ATB - All Terrain Bike
The bike for whoever you are, the Hardrock delivers utility and durability without ever missing a beat. Whether rollling across campus to class, heading home from work or out for a night on the town, you gotta be you, right? To do that you need a bike that's tough enough to take what you're dishing out, but quick enough to keep up with your many moods. From the not-somean streets to the back alleys and the toughest trails in your 'hood, every Hardrock delivers utility and durability without ever missing a beat. It's the perfect bike for you...whoever you are.
Submitted by
iRide FOCO
a Cross Country Rider
from Foco, Co Date Reviewed: February 7, 2010
Favorite Trail:
Coyote Ridge
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$440.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
durability.
Weaknesses:
most of the components. the derailleur hangers snap on the regular basis. The shifters are lousy. the rims if the bike is jumped off anything more than a curb.
Similar Products Used:
Giant XTC C1, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
this is an okay bike for the grocery store run, the ride to school, and around the neighborhood. other than that, this bike falls flat on its face. it is very heavy and not suited to ride off the beaten path, or really any path. this would make a good bike for someone looking to take a quick jaunt around town. Get a cheap walmart bike and save the rest of the money for gas.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Panzaz
a Weekend Warrior
from Tijuana, Mexico Date Reviewed: October 12, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Local Ones
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Ligth Frame, Great Geometry, really tough
Weaknesses:
Fork, Deraillurs, Tires, Pedals most of the components
Excelent bike very light for an entry level and it whitstand to any hardhits besedes me being 200+lbs couldn't probe better that this frame really rocks and will last forever. However you will want to upgrade all major components from the fork to the brakes specially the front deraillur.
I'm planning a FS Bike for nect year But I will keep this one becuse is a relly great bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TuckerUK
a Weekend Warrior
from England Date Reviewed: April 24, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Thetford Forest
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Good price, nice beginner friendly weekend warrior geometry. Decent frame (although steel would have been a wiser choice) that's worth staying with whilst components are upgraded. My son also has one, bought about three years ago, he rides daily, and so far has only needed to replace cassette/chain/crankset/BB, rear hub and forks. Rear wheel needed truing once.
Weaknesses:
Unsealed rear hub? On an off-road bike?
Bottom routed cables? On an off-road bike?
No 180mm crank option? On a gents large frame bike?
Aluminium frame? On a hardtail? Ignore consumer fashion, should be steel for better ride and longevity.
11-32 cassette with large gaps between some gears, 11-30 is a far better.
Could be lighter, but then at over 200lbs so could I!
Bike Setup:
Deore M510 V-Brakes
Deore M510 Brake Levers
STX-RC MC38 Shifters
LX M570 Rear Mech
LX M570 Skewers
WTB Grips
USE SX Shokpost
WTB Speed V Pro Saddle
DMR V8 Pedals
VDO A8+ Computer
Crud Race Pac Mudguard Set
Bottom Line:
A good bike for the price, but could have been so much better with a little extra thought to detail. Still, when all said and done, a great entry level recreational MTB bike (the minimum spec?), and with a few budget upgrades (LX/XT mechs, STX shifters, LX/XT rear hub, 11-30 cassette, MX Pro fork, & maybe pedals) could be a very nice bike indeed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Beaver
a Cross Country Rider
from Eau Claire, WI, United States Date Reviewed: April 15, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Spirit Mountain
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Ski Hutt of Duluth
Strengths:
this bike has a very light frame for how much i paid for it. i have crashed this bike several times and every time no matter how hard i fall or how hard the bike falls it doesnt seem to do any damage to the bike at all. never had any problems with the bikes shocks at all very reliable bike.
Weaknesses:
the shifting on the bike is a little weak it sometimes slips as im going up a hill or if im going on a flat road even.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bottom Line:
the bottome line being that if your looking for a really good bike that doesnt cost a lot of money this is the one to buy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Karim
a Weekend Warrior
from Durham, NC Date Reviewed: December 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Chapel Hill Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Craigslist
Strengths:
Frame
Weaknesses:
I have not found one (yet). Down hill chain slapping (Easy fix)
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rock Hopper, Aluminium P2
Bike Setup:
Just right : 2005 Hardrock
Bottom Line:
Takes a licking and keeps on ticking (or is that the Timex) either way it is strong frame easy to upgrade.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joepoppa1
a Weekend Warrior
from Garland, TX USA Date Reviewed: October 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Oak Cliff Natreu Preserve
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Richardson Bike Mart
Strengths:
Looks, Handleing, Comfort, Tires grip and don't let go! they wear great too.
Weaknesses:
CHAIN SUCK IS REDICULOUS!!! chain slap. brakes fade after moderately hard ride. Brakes squealing like banshee after they get damp. Freehub grenaded after 10mo. Lots fo flex outta front fork.
Similar Products Used:
93 Specialized rockhopper, 2002 Trek 8300
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is a fun bike to ride. Doesn't put up much of a fight when I ask it to do something. I wanted a nother Rockhopper, but the prices were a bit high for me when I got this. I was attracted to the beefyness of the frame. I knew that this would be a good place to butild from. My biggest gripe has to be chain suck on this bike! It is a guarantee that it will jump the chainring if you are blasting over a moderately bumpy trail no matter how the front deraileiur is adjusted. it is pain to get un wedged from between the frame and chainring. looked into chain guides, but the bottom pull front deraileiur and clearance of said component to bottom bracket make it almot impossible to use frame mounted devices. Low end running gear shows how low rent it is after a bit. rear dereaileiur is a pain to keep adjusted correctly. the rear freehub grenaded on me in the middle of a climb. (maybe my 200lbs. of badness is too much for it). Suspension is soft too. The forks flex quite a bit and you can feel it when taking fast tight turns. I am definitely upgrading components. I get plenty of looks on it though, it is a mean looking bike. The frame looks like it can take some punishment, and after putting about 450 miles in a year on it, mostly on the trails around Dallas, I am happy with it. I am not blasting it because I know it has lots of potential with some minor upgrades. The gooch saver saddle is pretty comfy on long rides. Did a 25 mile ride and had no numbness or discomfort. First thing to go are the deraileiurs and brakes. after that we will see how the rest of the bike reacts to that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DeadDrifter
a Cross Country Rider
from western Maine Date Reviewed: September 7, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Devil's Vageen
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$380.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Value of frame for the money. Wheelset for the money. Infinately upgradeable. Frame and wheels are STRONG.
Weaknesses:
RST Gila is an immediate, urgent upgrade for everyone considering this bike. Just budget in a new fork when you buy this bike, you will still be getting a bargain.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing as bottom-shelf as this since my first GT Timberline back in the day. My last 2 were a Tomac 6 Shooter and a Giant XTC team, full xtr.
Bike Setup:
This bike is stock except crank brothers acids.
Bottom Line:
Bought this bike to see if I was still into biking after being away for 3 years. I am, and I am now building a Rocky Mountain ETSX with lots of candy, and this bike is on eBay just so I can buy a crankset! It climbs really well despite the weight, and with some extra cash this would really be a nice hardtail. Dirt jumpers really should look into this as an all around frame that won't hurt the wallet. Great bike for beginners or anyone with extra cash for upgrades.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rodica3
a Downhiller
from westmount Date Reviewed: August 15, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
martinswiss
Strengths:
very light weight
Weaknesses:
shocks suck and they are very easy to break, derailler is very weak and snaps pedals and made of plastic
when you setup the bike like i have its is very dursable and trust worthy to use
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
walle
a Weekend Warrior
from state Date Reviewed: August 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
the trail me and my cousin made
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
eriks
Strengths:
thick wheels and nice shifters
Weaknesses:
its not a raleigh m40
Similar Products Used:
trek 820 and raleigh m40
Bike Setup:
stock parts
Bottom Line:
great bike but a little to expensive for me but is a awsome bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
hardrockshumunu
a Weekend Warrior
from minnesota Date Reviewed: August 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
any trail with jumps
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Erik's
Strengths:
durable, high volume tires(compared to the trek 820) nice shifters.
Weaknesses:
pedals hurt if your foot slips off
Similar Products Used:
trek 820, raliegh m40
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Best bike I have used so far. it handles our dirt jumps very nicely, and the berm turns are also much easier with this bike. The large tires aren't the best for roads but work great offroad.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rayrtv
a Cross Country Rider
from Strongsville Oh USA Date Reviewed: August 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Vultures Knob
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$406.00
Purchased At:
Eddy's
Strengths:
Tough frame
Weaknesses:
derailleurs, derailleur hanger
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Cut 1" off both sides of the handle bars. generic chainstay protector.
Bottom Line:
Less than one week after I bought it the derailleur hanger broke on a street ride on flat ground. So I took it back and they replaced it. Cool I thought, then two days later
on another street the chain just snapped. Again I took it back and they replaced thechain. Since all that happenned the first week I owned the bike I have beaten the crap out of it. I have ridden the hardest trails in ohio and have not had any problems.It does rattle alot especially on downhills but its just annoying. A great bike for beginners with only a liitle paper.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dnick
a Weekend Warrior
from Memphis, TN Date Reviewed: August 7, 2008
Favorite Trail:
The one I'm on....
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
The Peddler
Strengths:
Super tough frame, rims are still true.
Weaknesses:
Derailuers suck and the fork bites.
Similar Products Used:
I hate to say it, but a Pacific d.s.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for shimano pedals. Waiting on components to break.
Bottom Line:
For the price and the fact that this is an entry level bike, I really cannot complain. Nothing has broke, and I have tried! I ride trails once or twice a week and it keeps my face out of the dirt. I also communte once or twice a week to work, ten miles round trip.
As far as an entry-level bike, no complaints. This is a great starter bike and it holds up very well with standard cleaning and maintance, as I said, nothing has broke and I have put well over 500 miles on it. I have no intention of tricking this bike out, as I think that I would be better served with a d.s. Once I have enough money for a much better bike, I will turn this into a commuter bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sharpbrick
a Racer
from Norwalk, CT, USA Date Reviewed: July 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Indain ledges
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
outdoor sports
Strengths:
this is a great beginner mtn bike the frame is solid and it is very reliable.
