Editor’s Note: Twenty Nine Inches own Grannygear did a review on the Rockhopper single speed for 2010 which you can check out here. In talking with Grannygear back then about the bike, he remarked that he told Specialized they ought to offer this as a frame and fork deal. Well, low and behold, here it is. (Not implying we here at Twenty Nine Inches have that sort of “pull” with the manufacturers, but we’re taking a little credit anyway!) Here is Grannygear’s first report on the 2011 Specialized Rockhopper SL SS frame.
2011 Specialized Rockhopper SL SS: by Grannygear
When I last rode the 2010 Specialized Rockhopper SL SS 29er, I was left with the feeling that the parts were holding back a bike with potential. Everyone who rode it noticed the flexy front end, but on the other hand, everyone that rode it enjoyed the ride. I loved the handling, and once I adjusted the saddle position for the spilt shell EBB (which never peeped, squeaked, or slipped), even the longish 25.6” TT was a good fit for me.
I remember suggesting that it might make a decent choice as a frame set. The Stumpjumper SS is a bit more aggressively priced and is a bit shorter and steeper in overall geometry. If the Rockhopper, with it’s more trail oriented geometry, the excellent split shell EBB and all day manners could be a 2011 option at a price less than the Stumpy SS…well then, we might have something there.
And now we do. For 2011 the Rockhopper SL SS is here as a frame, seat post/clamp, saddle, headset, and EBB for $440.00 suggested retail. That compares to the $770.00 Stumpy SS aluminum frame set (not the S-Works carbon, of course).
Out of the box the ‘Hopper SS 21” frame, seat collar, and EBB weighed 4lbs, 6oz. That is exactly one pound less than the Jabberwocky frame and seat collar. Not bad at all. It will be paired with a color matching Reba Recon 80mm travel 29er fork. The rest of the parts will be a mix of this and that, but the intent will be a solid build, but not too blingy or too cheap. More on that as we go along.
For now, just know that we will be building this up in August and hitting the trails to see what a bit better parts spec will do for the bike I called a Budget Hod Rod.
looks great! Would like some pics of EBB and bolt system seperately to see how they do it compared to Niner…… Could be interesting!
That’s a great price, but man, that thing is ugly. I don’t usually care much about looks but….damn. Probably be much better if the fork wasn’t color matched.
Why would they use an EBB when they have that sweet sliding dropout system???
because a good EBB is much better than the best sliding dropout
What can you tell us about the Recon fork, ride-wise?
What color is that? Is it yellow, gold or slim green? Are they decals or paint. What is the best way to remove it. Frame looks nice though……
@all…”looks great” vs. “ugly”. Classic!
Look for more detail on the EBB coming up, but the prior test has some pics of that IIRC.
As far as the ride of the Recon, I can confidently say that the performance has completely met my expectations as a device for propping up the bare frame. I am still building it up!
grannygear
@all
PS: remember that the fork is not part of the price I mentioned…so if ya’ don’t like the look of it, basic black is yours for the taking!
I have to admit that it is more…ahhh…BRIGHT….then I typically would ride. I like a more organic look. However, that is so individual as to be meaningless. I do not think it is ugly, though, just a bit Vegas.
Accordingly, I am assembling a gold lame’ ride kit. Do you know how hard that is to find in a baggy short!
grannygear
“Vegas” – perfect way to describe it lol.
Instead of an all gold ride kit, I think you should go for the Elvis look.
@GT:
this is exactly why i come here. the insight:
“As far as the ride of the Recon, I can confidently say that the performance has completely met my expectations as a device for propping up the bare frame.”
that’s classic. well done.
not in love with the color BTW.
@Bmac: Then I have never had a good EBB and I have tried many. Seems I’m not the only one either and other than some of the early models of sliding dropouts slipping, I seem to have heard far less complaints… YMMV.
@chuckc1971
I have to predict that the split shell EBB is a different animal, although I imagine it is the same as far as getting contaminated easily.
The many hours I had on the previous Rockhopper SS showed no creaks or slippage and it was dead easy to adjust on the trail. Not conclusive, but that is what long term tests are for…like this one will be.
