Submitted by
Theodore Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, Wa
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2005
Strengths: Durable (Tank-like), Performance to Price Ratio, Comfortable, Dependability, Value, Handles well, Frame is almost indestructible under normal trailriding conditions, Steel frame soaks up bumps and vibrations
Weaknesses: OEM Rims come out of true alot, Jett C Fork was not the greatest even in it's prime, Acera Front Derailleur sucked, OEM seat was a torture device, OEM tubes were extremely paper-thin and worthless.
Bottom Line:
This bike was best deal for the money ($319). I bought this bike in 1999 while a broke starving college student as my only form of transportation. The bike has never let me down during the last 5 five years. The original components lasted over 4.5 years and 3,500 miles with minimal maintenance with no issues aside from flats. I haved heavily upgraded this bike because I absolutely love this machine! Before it rode like a champ, but with all the upgrades it now rides like a dream. The steel frame acts as a form of suspension and it's hard to beat the comfort and durability of this bike. I weigh 225-235 lbs and ride railroad tracks, trails, and XC. I have consistently rode this bike, when I wasn't deployed, over 100 miles per week for 3 years. I write this review because I don't ever think that there will be another bike of this caliber for the money(especially a steel frame). This bike is an old friend! To me, Specialized Hardrock is synonymous with value, durability, and quality.
Bike Setup: Mavic Crossland Wheelset XT front and rear derailleur 2005 LX Crankset and BB Ritchey Headset Specialized Milano Seat (replaced 2000 Specialized BG) 2005 Manitou Skareb Elite Fork Cateye Mitty 3 Computer
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Submitted by
Tyler
a Cross Country Rider
from State College, PA
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2003
Strengths: The frame was rock solid-I put it through a year of central PA's rocky singletrack, as well as 2 weeks of CO and UT's finest singletrack. I never had to replace the stem or handlebars (for maintenence reasons).
Weaknesses: Components suck. The first set of pedals I got with the bike were broken in a week. Brake levers, brakes, bb, and drive train all needed to be replaced at one point or another. The Jett fork becomes dead weight in the cold, and doesn;t soak up very much impact even in its prime.
Bottom Line:
This bike can take anything you throw at it. It is a good idea to replace all of the components and then you're in good shape. This should really be used as an entry level bike; it is too heavy for performance.
Weaknesses: Frame Cracked near the head tube damn near snapped the thing, fork travel, rim strength, pedals (snapped in half when i went off a drop), Stem Length, seat rips instantly when you stack
Bottom Line:
awesome for value and even better with some upgrades, but it cant keep up with constant downhilling
Strengths: -Frame strength-I've beat the life out of this offroad in New Mexico and it hasn't been bent and barely scratched. -Stem-It's pretty stiff to be a stock stem. -Tires-Supersoft Specialized! I've had this bike in some low turns and they have never slipped.
Weaknesses: Luckily the frame flexes because the fork doesn't. The rims bite a**. Don't go off anything over one foot or so without planning on bending those rims.
Bottom Line:
I wish there were better components on this bike. It took a while to get the derailleurs alligned. I have to allign the brakes everytime I ride as well. Sturdy frame and light for being Cr-Mo. It wants to go fast and I'm happy with that. It's a good entry level bike.
Submitted by
Zoot Adler
a Cross Country Rider
from Barnet, VT USA
Date Reviewed: December 19, 2001
Strengths: This bike has been able to keep up with me since i got it when i had never mtbiked before, until now, when, on a good day, i get some air, rip some switchbacks, jump some logs, fall on some rocks, get sideways in some roots, and think to myself while i am doing it: god i love this bike.
