{"id":635104,"date":"2026-06-12T15:57:12","date_gmt":"2026-06-12T15:57:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/635104\/"},"modified":"2026-06-12T15:57:12","modified_gmt":"2026-06-12T15:57:12","slug":"readers-rig-tommys-specialized-rockhopper-v2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/635104\/","title":{"rendered":"Reader’s Rig: Tommy’s Specialized Rockhopper V2"},"content":{"rendered":"

This week\u2019s Reader\u2019s Rig comes from Tommy in Copenhagen, who shares a reimagined version of the 1994 Specialized Rockhopper he previously shared in 2023. See his updated build and learn about his rationale for starting over with the same frame here\u2026<\/p>\n

Words and photos by Tommy I.<\/a><\/p>\n

Hello, I\u2019m Tommy. A few years back, my Rockhopper was featured as a Reader\u2019s Rig<\/a>, so for all the bike tinkering lovers, I thought I\u2019d do a \u201cReaders Rig Revisited.\u201d Here\u2019s my 1994 Specialized Rockhopper 2.0.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The general idea was to make the bike a bit sportier and more aggressive than the old build. Over the years, this bike has evolved from my touring bike to my daily commuter\/day-trip bike. The disc brake mod on the frame allows me to change the wheel size from 26 inch to 27.5 (2650b) and still clear 2.1 tyres, but probably not with mudguards. <\/p>\n

\"1994<\/a>
\n\"1994<\/a><\/p>\n

I swapped to a smaller Wald basket mounted on a more stable rack. The straight center part of the handlebars gives good clearance for the stuff in the basket while still offering a comfy, swept-back, really fun riding experience. I added a Sram 0X 9-speed clicky clicky shifter\/derailleur instead of the friction thumbie. It won\u2019t take the biggest cog, but it is a pretty solid choice for this type of bike. <\/p>\n

\"1994<\/a><\/p>\n

Frame: 1994 Specialized Rockhopper
\nFork: Surly Straggler
\nRims: DT Swiss 553d
\nHubs: Omnium\/Shutter Precision PD-8
\nTires: Teravail Rutland 27.5 x 2.1
\nHandlebars: Nitto\/Rivendell
\nHeadset: FSA
\nCrankset: White Industries + Stridsland chainring
\nPedals: MKS Gordito
\nCassette: Shimano 9-speed
\nDerailleur(s): Sram OX 9-speed
\nBrakes: Juin Tech R1
\nShifter(s): Sram 0X
\nSaddle: Flite
\nSeatpost: Unknown 27.2 zero setback
\nStem: Nitto Ui-2
\nFront rack: BLB + Tubes rods
\nBasket: Wald<\/p>\n

I also de-anodized the rims and rear hub with some drain cleaner, as silver parts are difficult to source. The Dynamo hub just makes sense, especially during the short dark days in the Scandinavian winter. <\/p>\n

\"1994<\/a><\/p>\n

If you are trying to have less plastic in your life, a King Cage Isis bottle cage fits a regular Klean Kanteen bottle, S\/O Te\u2019Kura Touring Works. Ah, yes, and check out my DIY Dia Compe x Paul Groove Adjuster modded levers! I hope this will inspire some to give new life to their old steel frames.<\/p>\n

\"1994<\/a>
\n\"1994<\/a><\/p>\n

You can find more from Tommy on Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Send Us Your Bikepacking Rig<\/p>\n

Use the form below to submit your bikepacking rig. We\u2019ll choose one per week to feature in a Reader\u2019s Rig Dispatch and on Instagram. To enter, email us your best photo of the bike (preferably at a 90\u00b0 angle), your Instagram username (optional), and a short description of you and your rig. If your bike is selected, we\u2019ll need a total of five photos and a little bit more info. <\/p>\n

Further Reading<\/p>\n

Make sure to dig into these related articles for more info…<\/p>\n

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Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed.<\/p>\n