The biggest issue I have with sliders is not the functionality, but the look of them. I think they absolutely spoil the clean lines of the bike. Warts on a Mona Lisa, if you will.
You may never have had a good EBB, but unless you have had a split shell EBB, then keep your mind open. I know I have never heard much of any issues with the one on the OS bikes steel SS frame, about the only other split shell I have seen on a production bike.
Frankly, I am not crazy about ANY of the tensioning systems out there, but I like the look of the carbon S Works sliders (not sure on the range of those) and I think the Hey Swinger drops are about as good as it gets with that type of design. The alternators on the Salsa are not quite as nice looking.
Just my eye’s opinion at work there.
@jake
Insight is my middle name. Sometimes I get together with ‘The most interesting man in the world’ and we talk shop. You should be there when that happens!
grannygear
Whoa. For a second I though they came out with a 29er Psylo!
EBB Blows. I know where a lot of you stand, but I’d take track ends over EBB. I’ll ride any ugly bike out there, but won’t tolerate EBBs anymore.
@grannygear:
I have read ‘better’ things about the split-shell EBB. I think it’s Spartacus on mtbr.com who waxes poetically about them.
I’m totally with you on appearances of sliders. I think most sliders are ugly, but several are starting to look better to me. Specialized and Yeti come to mind.
Here’s my vote for cleanest, nicest, best tensioning system:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qgZrS4HnBeg/TFUNHkNLxuI/AAAAAAAAAwg/AcAc9vqUIdE/s1600/IMG_4163.JPG
This frame, BTW, is belt-drive compatible.
“Liberace” bike…so I guess it is gold? I hate EBB’s! However, I will give Specialized the benefit of the doubt(they probably spent $$$$ on R&D and/or legal fees). So what is the best way to “strip the frame”, media blasting, paint stripper??
Remember that Salsa gold and Chris King gold are very very different…..got gold spokes????
@willie I guess it is gold, but to my eye, it looks very green-ish. I dunno..rose colored eye balls maybe
In any case, it is good looking in person and the brakes should be black and gold too if the new Hayes Primes show up for a test spin. If not, I will make do with the ubiquitous BB7.
Funny about the gold spokes…my wheel builder buddy was all over suggesting gold spokes.
@chuckc
YEAH! Those Black Cat Hey Swingers were on the build list for a custom SS frame until the builder never called me back. I kept my money.
grannygear
440.00. Is that cost? That is crazy. But does it come with spd platform shoes and complimentary disco ball?
Yup, swingers seems nice to me too, but I have one worry. If they slip, they slip to(o) tight chain. I’m as worried about a too tight chain as a too loose one. $.02. Other thoughts.
How easy is it to get the fork? When will there be geo specs to compare with the Stumpy? Basically it’s just slacker?
@all
The next post coming up will detail the build-up and give stats, etc. Soon, very soon. Slightly slacker and slightly longer.
It was easy getting the fork…it came in the mail. However, I do not know how easy it would be for you, availability, etc. I will try and find out.
grannygear
I got the frame around a month ago and finally got mine built up.
http://eddysbikeshop.blogspot.com/2010/08/custom-specced.html
Not much riding in yet, but so far its nice!
Any update? Specy’s site doesn’t have any geo numbers up for this frameset yet. I would love to know how it differs from the Stumpy. Any specifics you can give as to the differences? I think I would really like the Stumpy, but maybe this frame would work well also (and cost me less).
@John/wish-i-were-riding
I am working on an update now with more detail pics and geo numbers. Look for that soon.
grannygear
When I looks at Specy’s site for geo numbers, I find it very confusing when comparing the Stumpy geared and SS framesets and the geo for the Rockhopper (2011 isn’t given, so I’m using 2010 numbers). All 3 frames are very different with their listed geos, and I’m pretty sure there are mistakes too. Looking forward to the update grannygear!
@granny
Your frame pictures show the frame have 2 sets of water bottle mounts. The Specialized websites frame pictures only show one set. Any idea if the production frames will have two or one set? Wondering if the small frame size only has one set?
17 and under have one. 19 and over have two.