Weaknesses:
the fork and the rear shifter
Bike Setup:
stock [NOTE:i do not own this bike any more, i have a giant reign 3 now]
Bottom Line:
this bike is very good for beginner mtn bikers and light trail riders
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
crimson_twister
a Weekend Warrior
from Courtice, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: July 12, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
D'Ornellas bike shop
Strengths:
the frame is relatively light for an atb, and has a very comfortable ride
Weaknesses:
the forks, and crank
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
marazocchi dj 4, shimano tourney
Bottom Line:
this is an awesome beginer bike. its really solid and comfortabel. i woulld reccomend this bike for trail riders/ dirt jumpers. its really easy in the air and nimble around tight corners. Change the forks and crank
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bikerdavebrave
a Cross Country Rider
from Utah Date Reviewed: June 26, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Wasatch Crest
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Strengths:
Frame
Weaknesses:
Weight
Similar Products Used:
Lots
Bike Setup:
Stock except new stem, locking grips, computer.
Bottom Line:
Awesome ride, really. I am surprised at how well this bike rides especially for a lower-end bike. On the street with slicks, it rocks. On the mountain with knobbies, it rocks. The components aren't great, but they do their job. Though it is annoying on the trail, I get some gear jumping so a new derailleur set may be in the works. Fork works pretty well. All in all a great bike, I'm glad I chose it.
p.s. I've had the bike for 1.5 years and have ridden 600 miles on it. So I think that's a pretty good time frame to give a solid review.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mars
a Weekend Warrior
from edmonton alberta canada Date Reviewed: May 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
cop
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$750.00
Strengths:
frame is indidstructible
Weaknesses:
the forks they cracked on me had to replace the cranks and pedals they hurt to much. had to replace the treads from skiding (to easy to).
Similar Products Used:
walmart stuff kona scrap???
Bike Setup:
hardrock spec. dirt jumper forks saint cranks kenda k rad treads
Bottom Line:
a great begginer bikecan take any thing you take at it i bought disc breaks a specialized seat off a p something.
if you want a good deal buy the frame and spend the money and get GOOD parts
great urban riding bike
if you plan to just ride it for fun keep it stock
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dalton
a Weekend Warrior
from Ringgold, GA, USA Date Reviewed: March 28, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
LBS (Local Bike Shop)
Strengths:
Great Frame, Good brakes, comfortable saddle, wheels stayed true, The gearing
Weaknesses:
Fork (RST Gila T6), Crank (Truvativ X-Flow), Seems heavy to me
Stock + Titec Bar Ends, Flipped headset, Michelin Country Rock tires when on the street
Bottom Line:
This is my first real mountain bike. Rode the others listed above as friends bikes. I am 6'0/185 and 19" fits me well.
The first things to go will be the forks and crankset. I will probably also change the bars, but that's because I like flat bars better (from what I have rode).
The chain slap on this bike drove me nuts - so do yourself a favor, and pick up a Lizard Skin or something similar before you hit a trail on it.
The X-Flow crank arms have came loose on me a couple of times, and this is a common problem. I will just have to upgrade whenever funds allow it. This is just a fun bike for now, and this isn't my full time hobby, so not a big deal. Just know the problem exists. As mentioned in other reviews, the forks are the best either. My opinion is - they are almost non-existent. I know it isn't that dramatic, but they are very stiff. The adjustment knobs are useless, I can't tell a difference from full soft to full hard.
I have never had to re-tune the wheels, the Specialized BG saddle is very nice (all my friends with the other brands envy it), and the V-Brakes perform just fine for me. I will eventually upgrade to disc when my MTB skill level increases, but for now, they are fine.
Also as I mentioned, the gearing is great on this bike from the factory. It is very low. I normally ride in the middle chain ring (front) where as those I ride with are on their 3rd to keep up with me (same pedal strokes). Yet, when you drop to the bottom ring, it is super easy to pull. Very nice tooth ratio.
I would recommend this bike to anyone starting out in a heartbeat. I look forward to building on to this bike - because I know it is solid underneath me. If you are looking for high end components out of the box and not wanting to upgrade or grow with the bike, you might want to step up to the next price range - there's nothing in this one for you I don't think.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Weekend Warrior
from Stony Plain, AB, Canada Date Reviewed: March 26, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$399.00
Strengths:
- sturdy frame - great bike for the price
Weaknesses:
-
Similar Products Used:
92 Specialized Stumpjumper
Bottom Line:
I'm having a blast on this bike, and I don't think you can beat it for the price. I bought my 92 Stumpjumper in 92 for about $1500. The Hardrock is way nicer than my old Stumpjumper. The Hardrock Sport seems well suited to a variety of uses, including trail riding, going to the store to pick up groceries, and taking the kids out in the bike trailer. I'm looking forward to hitting the trails after the rest of the snow melts.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from MQT, Michigan, USA Date Reviewed: March 5, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$340.00
Purchased At:
Lakeshore Bike
Strengths:
-solid frame -cheap -great starter bike
Weaknesses:
Here's a list of replaced components and the reason for replacement
-wheelset (bent out of shape) -fork (snapped in half) -cranks (bent) -bottom bracket (loose, made clicking noise) -grips (worn smooth) -sprocket (yearly maintenance) -chain (yearly maintenance) -tires (cheep tires, worn down quickly) -derailleurs (front x2, rear x3) -hanger x4 (somehow it would get bent) -cables (completely frayed and stretched) -shifters (teeth wouldn't catch, so they stopped shifting) -seat (part fell off of the bottom of the padding)
All of this was most likely because of age, but really, how do you break a seat? And that happened the second year I had the bike. Oh well, its a great bike, but you get what you pay for. If you're really into biking, then this isn't the bike for you.
Similar Products Used:
giant, Cannondale, Trek, walmart bikes
Bike Setup:
stock (except every replaced component)
Bottom Line:
good beginner's bike.
not for any hardcore bikers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John R.
a Cross Country Rider
from salinas,C.A., U.S. Date Reviewed: February 12, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$265.00
Purchased At:
bobcat bicycles
Strengths:
cheap, upgradable, sturdy, appealing
Weaknesses:
derailer is slow in changing and sometimes doesnt switch. fork is stiff.. i recomend you buy a new fork. check out the manitou nixon elite. i just bought that and its a dream... its a bit heavy for a xc bike
Similar Products Used:
HA!!!! toys r' us bike...not recomended!
Bike Setup:
hardrock sport with new black mavic rims, avid disc brakes and manitou nixon elite fork.
Bottom Line:
this bike is very standard with low quality derailers and fork. i have not changed the derailers although sometimes they can be a pain in the ass they still work just fine. the grips are very nice and the frame is very sturdy. its pretty heavy for an xc bike. this bike is great to start out on and you can easily upgrade it. ive had it for 3 years and havent had it break on me once.its sturdy, reliable, upgradable, and most of all cheap..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cameron Jones
a Downhiller
from Syracuse, UT. 84075 Date Reviewed: February 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine, Moab, UT
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Bingham Cycles
Strengths:
Durable, strong, takes a beating, price is great if you're a beginner or just trail riding.
Weaknesses:
If you like to fly down hills fast like I do, you get a lot of rattling. Fork supension is kind of stiff.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Medium black Hardrock. componants...?
Bottom Line:
Its a great bike for the price. I've had it for about 3 yrs now and I just bought a full suspension Cannondale Prophet because I go down to Moab a couple times a year and we always ride Cocapelli and Porcupine which are very technical, bumpy, difficult downhill (for the most part) and my hard tail wasn't doing it for me. We go fast and the whole time it was rattling but did fine. I really like it for train riding but would definately do a full suspension over the hard tail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stephen Collins
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbia, South Carolina Date Reviewed: February 7, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Outspokin
Strengths:
Nearly indestructible. In a year of riding 3 or 4 times a week, I've had one flat tire. No other components have been a problem, and I flat out love to ride it on both the road and trail. The meaty tires and the gearing are my two favorite things.
Weaknesses:
You are going nowhere fast, that's for sure.
Bike Setup:
Out of the box.
Bottom Line:
Just a fun ride. It's not the most expensive bike out there, but it doesn't ride like a piece of crap. I live downtown, so it's easier to user than my car. I use it for everything from grocery shopping to riding trails. It's an easy, rider-friendly bike that, while not a dual suspension, serious downhill bike, is very useful for a rider that's not going to be stump jumping, but riding in some dirt or over curbs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe Tuohy
a Weekend Warrior
from Ireland Date Reviewed: January 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Dundrum woods
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
World Wide Cycles
Strengths:
Very tough(its survived a gud few crashes) Well balanced for wheelies and stoppies Good tyres from standard
Weaknesses:
Brake levers are a bit flimsy but nothin major Can feel a bit heavy
Similar Products Used:
$1500 full susser and still prefer the specialised
Bike Setup:
Standard bar an uprated front fork
Bottom Line:
Unbelievable machine for the price (I bought mine in Ireland dats y it cost so much). able for sum pretty tuff trails but maybe not the really tuff stuff
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
josh hartley
a Cross Country Rider
from England Date Reviewed: January 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:
cannock chase
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
leasure lakes
Strengths:
Has survived any trails with no problembs, great frame strength, easy to upgrade
Weaknesses:
A bit heavy and the suspension starts to die after a year of hard riding and the bottom bracket makes odd noises
Similar Products Used:
carera vulcan
Bike Setup:
21 Inch, Panaracer Fire XC tyres (bought on top)
Bottom Line:
this bike is awsome, never let me down, looks like a bike twce its price and you can add anything to it except seat posts you have to use specialised ones, others don't fit
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christopher Perry
a Cross Country Rider
from Monterey, CA Date Reviewed: December 11, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
Aquarian Bicycles
Strengths:
everything
Weaknesses:
i would have to say the chain and derailers
Similar Products Used:
giant boulder
Bike Setup:
ape hangers and rear trunk
Bottom Line:
all around a great bike no complants just upgraded the chain, rear derailer and rear cassette all from shimano to sram. after a year i blew out the back rim....i am over 300lbs!!! so just bought a new one, but over all that little set back it's a damn good bike and highly recommend it for any one on a buget.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert
a Weekend Warrior
from Frisco, Tx, USA Date Reviewed: December 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Erwin in Mckinney TX
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$390.00
Strengths:
Bike is extremely durable. I have used mine from riding around campus to weekend intermediate trails.
Weaknesses:
The pedals are slippery and will catch your shin when you need them most. I have had cables break while trail riding and have broken the derailers.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Hardrock, Kona ?