Weaknesses: -shock is a good one to learn on, cuz now, after years of 48mm, i ride someone's 80 mm sid and think: this is too damn easy! -its true, i have replaced the back wheel twice in 3 yrs, once from bouncing over a curb (hard, and with all my weight on the back wheel) and the other after a party and letting other people ride my bike off a big jump we built -grips are too soft/squishy, -saddle clamp on seatpost had to be replaced 2wice, once w/ specialized stock, and then with ritchey one -kinda heavy compared to most good quality hardtails, but if you get good on this bike, when you get a light one, you will kick ass -elastometers turn shock into 5 lbs rigid fork when the temp drops below 40 degrees
Bottom Line:
i'll try not to become too emotional as i write, but i love my bike. its seen me through many, many miles of single track, and with minimal upkeep by me, who isn't really into mechanical stuff. i have been using WD-40 on the chain for 2.5 years until i just recently switched to White lightning at the urging of my riding partners and it has made a huge difference in shifting performance. I don't care what anyone says, i love my grip shift. I know, the sad day will come when i finally break my frame, and will be forced to get a new bike, and it won't have grip shift, but i'll cope. i doubt many shops are still selling this bike, but if they are, and you are researching buying this bike as a first time ride, then research no more. your bike for the next decade is here, in all the glory of ten flaming catipillers.
Bike Setup: all stock cept: time clipless pedals (fabulous) ritchey grip shift sized grips (adequate) seatpost clamp
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Submitted by
Charles Gulzow
a Cross Country Rider
from Fruitland, ID USA
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2001
Strengths: Good frame, light weight, cool colors, comfortable stile
Weaknesses: weak rims
Bottom Line:
if i was to go to buy anouther bike i think i would rather up grade my specilized instead. I love the bike, execpt for the twist shifters even though they wook good.
Strengths: not many but you cant expect much from a bike at this price range
Weaknesses: too light to handle much jumping and the back wheel is extremely weak
Bottom Line:
a pretty sweet bike for one in this price range some wider handlebars seem to help it with jumping is very good for someone like me who cant afford the better bikes
Bike Setup: pretty good but i recomend a few upgrades 1. Amoeba DH handlebars 2. Tioga Factory DH tires 3. Oury Grips
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Submitted by
Dennis Dales
a Cross Country Rider
from Cornwall, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2001
Strengths: Frame is excellent. Stiff but pliable. Definetely worth an upgrade. One of the lasr race worthy como farames at this price point.
Weaknesses: Well, at this price point what can you expect? A Psylo on the front? Forget it.
Bottom Line:
Nowadays a bike line is going to live or die by its riders. The hardrock fs is one of the last true believers. In a way, the Hardrock is probably an anachronism from the early 90's when every mtb company saw cromoly steel as the road to heaven. At that time it was. Yet Specialized didn't stop believing in steel. The Hardrock is probable the last double butted cromo frame that (aside from the really high end stuff) you can get for the price and with a few upgrades still race. I love the stretched out feel of this bike which hasn't changed since I lost my 96 version. This bike is very very light. Put a Manitou xvert or Judy XC on the front with some rapidfire shifters and you ready to go. Some would say the price isn't worth it. But this frame demands it. I like All of Specializeds other stuff a lot, but nothing gets to me like the little engine that could.
Similar Products Used: Everything under the sun: Specail, GT, Gary Fisher, Peugeot, Norco, etc. All hardtails which are the only bikes worth riding.
Bike Setup: Just bought the 99 iteration of the hardrock used so haven't had time to upgrade or change much yet. My original 96 Hardrock was stolen after 1000 bucks worth of upgrades. That's how much I love this bike.
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Submitted by
Rob C
a Cross Country Rider
from Tampa, FL USA
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2001
Strengths: Strong Frame, Has held up to alot of abuse. Simple reliable frame design. Clean Lines
Weaknesses: Not the best components, to be expected on a budget bike. Have had to replace almost everything except frame, stem. Still I would not give this bike up. I have put the components I like on it and it rides as strong as ever. Have over a $1000.00 in it now, some say that is stupid could have bought a better bike, but this one has been through alot with me and will continue to do so.
Bottom Line:
Great frame, low end components, Will have a long relationship if your willing to replace a few things. Love my bike.
Bike Setup: Hardrock, Rolf Satalite wheel set, XT rear, Marzzochi Z3 Long Travel, Some other borrowed components. Just call it Frank-en-cycle. It's a beast
Strengths: Great bike, nice parts, i dont have many troubles with it.
Weaknesses: i broke one of the pedals, bent rims
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the price, i would not hesitate to recommend this bike to anyone, i weigh about 180 lbs and the only thing i have had trouble with is bending the rims, i have bent 3 rims in a year and a half, although i am a hard rider. a few minor things have broken too, like the pedals i hit a rock and the plastic part broke, but they are easily upgradable.
