Specialized Rockhopper 2014 Upgrades

dazsowden

Guys, I've just picked up a Rockhopper 2014 model. On the first outing I've found the ride excellent, love the frame, but the crankset and forks are somewhat cheap and nasty. What should I be looking at as a mid range upgrade to the forks, but decent for the crankset. Its a 9 speed rear cassette if that helps?

Chunkers1980

You bought the wrong bike if you want to change them straight away

dazsowden

maybe, but mainly for the money its a good bike. The frame is something you would find on a more expensive piece of kit. Typical Specialized, good frame, cheaper components.

cooldad

Plenty of good frames with better bits, instead of paying for the brand.

But make it easy - list or link the spec - no one memorises it.

dazsowden

Frame:
Specialized A1 Premium Aluminium, Trail 29er Geometry, fully butted w/ tapered headtube, forged dropouts, replaceable alloy derailleur hanger
Fork:
SR Suntour XCM-LO 29", hydraulic damping w/ lockout, coil/MCU spring, 1-1/8" steel steerer, alloy disc only post-mount lower, 30mm stanchion, preload adj., 100mm travel (80mm size Small)
Front Derailleur:
Shimano Acera, 9-speed, 34.9 clamp, high-mount, bottom-swing
Rear Derailleur:
Shimano Alivio, 9-speed, SGS cage
Number of Gears:
27
Shifters:
Shimano Acera, 9-speed Rapidfire Plus, SL type w/ optical display
Chainset:
SR Suntour XCR, 9-speed, Octalink
Chainrings:
44/32/22T, steel
Bottom Bracket:
Shimano, Octalink spline, cartridge bearings, 73mm shell
Cassette:
Shimano, 9-speed, 11-34
Chain:
KMC X9
Pedals:
Composite platform, w/ reflectors, 9/16"
Brakeset:
Tektro HD-M330, hydraulic disc, dual piston, 180/160mm rotors
Brake Levers:
Tektro, hydraulic lever
Handlebars:
Specialized flat bar, double-butted 6061 alloy, 700mm wide, 10-degree backsweep, 4-degree upsweep, 31.8mm
Stem:
Specialized 3D forged alloy, 4-bolt clamp, 6-degree rise, 31.8mm
Headset:
1-1/8" w/ lower bearing reducer, Campy style, integrated full cartridge bearings
Grips:
Specialized Body Geometry XCT, Kraton w/ gel, closed end, 132mm, lock-on
Rims:
RH Disc 29", alloy double-wall, 26mm, pin joint, 32h
Front Hub:
Specialized disc, alloy, Hi Lo flange, RCC ball bearing system, steel axle, QR, 32h
Rear Hub:
Specialized disc, alloy, Hi Lo flange, RCC ball bearing system, steel axle, steel cassette body, QR, 32h
Spokes:
Stainless, 14g (2.0mm)
Front Tyre:
Specialized Ground Control Sport, 29×2.1″, wire bead, 60TPI
Rear Tyre:
Specialized Ground Control Sport, 29×2.1″, wire bead, 60TPI
Tubes:
Standard presta valve
Saddle:
Specialized Body Geometry Rockhopper, steel rails, 143mm
Seatpost:
Alloy, 2-bolt, micro-adjust, 12.5mm offset, 30.9mm
Seat Binder:
Forged alloy, 34.9mm, QR, nylon washer

Chunkers1980

Some RS Sid World Cups and some XTR 970 cranks would work nice

Chunkers1980

If you go for the cranks don't forget to get the frame faced

dazsowden

As a layman, why do you need to get the frame faced?

Chunkers1980

Read Parktools. In short to ensure/make the frame bb shell sides parallel

dazsowden

Awesome, will get the local pros to sort it. Something like this
http://www.parktool.com/product/bottom- ... -set-BTS-1

cooldad

That's a shedload to spend on a new bike.

dazsowden

I don't intend on changing it for a while

JBA

Chunkers1980 wrote:

You bought the wrong bike if you want to change them straight away

This ^^^^^.

You should have bought the Comp or Evo. Changing the forks and chainset will cost more unless you get a decent 2nd hand deal.

The Rookie

dazsowden wrote:

The frame is something you would find on a more expensive piece of kit.

No, just no, the Rockhopper frame is pretty much the same as the older Carrera hardtail frames, even made in the same factory.

kajjal

You could sell your old forks to help pay for new ones.

felix.london

Chunkers1980 wrote:

Some RS Sid World Cups and some XTR 970 cranks would work nice

certainly would as would a Revelation XX and full SRAM XX1 drivetrain.

i.e budget would be good if you want some sensible ideas.