Bike Setup:
Stock except for replacing orginal parts with new original parts...pedals off the stumpjumper
Bottom Line:
I wound highly recommend this bike. It is a great starter bike and can take the abuse of most trails. Its heavy and tight technical trails are harder because of the weight.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Xander D
a Cross Country Rider
from Olympia, Date Reviewed: October 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
whatever i can find
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$430.00
Purchased At:
Falcones
Strengths:
Really durable, low(er) price, all the components seem to be good, but aren't super great.
Weaknesses:
Pedals, heavy, but nothing else really.
Similar Products Used:
my Hotrock from when I was a kid
Bike Setup:
Completely stock, except I took the reflectors off
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for anyone just starting out mountain biking. I've pretty much done everything on this bike, from commuting (wasn't that great, but I wised up and got a roadbike) to cross country to some dirt jumps and some urban stuff. Maybe I just got a good bike, but I haven't run into some of the problems with components and the fork that other people have. Maybe I'm not doing the same sort of thing, but I've done some 4-5 stairs, and some 3 foot drops, and its holding up pretty well. I oil and check out the parts often enough, so its holding together. Still though, I think I've about reached the limit of where this bike will go, so I think I'll buy a P. bike or Kona Stuff. But a great bike to start on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric Rundstrom
a Cross Country Rider
from West Berlin, NJ Date Reviewed: October 11, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$420.00
Purchased At:
Bike ' N' Gear, Somerset NJ
Strengths:
-Strong frame -Smooth Riding -Good brakes
Weaknesses:
-Bit heavy (just over 33lbs) -Head tube is making some noise -Pedals aren't the best -seat can be uncomfortable
Similar Products Used:
None - First mountain bike
Bike Setup:
Currently stock -will be upgrading tires & pedals soon
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike looking to use it for my short 2.5 mile commute to campus and back. I have yet to be disappointed with this bike with nearly a month riding and close to 100 miles. It is a bit heavy feeling on hills but nothing a little fitness shouldn't cure. I'm upgrading my tires to a more road friendly tire since currently 90% of my riding is on the road. The meaty stock tires aren't the best for road riding. I'll be continuing to look for a way to make this bike lighter without breaking the bank, we'll see if I can do it. Other than that, it is a good value IMO.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gabriel cruz
a Cross Country Rider
from virginia Date Reviewed: September 13, 2007
Favorite Trail:
fountain head
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$390.00
Purchased At:
washington bike center
Strengths:
great frame. nice front fork.
Weaknesses:
brakes get some fade on long down hills if your a bigger rider
Similar Products Used:
1999 gt outpost
Bike Setup:
hayes mx-1 disc brakes
Bottom Line:
great bike. i ride about 100 miles a week mixed between trails and streets and i have yet to find a situation the bike could not get take. Me and my wife bought one and she loves it as much as i do. i suggest that if you do alot of down hills or are a heavy rider ( im over 260) you get some new brakes. the stock v-brakes arent bad but you will notice some fade. My wife has not had that problem so i think its just from the weight. but besides that its all around a very solid pice of equipment
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt H
a Weekend Warrior
from Parlin Date Reviewed: August 13, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
HighGear Cyclery in Stirling, NJ
Strengths:
Strong frame, good overall value.
Weaknesses:
pedals can be better. Bike is bit heavy.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Fatory setup
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike from reading the good reviews from this site. I am very glad I purchased this bike. This bike is very solid and can take serious abuse. If you are on a low budget (like me) but want a bike to take you any trail, this is the one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Elliot K
a Cross Country Rider
from Cherry Valley, Cali Date Reviewed: July 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
my back hills
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
great price and construction; capable of personalized upgrades w/o forking a wad of dough; weighty enough to do x-country and durable downhills; comes with decent fork & crank
Weaknesses:
pedal - could be the fact i bought it used. the right pedal started to grind and eventually feel off. i was a little perplexed but i found a local shop that welded/fitted a steel bearing-like piece to fit my pedal back on. weight like is a little beefy but for the price i paid, i ain't complainin'!
Similar Products Used:
my first grade 4 bmx and... an italian speed-bike which some arse hole stole when i was in grade 8 lol
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
get it if ur not sure aka a NEWBIE haha. u really can't go wrong...unless ur a complete idiot and buy it from ebay for $500 bucks. i would definitely get this again if i were to do it over again no doubt!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay Penev
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, OR, USA Date Reviewed: July 20, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Mount Emily, Easern Oregon
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$387.00
Purchased At:
George's Cycles, Boise, ID
Strengths:
Solid frame-takes abuse, some cool components
Weaknesses:
RST Gila T6 fork- someday I'll have the money to replace it bottom bracket, crankset, pedals,
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
2006 Hardrock Sport
Bottom Line:
It's a killer bike for the price...solid construction, does well on the trails. Noticed, that other people wrote in their review that it is easily customizeable. Ride it, see how it feels and then replace whatever fails. Bottom bracket will most likely go out first. My wife says I put too much money into that bike, but it is a true source of happiness. So, upgrade and ride it more. It is a good buy, no matter what.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam Hunter
a Weekend Warrior
from Liverpool, UK Date Reviewed: July 5, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Good, solid bike. Well made, as with most specialized's.
Weaknesses:
Some 'not very good' components used
Bottom Line:
This was my first decent mountain bike, I spent ages researching for a good bike in my budget. In the end I went for this one.
So far it's survived most of the beatings I've given it. As I've broken stuff, parts have worn out or where really cheap components have been used, I've replaced and upgraded. Better forks could have been used originally but mine are still holding out up to now.
Can't really complain though, it is a really good bike for the price I paid and worth every penny. Alot better than other makes/models I test rode in this price range.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Derek
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada Date Reviewed: June 21, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Bowcycle
Strengths:
Super strong frame nice rims/tires shifters/derailers work well so far
Weaknesses:
fork is not great, but works okay pedals are slippery
Similar Products Used:
crappy ones
Bike Setup:
stock so far
Bottom Line:
this is a very good bike, which can do aggresive terrain and xc riding equally well. Should be sweet once i put on a bomber fork and a front disk brake. Higly reccomended!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Max Fortin
a Weekend Warrior
from Alma Date Reviewed: June 20, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
Vélo-Cité
Strengths:
Nice & Streght Frame , Derailer is nice for the price , AlexRims Dm26 are awesome too.
Weaknesses:
Fork + V-Brake , The Rst Gilla PLus isn't a great fork. only 100 mm but we cant ask too for this price
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Opie
Bike Setup:
Nothing more
Bottom Line:
I recommender this bike Quality/price if your a novice like me it's a awesome bike .
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Conner Boyd
a Downhiller
from La Canada, CA, USA Date Reviewed: June 19, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Angeles Crest _ "River Run"
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Montrose Bike shop
Strengths:
I love the durabilaty!
Weaknesses:
The pedals
Similar Products Used:
Once used a trek bike but not nearly as good as this bike
Bottom Line:
GOOD BIKE!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Conner Boyd
a Downhiller
from La Canada, CA, USA Date Reviewed: June 19, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Angeles Crest _ "River Run"
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Montrose Bike shop
Strengths:
I love the durabilaty!
Weaknesses:
The pedals
Similar Products Used:
Once used a trek bike but not nearly as good as this bike
Bottom Line:
GOOD BIKE!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Conner Boyd
a Downhiller
from La Canada, CA, USA Date Reviewed: June 19, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Angeles Crest _ "River Run"
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Montrose Bike shop
Strengths:
I love the durabilaty!
Weaknesses:
The pedals
Similar Products Used:
Once used a trek bike but not nearly as good as this bike
Bottom Line:
GOOD BIKE!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike
a Downhiller
from ma Date Reviewed: June 19, 2007
Favorite Trail:
shipyard
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
the bike link
Strengths:
Beefy frame, great handle bar stem, and beefy tires
Weaknesses:
pedals, fork is just alright
Similar Products Used:
p2, trek singletrack
Bike Setup:
new sun ringle pedals, odi lock on grips
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the money, holds up well in most conditions, solid quality.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike
a Downhiller
from ma Date Reviewed: June 19, 2007
Favorite Trail:
shipyard
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
the bike link
Strengths:
Beefy frame, great handle bar stem, and beefy tires
Weaknesses:
pedals, fork is just alright
Similar Products Used:
p2, trek singletrack
Bike Setup:
new sun ringle pedals, odi lock on grips
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the money, holds up well in most conditions, solid quality.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Lee
a Weekend Warrior
from Lehi, UT, USA Date Reviewed: June 18, 2007
Stock. Added Topeak cyclocomputer, and locking grips.
Bottom Line:
I had my beloved bike stolen after ten years of hard use. It took me a while to replace the bike and I couldn't really afford to replace what I had. I went looking for a bike that I could buy and get back into riding with. I went to my LBS planning on buying a Raleigh Mojave 5.0. I got on the bikes and rode around and it felt alright. Just for fun I pulled down the Specialized and took it for a test ride and didn't touch another Raleigh. The geometry of the bike was so comfortable and balanced for me. So I bought. The Altus dérailleurs and shifters work fairly well (nearly as well as my 10 year old XT) and even the RST Gila is not a groundbreaking shock, it is much better than my 10 year Manitou with 65 mm travel. It works well even for a clydesdale like me. I am very happy with this purchase. I have ridden for about 20 miles thus far and haven't had any problems this early into my riding. I would recommend anyone who is looking for a good bike to use as exercise or on the trail. Granted it isn't a top of the line bike, but unless you are really going to push it on the trail, don't worry about this one. Oh and even though I am a bigger rider, and the bike is not nearly as light as my old bike, I haven't felt like the bike is slowing me down one bit. I feel just as ease climbing as I did on my Balance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken Kohagura
a Weekend Warrior
from CB, IA Date Reviewed: May 21, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Wabash Trail
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$390.00
Purchased At:
Xtreme Wheels
Strengths:
Good for the Money! Looks!
Weaknesses:
Pedal
Similar Products Used:
Trek 4300
Bike Setup:
Shimano Components...the same as when I bought it.
Bottom Line:
I bought it about 3 years ago and it's good as new. I've kept it in tip top condition so I haven't had any problems except for the pedals which only cost 8.99 to replace. I love the Yellow frame which I haven't seen with any other model. I had a Trek 4300 which I really liked but I really like the Specialized frame better. For your money the Specialized Hardrock Sport is a good deal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris johnson
a Weekend Warrior
from richland wa USA Date Reviewed: May 14, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Green Mountain
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$390.00
Purchased At:
Markee's in Richland
Strengths:
wheels, cranks, casette, looks
Weaknesses:
Shocks, head tube, and derrailuers
Similar Products Used:
Wal mart bikes
Bike Setup:
Doesn't matter any more.
