Strengths: The 19" frame is really light, and the bike accelerates fast. You can also load this bike down with so much gear for long treks, and it feels like nothing
Weaknesses: the aluminum errodes where ever anything toutchs it, and chunks flake off when the bike is dumped hard. The small frame is horrible in the air, and inspires no confidence... It can be scary, and expect to go over the front. Where the back rim hits the frame has erroded 2mm, and dosn't look good.
Bottom Line:
An awsome bike; light, fast, phat looking, and easily upgraded. the 19" is great for rippin' around, but sucks in the air...
Bike Setup: Only the frame's original; all I need now is a brake booster, since the frame-flex on the back is scary...
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Submitted by
Josh DeWeese
a Weekend Warrior
from Sandy Oregon
Date Reviewed: January 28, 2002
Strengths: The Frame is a very nice one, also the crank arms are strong, and the shifters seem to be good enough.
Weaknesses: The rims because I destroyed the rear one, the hubs, the seat, the short travle fork, flexy pedals, and the crank bearings.
Bottom Line:
If you are looking for a inexpensive bike with a kick @$$ frame get this one. If you ride hard you will need to replace things as they brake to upgrade it but once it is fixed up it will be twice as nice as that 2,000 stumpjumper. What can you expect from a 500 dollar bike, upgrade it and it is a racing machine!!!
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Naperville, IL USA
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2001
Strengths: excellent handling, good components for beginners (but should be upgraded if you plan to do any real riding!), good solid frame, good deal for the price!
Weaknesses: chain sucks that comes with the bike, shifters are weak, shock isn't the greatest, but isen't bad for a beginner's bike.
Bottom Line:
This is an amazing bike for the money. I think you will be very happy with the quality that you receive from Specialized.
Bike Setup: SID XC front shock, avid 1.0 levers, stx-rc front and rear deurailleurs, stx-rc stock shifer pods, Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires (these are handle great and are definately worth the money!), Tektro brakes, bike computer, Shimano parallax hubs, Ritchey seatpost, stock saddle.
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Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Milwaukee, WI. USA
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2001
Strengths: Great aluminum frame, rides like a Lincoln compared to all other bikes I have ridden.
Weaknesses: Front shock could use more travel, foot pedals
Bottom Line:
Great bike for a first time mountain biker like myself. Makes trail rides alot more enjoyable. Great price. Good build quality and finish
Strengths: Great hardcore frame, components are good for first time buyers
Weaknesses: weak forks, components not brilliant for experianced riders, rims are weak - if proper rider they will buckle very quickly
Bottom Line:
this bike is great for beginners that want to get into the sport, also if buying it for your first MTB, and want to ride seriously for longterm, allow extra money for upgrades, when this bike is up graded it is perfect. i have upgraded brakes, stem, handlebars, saddle, forks (RS judy sl are perfect), both wheels and more. overall this bike is excellent for everyone
Bike Setup: ****NOT CROSS COUNTRY**** general play bike - downhill, jumping, trials etc.
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Submitted by
Billy Madison
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson, Az
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2001
Strengths: Strong bike set-up
Weaknesses: The seat hurts my a$$
Bottom Line:
EXCELLENT BIKE. Greeaaatttt value. Its an excellent bike, I enjoy riding the bike on long hard trails. It will handle anything you come across, maybe not the best shock, but it is alright. I like hows it rides. Nice, light frame. It'll take jumps and hard bumps. Once again, EXCELLENT BIKE!!!!!!!!!
Bike Setup: All orignal parts except for XTR shifting pods. Bontrager Jones tires.
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Submitted by
Larry Jones
a Weekend Warrior
from Silverdale ,Washington U.S
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2001
Strengths: Durable, Light weight easy to monuver and a great all around bike good for long distance and rugged off roads
Weaknesses: All the weaknesses that I've found have been the components shocks, Grips, crank arms, etc...
Bottom Line:
This is a great Bike for both beginners and experienced riders. This bike is just about undistructable and will last a life time. Great for joy riding and for hardcore thrashing.
Similar Products Used: The only bike similar that I've ridden is my older brothers klein.
Bike Setup: I'm running 26" specialized rims, Rock shocks (long travel) Shimano diore grip shifts, crank arms,& brakes (Side pull) and specialized clippless pedals,
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Submitted by
Steve M
a Cross Country Rider
from Yateley, Hampshire, UK
Date Reviewed: October 27, 2000
Strengths: Good Frame, gearset, light weight (for price), excellent tyres and a really confident feel on the rough stuff.
Weaknesses: Hard as a Rock saddle, Soft OEM brake pads
Bottom Line:
10 out of 10. Great build quality, excellent finish. A good entry level bike that feels very confident over rough terrain, thanks to the Rock Shox fork. I was so impressed with this model that I purchased the demo bike my LBS let me test. I have not regretted that decision, (some 300 miles later!)
Bike Setup: Out the box apart from new pads and crud catcher
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Submitted by
Alex Scholl
a Cross Country Rider
from Amarillo, TX, U.S.
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2000
Strengths: looks great, solid frame, good price, durable, dependable
Weaknesses: rock shock rs c, rear derailer, cranks, wheels, and tires
Bottom Line:
this is a great bike for a beginner, and with a few upgrades, it can handle almost anything. i would suggest replacing the rear derailer (stx) if you are going to be doing any climbing, cause the damn things skip too much and are real noisy! the front shock is stiff, and can can be ruff at times, up grade if you can. the only thing that really went wrong with my bike was the crank, no matter how much i tightened it, the left crank would get loose and fall off. i simply took it to the shop and they gave me a new on for free. this is a great bike for the money, and i would suggest it to anyone.
Strengths: Good Durability and dependability. Good mix between high end and middle level parts. Good accelaertion.
Weaknesses: The shifters
Bottom Line:
This is a good bike. I have been riding for two years now and it has held of great to all types of torture. I have made a few additions but nothing outrageous.
Submitted by
john
a Weekend Warrior
from las vegas nv.
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2000
Strengths: cost,appearence,durability
Weaknesses: fork,weight
Bottom Line:
I really like this bike. I'm a former USCF category 4 road racer and this is my first mountain bike. I bought it because I wanted to go "off-roading" but didn't want to spend a fortune. I spent less than $500 complete with bottles, cages, pump, tire levers, patch kit and bag. I would recommend the body geometry saddle as it helps prevent numbness on long rides. I've ridden with some friends who have high-end bikes and always seem to be out front. That could be attributed to my conditioning and technique but no doubt the Comp FS A1 Hardrock is a quality bike. I ride this bike like I hate it and have had no problems with it. I must say however, that it's a handful on fast rutted out descents and you better be in shape before you attempt any long climbs as the bike is a bit heavy and the Rock Shox Jett C fork provides only moderate shock absorption. If you want a tough-as-nails entry-level bike and don't want to break the bank, this is one worth looking at.
