Specialized Rockhopper 29er (£650)

Specialized is a company still firmly flying the 29er flag, after adopting it almost completely wholesale just a couple of years ago.

Unlike their main rivals Trek and Giant, they haven’t made the drastic decision to launch any 650b mountain bikes yet, so for the meantime it’s 29ers all the way. That’s not a bad thing, as Specialized has spent the last couple of years really nailing the geometry. Its 29ers are some of the best riding wagon wheelers available.

This £650 Rockhopper features a butted A1 Premium Aluminum 29er frame with an ORE downtube that saves a bit of weight. A 100mm SR Suntour XCM-LO fork is basic but offers hydraulic damping and lockout. Tektro hydro brakes and a Shimano Alivio groupset finishes the bike off.

Price: £650
More information: Specialized Rockhopper 29er