Bottom Line:
Its a great fancy looking street bike. I rode mine twice, went through a ditch and snapped the stem between the handle bars and the fork, which ovaled out the bottom of the head tube. Frame damage. Which of course specialized wants no part of. The dealer i went through offered me a new bike so after its all said and done my new hard rock only costs 700 bucks and a few bruised ribs. Honestly the bike is a great starter, but if you ever plan on progressing skip it and find something else. The walmart special held up better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cara edenfield
a Weekend Warrior
from Cleveland, TN, USA Date Reviewed: May 10, 2007
Favorite Trail:
streets
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
Trailhead Bicycle Company
Strengths:
Good for the money, good ride, looks good, decent step up
Weaknesses:
Derrailurs, broke the chain the first day, the fork
Similar Products Used:
Road bike, Schwinn mountain bike (crap!)
Bike Setup:
like I bought it
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the money. I have so much fun on this bike. I ride it mostly on the streets and its a great bike for that. Not so sure about how it would fair on the trails, but it is tons of fun.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ethan
a Racer
from Mission Viejo, CA Date Reviewed: April 27, 2007
Fox Vanilla RLC 130mm, Alex rim w/ Shimano disc hub, Hayes disc front brake, SRAM X9 9-speed set-up,
Bottom Line:
You can pick this bike up for $340 OTD then go to any online MTB retailer and get a front brake and a fork for $500. After all is said and done you have a great bike with the stuff you actually want for $900 bucks. Much better than buying a Rockhopper or a Stumpjumper for the same price. The geometry is almost the same on all three models. I love this bike. If you like the feel of the old aluminum "P" series bikes then you will love this bike. I feel like I'm back on my 2003 Specialized P2. LOVE IT. btw- perfect balance point for long wheelies and BMX track FUN!! See you out at Orange Y BMX... Last thing, Rock'N Road gives an extra 10% off to Velosport riders. They honored that discount even though I was not a Velosport rider.. It's worth a shot, worked for me!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonathon Bananaer
a Weekend Warrior
from White Cloud, MI, USA Date Reviewed: March 30, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Red Bridge Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$399.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Frame. Wheels. Price. Fork. Looks.
Weaknesses:
For the price....none.
Similar Products Used:
Trek bike of similar price.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the price. I mostly use this bike for what I call "adventure commuting". Commuting to/from class and work but going fast, cutting through dirt/gravel/grass, and having as much fun as possible. This bike has been great. Quick and strong and no problems at all. No complaints.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Liam
a
from Ireland Date Reviewed: January 27, 2007
Favorite Trail:
3 rock ,
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$592.00
Purchased At:
cycleways
Strengths:
superb frame ,tyre's and wheel setup are great
Weaknesses:
ungrippy pedals it comes with ,doesn't come with disc compatible hub's ,a little front heavy and the rst gila t7 forks are quite bad...
Similar Products Used:
trek 4500 ($780) ,gt avalanche 1 ($839)
Bike Setup:
DMR V8 pedals ,original hardrock sport setup
Bottom Line:
the specialized hardrock sport is ,for the money ,a superb bike. the only faults i could find with it is the bad ,heavy ,un-plush fork ,which i'm saving to change for a rockshox pike 426 , and the pedals which i switched for the shin eating DMR V8's. frame is extremmely strong ,light enough and upgradable. wheels are great ,mates with there $200 more bikes are suffering loads of punctures where as i have yet to pump up the tyre's! t'is a lovely stable bike on the downhill and is light enough to steadily cycle up hill ,looks great and is perfect for starting out mtbing and for commuting. what more do you need?! if you can afford the extra $250 ,i'd reccomend you to get the gt avalanche 1 but there's not a $250 difference between the bikes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Isaac James
a Cross Country Rider
from Brisbane, QLD, Australia Date Reviewed: January 23, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Daisy Hill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
$610 AUS
Strengths:
The frame and wheels. and looks
Weaknesses:
The RST Gila Plus tx7 forks that came with mine i am very unsatisfied, i do large jumps and the fork hardly travels a quarter of the way and feels like im landing with a bmx. Should i get new forks or try and fix the bloody things? oh and i wish i got disc brakes =[
Similar Products Used:
Giant Recon
Bike Setup:
Basically everything is shimano (havent changed anything on it since bought)
Bottom Line:
Its a great bike for the price, looks alright, but the bloody shocks and brakes are bumbers. Riders who just wanna get out on the trails every so often but ride around town for a while casually should buy this bike definately
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Kendal Date Reviewed: January 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Hamsterly Forest
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
a shop
Strengths:
Strong frame, cranks,Tryes,reliable,
Weaknesses:
cables (mine get knakard after a while need changing),forks (RST's bad forks im hoping 2 change them for some rock shox Psylo's),pedals ( i found that my feet wer always slipping off them not much grip)
Similar Products Used:
trek 3900,4300 specialiezed rockhopper,
Bike Setup:
Dmr V8 pedals, Dmr dirt jumper seat, lock on grips, Lizard sking, new cables thts all ive changed... for now
Bottom Line:
good bike its lasted a year so far only problems ive had has been the cables getting knakard quickly. the forks let the bike down a lot aswell but everything else is great. strong and fairly light good bike for the price. ive used this bike a lot round xc tracks 4x tracks and its all holding good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sir. Swish!
a Weekend Warrior
from Somerset, UK Date Reviewed: December 9, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Strawberry Line
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
Somerset Bike Centre
Strengths:
Good solid feel, Highly customizable, Better than a £2000 full susser any day!
May be more weighty than some hardtails out there, But for the money it's as solid as they come, Absolutly fantastic bike that any beginner/Intermediate rider will enjoy, It feels chunky, controllable and will put a smile on your face!
Note: The stock 8-speed Shimano Acera setup is to put it kindly, Crap. Upgrade the bike to a SRAM 9 speed setup and the bike will fly!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Carl
a Cross Country Rider
from Sweden Date Reviewed: December 2, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Cykelspecialisten, Göteborg
Strengths:
Cheap, strong frame, nice wheels, looks good.
Weaknesses:
Bad fork, not too good components, VERY UGLY stem
Similar Products Used:
Tested Scott YZ-2
Bike Setup:
Specialized Hardrock Sport, RS Dart 3 fork
Bottom Line:
Very nice bike for beginners. The fork destroys alot of the riding performance but the rest of the components works good. My friend bought a Scott YZ2 a year after i bought this bike, his chain and casette has started to rust while mine looks like new. It's good that Specialized has decided to spend more money on drivetrain components than on other stuff (like Scott has done on Yz2 -06)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lance
a
from Colorado Springs, CO, USA Date Reviewed: November 12, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Fantesy Island(Tucson, AZ)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$358.00
Purchased At:
Oro Vally Bicycles
Strengths:
Well for starters the frame is great I do alot of urban assult with on damnage at all. I mostly ride xc trails and have had no problrms with it. As for the other components everything works great after some tweaking. I had horrible shifting problems But after I actually sat down and adjusted everything. It all works and shifts great. And as for the fork its a entry level fork but it has held up to free riding at the the local university. And have droped hundered stair sets and no problem. Just has to tighten up the head set but what bike would you not have to do that on?. The cranks have come lose. but have not btoken. And the rims are in great shape I have not had to tighten anything except for after the first ride but that is to be expected.
Weaknesses:
The pedals SUCK!!! I replaced them with Primo tenderizers. Fork tops out but Thats to be expected on a entry level. But it does hold up well for a beginner rider. I have droped 8feet repetedly and it is still fine. Chain slaps alot but I was samrt enough to put a lizzard skin on the chain stay so its all good. cranks hold up good just need to make sure you check them to see if they are tight.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Super V 500, 03 Specialized Rockhopper sport.
If you are looking for a bike that will hold up and do a little of everything then this is it. People talk about low end parts....They will all work fine if you adjust them right. and use commen sense on maintance. Like anything else if you run it into the ground. It won't work good.But if you do feel the need to upgrade components. it is a great frame. and you'll have something different on the trail. the thing I like the most is you can really customise it for any type of riding. And if you are a beginer or a weekend warrior.. you'll apereceatie the performance for the dollars. I keep up with my friends on their 4000.00 bikes just fine.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kevin
a
from simsbury CT Date Reviewed: November 11, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
benidorms
Strengths:
strong frame i took it off an 8 ft drop to small slant and it worked. i put dropoffs on and holsfeller cranks
Weaknesses:
cranks were bad. i went through 4 sets. the fork wasnt good
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
hardrock, drop offs, single speed, no brakes, holsfeller cranks,
Bottom Line:
good for XC but can be changed to a fR bike easly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe kool
a Weekend Warrior
from warrensburg,mo Date Reviewed: October 30, 2006
Favorite Trail:
cave hollow
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
freeride
Strengths:
frame,wheels,brakes.......everything
Weaknesses:
peddles and cables
Similar Products Used:
walmart bikes
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
I love my hardrock. the only thing i broke is the tubes. I use my hard rock as a freeride bike and it hasnt broke. Bottom line kick ass bike for the money. SPECIALIZED ROCKS!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Leo
a Weekend Warrior
from Fresno CA USA Date Reviewed: October 15, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Blue Oak
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$330.00
Purchased At:
The Peddaler
Strengths:
- Excelent bike for the buck. - Will last a long time with care and proper maintenance. - Looks great compared to other start-up bikes.
Weaknesses:
- Weight - Bike path type components (Hub and Cranks) - RST forks
Similar Products Used:
Trek 4300
Bike Setup:
Stock + bar ends
Bottom Line:
This is not a hardcore XC or trail bike (hence the price). It is a fantastic start-up bike or/and an all around commuting bike that you can trow it in the trail in the weekends. If you are going to buy this bike to do Jumps you might as well pay for a better bike, this one will not handle that. This bike is great for beginers trail rides and also a great bike if you are in a Budget like me. If you are looking for a Mountain Bike to start in the sport with less than $400 this is your bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: October 15, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
i commendered it
Strengths:
Frame is strong as hell
Weaknesses:
none i can think of right now
Similar Products Used:
*shrug* this is my first like this one
Bike Setup:
manit. axel shimano deore hubs with rhyno lite rims, eason handlebars
Bottom Line:
I got this bike up-graded from its previous owner. the bike is very light and is more of a dirt jumper than a XC bike. the pedals suck cause they are slippery and bend. you should invest in some shorter cranks and a bash guard.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dylan Countryman
a Weekend Warrior
from New York, usa Date Reviewed: October 10, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$430.00
Purchased At:
Dick Sonne's
Strengths:
Great bike, comfortable, seat is better than it looks, gears shift great, great for long distance, better then my mongoose
Weaknesses:
Let me explain my first week: Pedels fell off twice, eveyone said that the rear will bend on the first jump that I take it off, and the tire popped in the middle of town.
