This week’s Reader’s 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…

Words and photos by Tommy I.

Hello, I’m Tommy. A few years back, my Rockhopper was featured as a Reader’s Rig, so for all the bike tinkering lovers, I thought I’d do a “Readers Rig Revisited.” Here’s my 1994 Specialized Rockhopper 2.0.

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.

  • 1994 Specialized Rockhopper
  • 1994 Specialized Rockhopper

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’t take the biggest cog, but it is a pretty solid choice for this type of bike.

1994 Specialized Rockhopper
  • 1994 Specialized Rockhopper
  • 1994 Specialized Rockhopper
  • 1994 Specialized Rockhopper
  • Frame: 1994 Specialized Rockhopper
  • Fork: Surly Straggler
  • Rims: DT Swiss 553d
  • Hubs: Omnium/Shutter Precision PD-8
  • Tires: Teravail Rutland 27.5 x 2.1
  • Handlebars: Nitto/Rivendell
  • Headset: FSA
  • Crankset: White Industries + Stridsland chainring
  • Pedals: MKS Gordito
  • Cassette: Shimano 9-speed
  • Derailleur(s): Sram OX 9-speed
  • Brakes: Juin Tech R1
  • Shifter(s): Sram 0X
  • Saddle: Flite
  • Seatpost: Unknown 27.2 zero setback
  • Stem: Nitto Ui-2
  • Front rack: BLB + Tubes rods
  • Basket: Wald

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.

1994 Specialized Rockhopper
  • 1994 Specialized Rockhopper
  • 1994 Specialized Rockhopper
  • 1994 Specialized Rockhopper

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’Kura 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.

  • 1994 Specialized Rockhopper
  • 1994 Specialized Rockhopper

You can find more from Tommy on Instagram.

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