Bike Setup: manitou fs suspension, upgraded to steel pedals, put on clips
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Submitted by
TL
a Cross Country Rider
from Wilton, CT
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2001
Strengths: VERY, VERY, Durable....nice colors....fast...in my mind the best bike you could get new for the money....good for bikers from just starting to an intermediate rider!
Weaknesses: fork a little heavy and stiff...could use a better rear derailer...rims a little weak
Bottom Line:
Great Bike...it has held up for 3 years of pure torture from me..great cross-country bike for just about anyone..prob best for anyone under 190..would reccomend to any1
Similar Products Used: Hardrock A1 fs, Scwhinn Moab
Bike Setup: 1999 Hardrock Fs, 2000 Manitou Magnum shocks, shimano XT shifters
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Submitted by
Joseph Turner
a Weekend Warrior
from Dahlonega, GA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2001
Strengths: Strong and durable. I've taken some hard spills and have only had to replace the front rim. At 210lbs. it takes anything that I can throw at it. I always get compliments on it's looks. The paint scheme is cool (silver and green).
Weaknesses: The rear derailer; I've finally bent it so I can justify replacing it. The rims could be better and the seat was the first thing to go.
Bottom Line:
A great bike which I would buy again. Heavier riders will like it's strength and everyone else the price. I plan on upgrading the front shock soon; not because it has failed me but just to start upgrading. This is a great bike, hands down. Anyone who expects performance at a price will buy this bike.
Similar Products Used: An old Trek (passed down through the generations at Camp Casey, Korea).
Bike Setup: Stock except for a Body geometry saddle and Salsa bar ends.
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Submitted by
Chad
a Weekend Warrior
from Bowsman, Manitoba, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2001
Strengths: Strong Frame,awesome color schemes. Rock Shox Jett works really well. This bike feels really light on its feet.
Weaknesses: Shifters, Rims(bent my back rim two weeks after I bought it), seat is really hard. The shifters need to be adjusted frequently.
Bottom Line:
A really good bike for the money. People who are just starting mountain biking should by this bike! Advanced mountain bikers could purchase this bike, but would have to spend some exrta moola for better rims, suspension fork,shifters,ect.
Bike Setup: Stock. I am planning on getting a set of Sun Mammoth Rims and a Rock Shox Psylo XC front suspension fork.
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Submitted by
David
a Downhiller
from James Madison University, Virginia
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2001
Strengths: The Frame is solid!
Weaknesses: Grip Shifts, Specialized Factory Tires, Rear Deraileur locks up in mud, etc.
Bottom Line:
My 2000 HardRock is the ultimate bang for your buck, folks! I plan on replacing that rear deraileur in the near future. I will ABSOLUTELY be hanging on to that JETT front suspension. -My friends have spent more time criticising the thing, but I have been nothing but completely pleased with its performance overall. I will not replace it until it blows out. The frame is super strong and fairly light weight. It is however, heavy enough to maintain adequate stability on the downhill. This bike is fast, Fast, FAST! I gaurentee if you purchase one, you will be completely, and perhaps surprisingly satisfied. I love it and would recommend it to any beginers or intermediate level riders. It is a great bike that you can upgrade when you have the time or money! The factory components will stand up to all your abuse. Specialized, by far, makes the finest entry-level, front suspension bikes available for under $500.
Similar Products Used: GT Aggressor, Specilized Stumpjumper FS-1, Gary Fisher Wahoo
Bike Setup: First purchase: a pair of Panaracer Firecracker tires; Upgraded to Shimano Rapid Fire shifters within 2 months of initial purchase, all else stock, including the all to often under-rated Rock Shox JETT!
Strengths: Almost indestructable cromo frame, reliable ride, best bike for the price I have ever come across
Weaknesses: Shimano A rear derailler works until it gets the least bit dirty then the problems start. Stock Rock Shox Jett C is junk
Bottom Line:
You won't find a better entry level bike for the money, and you can grow with the bike as far as your $$ for component upgrades can take you. Specialized makes quality frames, so you pay a little in shoddy components, but put nice ones on and you can make this an amazing bike. A good idea for mostly beginners, but anyone can appreciate the value.