Similar Products Used:
Mongoose xr100 (Walmart Crap)
Bottom Line:
Great bike if the pedels didnt fall off and if it had tires with more TPI. im not going to blame the pedels on the bike though because i did have the bikeshop build the thing within 1 hour, and they didnt test it like they do with other bikes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rick hill
a Cross Country Rider
from reed city MI Date Reviewed: October 9, 2006
Favorite Trail:
helena ridge, VISA
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$330.00
Purchased At:
Hostle shop Stevens Point Wi
Strengths:
Frame is bullet proof
Weaknesses:
Cranks, Shifters, saddle, fork, peddles , Everything but the frame
Similar Products Used:
scott scale 60, road bikes
Bike Setup:
stock except deore rear derailer
Bottom Line:
don't bother with this one you will pay more from parts then you did for the bike. the bike WILL NOT HOLD UP TO OFF ROAD RIDING
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Bughao
a
from El dorado Hills CA United States Date Reviewed: October 8, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Auburn
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Bob's Bicycles El Dorado Hills
Strengths:
I think that the frame is very solid. Yet it is still relatively light weight.
Weaknesses:
Pretty much all of the components, ecspecially the fork.
I think that this is a great bike for the price. But I think if I was to do anything over I would buy the frame and build it up from there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy Fuellert
a Downhiller
from Mississauga, Ontario Date Reviewed: September 5, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Cyclepath
Strengths:
Solid frame, "brick-like" stem, shifters.
Weaknesses:
Brakes, Crank/pedals, fork.
Similar Products Used:
Norco Sasquatch.
Bike Setup:
Stock Hardrock sport with Avid BB5's, Dirt jumper comps.
Bottom Line:
+Nice solid frame. Stem is strong and looks like a brick:) Shifters have had no problems so far.
And on to the bad...
-FORK sucks. It's stiff but once you work it in....its still stiff. get a new fork, 100 bucks should do it.
-Stock brakes suck. I've tried working in the discs for almost 2 months, but normal V-brakes are better. 200 bucks would get you out of that.
-Crank is alirght. It fell apart while i was biking down a hill, screws came lose? Anyways its not very solid and makes annoying noises..bad ones.
-Pedals are walmart. The pedals have good grip but are made of plastic. They seem to have trouble preforming. They bend alot so...yea they suck.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Anthony Gentile
a Weekend Warrior
from Manahawkin N.J. U.S.A Date Reviewed: August 21, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Allaire
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$380.00
Purchased At:
Beachwood Bikes
Strengths:
Strong Frame,Good components for the money,very forgiving
Weaknesses:
None that i know of
Similar Products Used:
mone
Bike Setup:
replaced sten to a raceface diablous,Replaced handlebar to raceface evolve xc,replaced fork to marzocchi exr pro,replaced tires to wtb wierwolf 26:2.1
Bottom Line:
I love this bike! this is my first bike and it hasnt let me down. I am very aggressive and yet still learning mountain biking. It take every jump and fall and still keeps kicking. For the money I feel the value can not be beat. Recomended for all beginers like myself!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DAVID
a Weekend Warrior
from CUMMING , GA Date Reviewed: August 12, 2006
Favorite Trail:
THE ALPHRETTA GREENWAY
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$380.00
Strengths:
GREAT STRONG FRAME. NICE ORANGE COLOR. VERY GOOD FACTORY WHEELS
Weaknesses:
A LITTLE HEAVY ON THE FRAME WEIGHT. BUT I AM A HEAVY CLYDESDALE RIDER.
Similar Products Used:
FUJI MTB SWIHIN MTB
Bike Setup:
STOCK
Bottom Line:
I LIKE THE BIKE A LOT . I WANTED A STRONG FRAME TO HOLD ME UP. I RIDE THE BIKE HARD ON AND OFF ROAD. SO FAR SO GOOD. ITS A GOOD PRICE FOR A GOOD BIKE. I BOUGHT A EXTRA SET OF WHEELS AND TIRES. I USE SLICKS IN THE SUMMER AND THE FACTORY TIRES AMD WHEELS IN THE WINTER.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jason
a
from ottawa,ontario,canada Date Reviewed: August 6, 2006
Favorite Trail:
any trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Tommy and Lefebvre
Strengths:
For a cross country bike its pretty damn strong for freeride and dirt jumps . The frame came take a brutal beating off 6 foot drops and some nice gaps.
Weaknesses:
later you take it though alot the frame stats to make some sound but no biggie
Bottom Line:
RIDE THIS PUPPY
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike jones
a Weekend Warrior
from london Date Reviewed: July 29, 2006
Favorite Trail:
cant decide
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
internet
Strengths:
the frame can take anything, ive done 5 ft drops onto flat with it and its still in great condition, tires are great too. strong v-brakes. comfy. it is also very smooth over jumps. but i did make alot of changes to the bike. VERY CHEAP !
Weaknesses:
the forks are ok at first but they wont last, get new ones, pedals suck too they will hurt if u land on them (belive me) the stem is abit heavy
Similar Products Used:
shogun gatecrasher, trek 2500
Bike Setup:
i changed alot - mazocchi bomber forks, shimano pedals, hayes nine hydraulic brake, maxxis 2.4 tires , azonic double wall riser handlebars.
Bottom Line:
even at stock this bike is great! apart from the forks, i changed most things cos i needed something a little stronger for riding north shore. i recommend this bike for nearly all types of riding, it wont let u down.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian Thoms
a Cross Country Rider
from Washington, D.C. Date Reviewed: July 22, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Schaeffer Farms
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
360
Strengths:
Strong frame. Most of the components need upgrading, but don't trash the brakes immediately like some have suggested. V-brakes are very strong for cross-country riding, which is the type of riding that this frame is made for. Disc brakes are an unnecessary step-up for most people buying this bike. Back in the day I owned a better, lighter frame, but for the price there isn't really anything that can beat this bike.
Weaknesses:
It weighs a lot. Don't be fooled. You are not getting some deal of the century, this bike makes the same trade in weight that any other lower-priced bike makes. But it is strong; worth building on until you can afford better; and in no way a rip off.
Similar Products Used:
Specialzed Hard Rock 1992- my first mountain bike. Cannondale F500 - 1998
Bike Setup:
I've improved my hardrock a bit since buying it. I've added a RockShox Tora fork because the RST just was not cutting it, plus it weighed a ton. And I added some Truvativ flats pedals because I am getting into the whole flat thing and the standard pedals on this bike are just begging to be replaced.
Bottom Line:
I am getting back into the sport of mountain biking. That is what this bike is best used for. I plan to upgrade it until I can take the upgraded parts to a new frame in a couple years.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
e
a Weekend Warrior
from Texas Date Reviewed: July 16, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Erwin
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
Richardson Bike Mart - Frisco
Strengths:
Good beginners bike for the price. Nice sturdy frame and the ride feels good.
Weaknesses:
A lot of chain slap with the lower and middle chain rings when going over small roots or small drops. As others had said, the fork is weak.
Similar Products Used:
N/A
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Good price for beginners. I would only upgrade if a component failed. If you want to upgrade for better components, it would probably be better to get a higher end bike as it wouldn't be cost effective.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AJ
a Cross Country Rider
from Birmingham, Alabama Date Reviewed: July 12, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Oak Mountain State Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
Bike Link
Strengths:
Great bike for it's price.Strong, sturdy frame. Can be upgraded easily.
Weaknesses:
Heavy.Stock brakes aren't that great. First thing i upgraded were the pedals to Wellgo B-67's
Similar Products Used:
Some lame bike at Academy
Bike Setup:
I upgraded it to a 27 speed instead of a 24 speed.SRAM X-9 rear derail. SRAM X-Gen. front derail.XT 9spd.cassette XTR v-brakes.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for those that are just starting to get into mountain biking. It's good at almost everything that you throw at it. Is easily customizable
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a
from Medina Date Reviewed: July 11, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Vulture's Knob
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$330.00
Purchased At:
Eddy's Bike Shop
Strengths:
Strong Frame Nice fit Low Price
Weaknesses:
Weak fork, I will upgrade it when it breaks. Heavy The tires are good in mud but very poor on roads The SRAM sx-4 shifters. The LBS I bought it at actually upgraded them to X-9 shifters because so many had already broken. My brother who bought the same bike a month before broke one in a week. Can not be converted to single speed easily.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I wanted something to try mountain biking and a friend of mine did not want my brother or I to get XC bikes because he was more into dirt jumps and really like the DB Response My brother went and the DB was out of stock so the tried the Hardrock and loved it so I bought one after riding his. Overall it is a basic bike for a good price. Hopefully it will last a while. I give it a 5 for value and 4 overall because its not perfect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
zenas chao
a Weekend Warrior
from chicago, il, usa Date Reviewed: July 10, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$330.00
Purchased At:
Cozy's Cyclery
Strengths:
Indestructable butted frame
Weaknesses:
shocks are only okay, seat hurts sometimes
Similar Products Used:
06 GT Avalanche 3.0, 05 Schwinn Mesa GS
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
An amazing bike for a beginner/intermediate looking to tackle some off-roading or doign some light trail riding/road riding. Although for road riding, i would recommend getting slicks, since the tires do cause some drag and may get noisy at higher speeds. Overall, a solid bike for the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tyler
a Downhiller
from sparks,nevada Date Reviewed: July 4, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Keystone Canyon
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
RCF
Strengths:
It has a very strong frame. I took it off some good sized dirt jumps and it stood up to the test.
Weaknesses:
The suspension is kinda crapy. for some weird reason i got a ton of rust in it and it took forever to fix.
Similar Products Used:
a piece of poop Target bike.(don't by any bike from Target ever.)
Bike Setup:
stock with new SRAM SX5.
