1100.00

Based on my recent experience on Specialized 29ers, I requested an XL size. Looking at the spec sheet, I was quite surprised to see a top tube length of 650mm, ten mm longer than the Stumpjumper SS. That put the top tube at a very rangy 25.6″ by my calculations and is a full 1″ longer than the 19″ frame below it, a big jump in dimension between sizes. Out of the box and with no pedals, the XL Rockhopper weighed in at 25lbs 5oz. Really, not too bad considering the parts list is not a bag of lightweight components.

It is spec’d with a 90mm stem but this one came out of the box with a 100mm version, way too long for me with the Texas length top tube. As well, it was too high at the handlebar. The first spin around the block felt like a hybrid bike with the upright position…a big hybrid bike. In order to get things in hand, I swapped to a 90mm stem, flipped, and moved one spacer on top the stem. This put the h-bar just at the level of the middle of the saddle. I also moved the saddle forward a bit to get me over the crank where I like to be. Voila’…a good fit.

It certainly has an understated look to it, all grey and black with the matching Tora fork and Specialized saddle. That is quite a contrast to some of the new 29ers coming out of the design departments of many companies nowadays.

I am already getting the bike dirty, so expect an update soon where we will look at some of the components, the unique EBB system for tensioning the chain, and some early-on impressions of ride and performance. Stay tuned.

Editor’s Note: This product was provided at no charge for review/testing. We are not being bribed or paid for this review and endeavor to give or honest opinions and thoughts throughout.