Bottom Line:
a awsome bike for the price but if you can get a disk version of the hardrock do it. Overall this is a great way to start a mountain biking adventure you can get into some good sized jumps. a great platform to build off of. a great beginner platform!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle
a Weekend Warrior
from Loganville Date Reviewed: June 30, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Fort Yargoo bike trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$385.00
Purchased At:
Lifetime Bikes
Strengths:
It has a rock solid frame and rims. The quick release systems are a good luxury to have. It has a 24 speed drivetrain and so far I have had no problems with it. It is also amazingly lightweight.
Weaknesses:
The shock adjusters dont realy adjust the shocks. Chain slaps the frame.
Similar Products Used:
Mongoose XR 200
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
It's an excellent bike for the money. I would recomend it to anyone who wants to do minor off roading and on road riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ac lacerda
a Cross Country Rider
from portugal Date Reviewed: June 27, 2006
Favorite Trail:
fruita or the roman road
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
sport zone portugal
Strengths:
good price and quality therein in europe it came hung with nice parts, hence extra price..was 2006 hr sport
Weaknesses:
big fat enduro stock tires, crappy for anything but downhill and don't belong on a xc bike...however it's portugal and every trail has a little variety of both so alls whell
Similar Products Used:
k2 flying monkey gt avalanche
Bike Setup:
came stock with truvativ cranks, switched to race face, replaced rst fork with manitou, came with tektro brakes i swapped for hayes mechs, mavic disc rims..swapped shimano triggers/brake combo with my new srams x.7 and xgen goods..sram 9sp cassette replaced the shimano 8sp, put on my titec big al to hold my crow bars, besides my love seat from wtb the coolest addition is my Lisboa/Dakar decal on the frame...
Bottom Line:
this bike is great for entry riders, as well as those who relocate to portugal and want an awesome all around bike that can handle the downhill fire roads and dusty sand dune cross country paths...i've blacked it out with all my parts listed above, so she looks great, but i want to get a second set of wheels to mount some slicks for some long road rides...as fine as it cuts and navigates the downhill slopes along the coast, it keeps me comfortable for a decent amount of time on road rides as well, but my wtb tires (which replaced the original specialized factory enduros) are not the greatest on roads...this bike is excellent for my size, (190lbs - 5'9) and im pretty hard on it when i get out in the open. handling is great also as i mention above..i would like to get my hands on a trek fuel for downhill, but i don't know if i could justify that since this bike handles really good when flying down the slopes...and there are no ski lifts here so you gotta ride back up! I think getting a second set of wheels will be a good idea, and then i can erase thoughts of a road bike too...so im going to continue to beat on this bike and see what happens. Im thinking of actually ordering up a fleet of these for my tour co. value rating is only lower because i had to pay in euros and i lost 25% for buying it in europa...but five steamers for overall, great bike, pick one up, enjoy the handling most of all, change some parts, get discs, ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Derek Allen
a Weekend Warrior
from Salt Lake City, Utah Date Reviewed: June 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$370.00
Purchased At:
Binghams Cycelry
Strengths:
Great price for a durable bike
Weaknesses:
Little heavy
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
This bike is very good for the price. Also it is very durable. Slightly on the heavy side. I whished I would have bought a dual-suspension since I like to downhill so much, but I have been using this bike on downhill runs & it is holding up!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randy Merrill
a Weekend Warrior
from Germany for now Date Reviewed: June 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
any just about
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
? dont' remember the name of the Shop
Strengths:
Really strong frame. I have taken 5' to 6' drops off of wall ledges onto concreat. Not a shutter on the rims or frame. I dirt jump with the bike all the time and I'm not talking about little BS jumps either. I have taken this bike down DH trails and it has stayed strong. I ride it in urban styles too. I pretty much do everything I can think of on this bike. No more DH, because I now own a bike for that. I have had the bike for over 3 yrs and I just now had to have the wheels trued. You just can't beat this bikes abilities for the price. Any problems like broken chains and stuff like that...no problem I just upgraded the parts if they broke. Honestly what do you exspect for a bike at such a low price. I have been biking for many years and this bike I just bought for the hell of it. Great bike for the cost.
Weaknesses:
I ddn't like the fork so I upgraded it to a Marzzochi product. Of course this ment changing over to disk brakes. Other parts I have upgraded to better and stronger parts...SRAM Chain, Shimano lx rear derailler, shimano lx shifters/brake levers, SRAM rear cog set, crank and bottom bracket, pedels, and seat post. If the part I upgraded is in this list it means that I broke it or bent it so bad that it could not be repaired.
Similar Products Used:
too many to list!
Bike Setup:
Race Face crank and bottom bracket, cane creek head set, Marzzochi grand fondo fork, SRAM 9spd casset, AVID Juicy brakes, stock tires I keep ordering from Specialized, and stock rims, ooh a shorty stem too from race face, also the seat post, but I can't remember what kind it is.
Bottom Line:
ooops, just read my product strengths. Its all there. It's a great bike for the cost. If you don't like something then just upgrade. I hate when people complain about a bike and it is not perfect at first. NO S***, you have to tweak it a little to get a bike how you want it. If you want a perfect bike then build one peice by peice. It will cost you more but that is how you get the perfect bike for you..Did I mention the fact that when you do that some times its trail and error on what parts you like and what you don't. I have a garage full of bikes and bike parts trust me on this! Buy SRAM PARTS!!!! They are stronger and last longer. Great bike for the Price!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rich
a Weekend Warrior
from IN, USA Date Reviewed: June 5, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Outback Trail at Imagination Glen
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Jano Cycles
Strengths:
Sturdy frame, pretty decent components for the money which make it a good value. Handles trails well. Fairly nimble.
Weaknesses:
Stock cranks are worthless if you are a hardcore rider or a big person like me, 6'5' 300. After 150 miles in the first three weeks of owning the bike I had to replace my crankset. Feels like I'm driving a van, bulky.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 4500 which I now wish I would have bought over the Hardrock Sport for a few reasons: Trek is more nimble
Bike Setup:
Currently has upgraded Specialized crankset ( which still gives me problems as the left crank arm comes loose every 3 miles) Bmx seat, Kenda Kross tires for around town commuting, Michelin Wildgripper S for trails,
Bottom Line:
Essentially a great starter bike for someone who wants a ride that can get around town and pop on trails. It's good for those who want to see what biking is all about without dropping too much money. The frame is solid and worthy of upgrades. I don't like Specialized cranksets, or maybe they just don't like big people,luckily my bike shop upgraded my crankset for free.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chito Spinmaster
a Cross Country Rider
from Hayward, California Date Reviewed: May 16, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Lake Chabot
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$235.00
Purchased At:
Used- private individual
Strengths:
Frame is very sturdy and feels solid. Saddle seat and post comfortable for a stock. Bike geometry to body position good. Brake is descent even on downhill.
Weaknesses:
RST Gila fork very heavy as previously mentioned here by consensus. Cranks hard to pedal uphill. I have not used SRAM thumbshifter before so I can't say for certain if it is bad- I used Shimano STS on my old bike. Because of lower end components, bike is heavy for uphill climb.
Similar Products Used:
My old bike 1994 Nishiki Blazer. Other products I tried at LBS: TREK 4500, Gary Fisher, Scott.
Bike Setup:
Rock Shox SID 80mm fork, Crane Creek S6 headset, Truvativ Isoflow 175mm crank arm, Mavic 221 rims on Shimano STX hubs, IRC Mythos 26 X 2.1 tires.
Bottom Line:
I bought this used with the intention of modifying parts to my specific ride. After review of MTN bikes, Hardrock is the one for me for my budget. I like doing trails that are challenging and like doing uphill climb so I needed to make my bike lighter. The biggest difference I felt was when I replaced the front suspension with Rock Shox SID. The 26 X 2.1 vs the stock 2.2 size also helped lighten up the load. I will be upgrading the crank arms to 175mm replacing the 170mm stock which I have reviewed will help give better leverage with the pedal uphill. I have been biking since 1994 with my old Nishiki bike but the Hardrock is the first bike that I ride on challenging trails and just love it. My recommendation- an excellent buy. If you plan to upgrade like me, buy a used one and replace parts when they break or if you get the money!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a Weekend Warrior
from Norton, OH Date Reviewed: May 10, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$329.00
Purchased At:
Eddys Bike Shop
Strengths:
Styling, stock seat is comfortable, speed shifters, decent enough components, brakes very strong for a non disc bike
Weaknesses:
pedals are very cheap, they've got to be replaced asap
Similar Products Used:
Test rode Trek 3900 & 3700 didn't like either
Bike Setup:
Stock w/barends
Bottom Line:
This bike rules! It does everything I need it to do, from riding to work, riding on the canal towpath(packed crushed limestone) to just riding around the neighborhood. It is a comfortable ride which keeps you going longer. Even when I'm done I just want to get right back on it. Thinking about getting one for my wife. Overall I'm very Happy with my purchace.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Sherman
a Weekend Warrior
from Bushkill PA Date Reviewed: May 8, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$319.00
Purchased At:
The Loft
Strengths:
So far it looked cool in the back of my garage for the night
Weaknesses:
My chan snaped while riding it to my car to go for my first real ride!
Bike Setup:
Stock... Bar ends
Bottom Line:
I liked the bike im just getting into mt biking from BMX, read all these reviews so it seemed like the right thing to buy. Well i got it on a sunday rode it around my street a little bit. I got off of work mon at 4 was riding it across my driveway to my car and the cain link snaped(cracked). Now i have to drive 45 min back to the dealwer where i bought it... I feel like i should have bought a Walmart shwinn for half the price... I will be writting more if i get to ride the bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dale
a Weekend Warrior
from Trona, CA, USA Date Reviewed: April 27, 2006
Favorite Trail:
any that offers variaty
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$380.00
Purchased At:
TJ Frisbees Bicycles, in Ridgecrest, CA
Strengths:
Durable and highly upgrade-able frame, plenty of gears, nice wide flotation-type tires stock, easy to keep maintained
Weaknesses:
Gears don't really go low enough, derailers take lots of little adjustments to keep in good alignment (fortionately, they're easy to make), shocks are hard to adjust to lighter riders, and the front's a little heavy
Similar Products Used:
'95 Specialized Hardrock with 13" Cromoly frame (my current bike replaced it...no suspension, but lasted me years and I loved it, I just out-grew it), SpecializedRockhopper, Trek something
Bike Setup:
Stock everything (for now)
Bottom Line:
This is only my 2nd personal bike (the onther being the '95 Speicalize Hardrock), but I've been riding since I was 6, so I do know a thing or 2 about bikes. Dispite that, I consider myself to be a moderate rider at best. For someone like me, this is a dream bike. It's great for downhills, uphills (though like I said before, it could use a lower 1st gear on the back cassette), soft-sand (lots of that where I am, and the wide tires that are stock on it are sweet for that), and just about anything else short of a mid-sized cliff that you could want to ride over. The geometrics are astonishing as well. No matter how fast you're going, it seems like you can always make that surprise corner, or recover from that rock that you didn't see, and tried to kick your front wheel out from under you. I constantly find myself going over trails 2-3X fast then I did on my old bike. The brakes are as good, if not better then on any other bike I've ever riden (though I admit I've never used disks). Sometimes I find myself wishing for some rear suspension, but that's only when I let myself get going too fast on a steep, rocky downhill. Even then though, it's easy to keep in control with just a few light taps of your brakes. It is a touch heavier then I expected (heavier then a friend of mine's Rockhopper, and his is a 21" frame), but that seems to be mainly 'cause by the less-then-top-of-the-line parts (though they're still high quality Overall, I'd say that this is an excellent choice from anyone from a noobie, to an experianced biker.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Farmingdale, NY Date Reviewed: March 31, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Bethpage
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$330.00
Purchased At:
Sunrise Cyclery
Strengths:
Frame, Forks, Crankset
Bike Setup:
Stock with replacements of broken parts.
Bottom Line:
I've broken the pedals and chain, and replaced with stronger ones, with just trail riding, do plan to upgrade the heavy fork. But that's it ! It's a Timex, it takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin' ! My buddy has a GT Agressor and rode mine for 5 minutes and decided to buy one. And you can't beat the price !
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Harold
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond,Va,,USA Date Reviewed: March 26, 2006
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$340.00
Purchased At:
Agees on west broad st-richmond
Strengths:
Frame design and strength. frame is also light enough once stripped of lower end components to really build a light strong XC bike.
Weaknesses:
components (drive train,fork)on bike are lower end to keep the price down but, many of them are also good bomb proof parts like the handle bars,stem,wheels.
I've slowly upgraded the bike. Rockshox XC fork, Ti rail seat on light alum post, wtb light Xc rims/hubs, kenda karma tires&tubes, carbon flat bar, light alum. Xc stem, more on the way.
Bottom Line:
Excellent beginner bike and even good for semi pro. My friend who raced mountain bikes($3k cannondale) liked the frame ergo on my bike a lot. He thought it was a great platform to upgrade. Plus, the frame is worthy of better parts as you get more into riding and want to upgrade. The fork is heavy and can be upgraded with anything from a $300 3 lb fork to a $149 dollar 4lb fork (that I got) and you will still save weight because the stock fork is that heavy 6-7lbs. The 1700g WTB rims I found were on sale and included the tires for only $199. The geometry of the bike make it very comfortable to ride and its shape also make it a good trail bike. Best all around bike for starter to someone that gets into it and wants to upgrade!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Cook
a Cross Country Rider
from Rockwall, Texas Date Reviewed: March 22, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
BicyclesPlus
Strengths:
Frame design and Wheel set. general versatility of bike is a big bonus.
Weaknesses:
cheap componets at lower end of price scale. but you get a great frame and rimset for the price.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 4500, Gary Fisher Wahoo.
Bike Setup:
SPD clipless, '00 Marzocchi Z1 Dropoff, Thudbuster Seatpost.
Bottom Line:
I am a large,(6'3 & 250lbs) agressive rider. I've taken this bike off 36 inch drops landing on pavement. didn't even take the rims out of true. I've endo'd so many times I can't count.I see no reason to change frames. I purchased the lowend because that's all i could afford on the bike, as i break parts, i replace them with better componets. I've been completely happy with my decision. Frame and Rims are praticaly indestructable. buy the bike and TRY and break it while riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Pensacola, Florida Date Reviewed: February 9, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Tree Hugger, UWF
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
CycleSports
Strengths:
Solid frame with proven Specialized geometry.
Weaknesses:
Riser Bars, pedals, Chain tends to pop off on spills where you land on your left side.
Similar Products Used:
GT, Trek, Schwinn
Bike Setup:
Changes: Specialized flat bar, Rockshox MTB suspension post, Wellgo clipless, Specialized BG saddle
Bottom Line:
Great performing, solid, entry level mountain bike at a great price. Has taken quite a beating and has not left me stranded on the trail yet. It can hold its own with any other moderately priced hardtail out there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fernando
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft. Myers Date Reviewed: December 29, 2005
Favorite Trail:
North Port
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
A.J. Barnes
Strengths:
Solid frame, can take a beating and still keep going strong. Great bike to start with, excellent value for the price, perfect for beginners.
Weaknesses:
Forks are a little weak, Shimano parts are all right some ghost shifting here and there. Upgrade pedals right away!!
Similar Products Used:
Giant Iguana.
Bike Setup:
FSA V-Extreme cranks, Eggbeaters, SRAM X.7, Disc brakes, Sun Rhyno Lite Rims with Panaracer XC Pro, Avid 5 brake levers, SRAM X.7 Trigger Shifters, Race Face Deus X Stem more stuff to come.
Bottom Line:
Excellent bike to begin with, strong frame, components are decent. As you get better upgrade parts then eventually get a better frame. But overall great bike to learn with, and trust me it can take a beating!! I have endo'd and flipped so many times and this bike wont snap. Specialized knows how to make frames, you wont be disapointed get it and ride!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Wayne, IN, USA Date Reviewed: December 20, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$190.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
The frame on this bike is incredible...thats pretty much the best part. Bars, seat, tires, grips, stem are all decent.
Weaknesses:
My chain is always coming off and it skips when i stand up and pedal hard. Haven't had fork problems yet. Brake is so so.
Bike Setup:
17". Removed front brake and derailler. Added new pedals.
Bottom Line:
This is an excellent bike for the money and is very upgradeable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eli .T.
a Weekend Warrior
from P-Town,Ontario,Canada Date Reviewed: December 2, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Floodplains
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
local bike shop
Strengths:
Well, this is a preety light frame and it is still light with all the componants on it.It also has preety good componants on it stock.It's a preety good all around bike.
Weaknesses:
Well, when I first got it every thing was fine,but now (about 8 months later)the crank is really screwed up. If you tighten it as tight as you can it comes loose withen ten minutes.And when its loose it reely wobbles and I mean REALLY.I hope to be getting a whole new crank set soon but in the meen time I will just deel with it.
Similar Products Used:
Don't ask me
Bike Setup:
Right now stock bu soon getting 24" alex rims an disk brakes
Bottom Line:
This is a sweet bike , I don't think it is reely meant for jumping,but I do 14'gaps and 8' high dirt jumps and 8' drops with no problem yet.But if you want a solid bike that is not somthing that you have to fix every day then this the bike for you. And it comes with a cheap price tag on it. SWEET BIKE, HELL YEAH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jacob
a Weekend Warrior
from Eugene, Or, USA Date Reviewed: September 21, 2005
Favorite Trail:
anywhere.....
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$224.00
Strengths:
This happens to be an 06 model so new drivetrain components from SRAM and an upgrade in the Gila fork, but roughly the same bike, the paint on the 06's is also pretty damn cool lookin and i got it for a hell of a deal at the shop i used to work at Good solid frame, nice geometry, smooth riding and handels pretty well
Weaknesses:
the shifters are a little harsh but i think an umpgrade in the cassetts and shifters would solve that, and you can never not use a nice set of hayes discs
Similar Products Used:
randoms giants, rockhoppers, other hardrocks
Bike Setup:
close to stock with WTB grips, Odessey Pedals, and other little stuff
Bottom Line:
good bike to get started out on, damn good price and if you don't like the fork or the components just keep riding it till you get the money to upgrade cause it's a damn good solid frame and upgrades are allways an option......
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Worth, Texas, USA Date Reviewed: September 16, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$329.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Inc.
Strengths:
This is the 2006 model which means it has the SRAM equip, and the improved T-6 fork. In my opinion these are both slight improvements over the 05 model worth the extra few bucks, although I was able to get this model at the 05 price.
Weaknesses:
We will see how these new SRAM's hold up (alot of folks are skeptical since they are new to the model), but doing good so far.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 4300 (not a bad bike), Trek 3700, Gary Fisher Wahoo (rode like ass), GT Avalanche.
Bottom Line:
Nice riding bike that holds up on the trail (so far). Can't beat it for the $$$, and I made sure of that. When I was last riding I was on a Cannondale F400 (about 8 years ago). MTB's have come some way since then and this bike feels better than that bike ever did.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
allan chung
a Racer
from none Date Reviewed: August 29, 2005
Favorite Trail:
crap
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$299999.00
Purchased At:
crap and more crap bike shop
Strengths:
to much crap
Weaknesses:
going into dog crap
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
none
Bottom Line:
this is so much crap that i broke it when i sat on it so its crap
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Simon Knowles
a Weekend Warrior
from Hertfordshire, UK Date Reviewed: August 27, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere without dog walkers
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Local Bike Store
Strengths:
strong and attractive frame, bike geometry, tyres, stem, grips. Components may be at the lower end but seem to work ok.
Weaknesses:
Fork leaks and stiffens up after a few months. Drivetrain components are 24 speed whereas most upgrade options are increasingly 27 speed only.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock + LX chainset, eggbeaters, bodyfit saddle
Bottom Line:
Great beginners bike for the money. Only after 2 years am i now thinking of upgrading the components and fork. Couldn't remove the stock pedals (had welded themselves on) so had to replace the chainset to change to clipless.
I ride 50/50 road/light XC trails and this bike has been admirable. The fork and compentens are probably not suitable for heavy MTB abuse, hence the odd bad review.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Calvin
a Weekend Warrior
from Manhattan Ks Date Reviewed: August 18, 2005
Favorite Trail:
river trails
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$375.00
Purchased At:
Pathfinder
Strengths:
good frame and wheels, solid bike for low price
Weaknesses:
crankset is complete crap. I broke 2 very quickly before my bike shop cut me a deal on some Race face bottom bracket and husselt crank, much better now. doesn't shift as good as i had hoped (could have to do with me wrecking a lot and bending things) and the chain seems to fall off a little more than normal (also could have to do with me and my ability to destroy things)
Bike Setup:
race face xc bottom bracket and hussefelt tripple crank
Bottom Line:
good for me. I tear the crap out of this bike and the only thing that hasn't lived up to expectations is the bb/crankset. the rest of the bike survives 6 ft drops on a regular basis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Jones
a Cross Country Rider
from Sheffield Date Reviewed: August 17, 2005
Favorite Trail:
peak district
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$240.00
Purchased At:
James
Strengths:
Build, frame, finish
Weaknesses:
Forks not so good but light and you can just about lock them out for road.
Similar Products Used:
Kona scrap, hardrock pro, P2, Marin Rock spings, various cheap bikes as well.
Bike Setup:
Standard 05
Bottom Line:
THE budget bike, can't think of anything else that would touch the handling and frame for the price. My 36 spoke wheelset has been boombproof although I'd obviously recommend this bike to causual trail user (singletrack,no jumping)rather than anyone who like to watch freeride vids :p. My usual ride (full suss Marin Rock Springs)has had nothing but problems, doesnt seem no nimble and it cost five times more cash!. I bought this for the winter to do road/light trail work for fitness and I'm more than impressed. Nothing needs upgrading from scratch which is a nice change.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Jones
a Cross Country Rider
from Sheffield Date Reviewed: August 17, 2005
Favorite Trail:
peak district
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$240.00
Purchased At:
James
Strengths:
Build, frame, finish
Weaknesses:
Forks not so good but light and you can just about lock them out for road.
Similar Products Used:
Kona scrap, hardrock pro, P2, Marin Rock spings, various cheap bikes as well.
Bike Setup:
Standard 05
Bottom Line:
THE budget bike, can't think of anything else that would touch the handling and frame for the price. My 36 spoke wheelset has been boombproof although I'd obviously recommend this bike to causual trail user (singletrack,no jumping)rather than anyone who like to watch freeride vids :p. My usual ride (full suss Marin Rock Springs)has had nothing but problems, doesnt seem no nimble and it cost five times more cash!. I bought this for the winter to do road/light trail work for fitness and I'm more than impressed. Nothing needs upgrading from scratch which is a nice change.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: August 2, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$319.00
Purchased At:
Old Town in Tacoma
Strengths:
Obviously the price. The frame is as hard as a rock, not just a catchy name. I have taken it on quite a few fire roads & XC trails and the handling has been great. Brakes seem fine, although the rain hasn't hit the NW quite yet.
Weaknesses:
RST Gilla fork is on the low end of the spectrum. Chain often jumps off, and the shifting is not as smooth as hoped.
Similar Products Used:
Trek, Giant, Gary Fisher
Bike Setup:
Stock thus far, although Old Town did a great job fitting the bike to my liking
Bottom Line:
An entry level bike that I felt performed better than similar low end hartails. I assume that whether its a Trek, Giant, or any other mass-produced bike, components are going to be the main difference. I felt more comfortable on the Hardrock, and climbing seems much easier(could be do to the Body Geometry or just personal preference). If you are looking to get back into XC riding, start at the bottom, and find what fits you right before you end up spending more. By the way, any entry level bike would get beat up in Moab.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zameer Abedin
a Cross Country Rider
from Denton, Tx, USA (i'm in utah righ now though) Date Reviewed: July 30, 2005
Favorite Trail:
northshore at murrell park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
wasatch touring
Strengths:
this bike is relatively inexpensive...and its a real bike shop bike, not something you would find at wal-mart or the sports authority. this frame is really beefy
Weaknesses:
its an utter piece of crap...crap crap crap. heavy, shoddy, handles like a cement truck,
this bike...stock 05 hardrock sport (silver) my real bike...giant xtc nrs 1 w/ mavic rimes, deore groupo, sid rear, pilot sl fork
Bottom Line:
I am in salt lake city, utah, for the summer. Now, i ask you: what self respecting mountain biking would not take advantage of being in a hotspot for mountain biking?
and your response is: i like mountain biking!
so i didnt bring my baby (it would have been a big hassle for me) and since my brother just moved here too and i'm staying in his house while i have a summer job at the university of utah, i decided just to buy another bike which i could leave here and ride if i ever come to visit, etc...
that being said, i was looking for an inexpensive but still trail-worthy bike, no race bike, just something which would let me enjoy the plethora of trails put at my fingertips, so i searched and searched, and ended up having to pick between a similar bike from the north face (ironhorse bike with north face logo on it), but in my errors, i picked this hardrock...
now comes the first day of work...GREAT! its only a 1.5 mile ride to work and on the way, i can just hop on the bonneville shoreline trail, which is pretty fun and ride for an hour before heading over to work, so i do it and i'm thinking to myself "not bad" but i was really disappointed with the fork...its too firm to really soak up the bumps but too soft to be deemed "bob proof" on the climbs. but oh well, i had my twenty minutes of fun on the trail and saved myself 150 dollars...woo!
now comes the weekend...yess! my brother and i drove to moab for some amazing trail action and wholesome mountain biking fun and just for his sake (he's a beginning mountain biker) we started at this place called kondike bluffs and i was having one of the happiest rides i've had in a long time...i could pull through the sand on this bike and the climbs werent too hard to conquer BUT THEN...my chain fell off my chainring...so i thought "ok i didnt shift...weird...." so i put it back on and started off again and then it happened....my derailleur hanger broke...just snapped in two... so my wonderful weekend ride was just ruined like that... til i found a great bike shop where i bought a new derailleur hanger so we started off the next day for some more fun! then my chain broke...ten minutes into a ride of firetrail...of all the problems that could bother me, this one bothers me the most, just because it means that the bike store is just going to think i'm a bad mountain biker...oh crap!
so i took the bike back and after arguing with my bike shop people, they agreed not to charge me...so i took it for a spin around the block...and the chain broke again..
dont buy this bike, i dont care who you are...unless you like crappy bikes that fail when you need them to shine...then i guess it would be acceptable for you...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Tourangeau
a Cross Country Rider
from Gatineau, Quebec, Canada Date Reviewed: July 25, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Tommy and Lefebvre
Strengths:
Great frame, excellent weld quality, great platform to build on for a beginner
Weaknesses:
Cheap shifters, brake levers, derailleurs and handlebars
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock for the moment...
Bottom Line:
I picked this bike for my girlfriend, who's been looking interested in mountain bikes... So far, the bike is the perfect choice for her, although I'm thinking that less aggressive tires might make things a little easier for her. Overall, this bike is built on an awesome frame, is decently light, and will last a lifetime for its intended use.
After examining it in great detail, I am convinced that this bike will withstand a tremendous amount of punishment, a lot more than the kind of treatment I expect my girlfriend might throw at it!
Good buy!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Lefebvre
a Weekend Warrior
from Montreal,Quebec,Canada Date Reviewed: July 22, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Bois de saraguay, bromont
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$330.00
Purchased At:
primeauvelo
Strengths:
really really fast,tough,reliable(up to now) Best bargain for the price. I decided to get slicks to go faster on the road, since I was going to use the bike mainly for that reason(ride to go to work everyday). i didn't get a hybrid because mtb's are tougher. I need that ruggedness because i broke many bikes. Buy it if u break bikes and need a tough and fast bike.
Weaknesses:
the chain hits the frame with a loud and crisp toc sound (easy fix) shifters feel cheap; not that important as long as they do the job, witch they do. Mediocre derailleurs
Similar Products Used:
Giant boulder se
Bike Setup:
Stock with Specialized Nibus ex tires and new tubes to fit them on the alexrims
Bottom Line:
Before purchasing this Bike, was hesitating between the trek 4300,the giant rincon, and this one. The giant rincon(470CND) had better parts (alivio), the Hardrock(430CND) had the best frame and the trek 4300(490CND)... well... the trek didn't seem to have any particular advantage exept the name and that they had the bike in orange....wich isn't that much of an advantage...the slick Nimbus EX's are amazing, they go really really fast and they're puncture-proof. The forks are what you'd expect. they will make your 5-stair jump easier, but they probably won't save your wrists off a 6 feet cliff, they wern't meant to. get a 17 inch, the 19 is good if ur really really tall or if u want to go really really fast like me. Amazing all-around bike, specially if u get another set of wheels(one slick, one for dirt)so you get a custom hybrid-ish bike and a cool mtb. I wanted the yellow one. out of stock.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shane
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond, VA Date Reviewed: July 16, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$320.00
Purchased At:
Agee's
Strengths:
Great frame, very strong. Price.
Weaknesses:
Lower end componetns and fork. Fork leaks oil and the dust cap dosn't stay on.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale F500
Bike Setup:
Fox Vanilla fork.
Bottom Line:
Great starter bike for the price, as soon as I'm not happy with somthing on the bike, it's great to upgrade it around the frame. Next comes disc brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon Dumlao
a Cross Country Rider
from Martinez Date Reviewed: July 10, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Briones
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$375.00
Purchased At:
Davis Wheel Works
Strengths:
An awsome bike it has all right stock parts great handling,speed etc. The hardrock sport is very light. Quick and easy to put in a trunk of a car. It is easy to transport. This bike is absolotely awsome and so is the price.
Weaknesses:
Shocks. (RST Gilla)
Similar Products Used:
Hardrock Comp
Bike Setup:
Light, great looking, portable, etc.
Bottom Line:
This bike is awsome you have to buy it, plus it is for a great cost. You got to belive me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MyRon
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles, CA Date Reviewed: June 29, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$330.00
Purchased At:
Supergo - Santa Monica
Strengths:
The frame is solid as a rock! This bike flew off the car-rack when I was on the freeway. Fortunately, no one was hurt. I only had to replace the seat and grips. I also had to true the wheels and adjust the rear derailleur. But other than that a solid well built bike.
This Hardrock Sport also held up well with my feable attempts at downhill riding up in Big Bear. It took the punishment of multiple crashes much better than my own body.
Weaknesses:
The rear derailleur does not shift smoothly. You have to constantly adjust it even after setting the High and Low. Lower end component but what do you expect with a $300 bike.
Similar Products Used:
First mountain bike. Also ride a Specialized Allez Elite.
Bike Setup:
Stock with WTB saddle and Hot Chilli Pepper grips.
Bottom Line:
Great bang for the buck! Solid frame and ok components. Highly recommend for anyone looking to get into mountain biking and not wanting to spend a fortune.
$ 330.00
Overall Rating:
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