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Specialized
Hardrock A1 FS
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Submitted by
nate doggg
a Cross Country Rider
from coventry
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | kennelworth | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | 70 | | Strengths: | frame wheels the lot . | | Weaknesses: | none found apart from weak chain due to age. | | Similar Products Used: | specialized hardrock hard tail | | Bike Setup: | frand | | Bottom Line: | bottom line is i just got this bike becuse i had my last one stolen. i had the same bike but with out the front sus. witch was my best bike i ever got even cyceld to wales from coventry and had no problems with it. so when i herd this hard rock for sale at a very very cheap price .i thort i carnt go rong even if it needs some new parts. WELL SOD ME SIDE WAYS. i got the bike two days ago and man its the best 50 pounds iv ever spent. it gos like a dream. iv give it a good going over and just like specialized bikes . theres nothing rong with it apart from some mean scraches on the frame. but ha. the bike is just a dream i guess you get the pic buy now. if you get the chace to buy one get it. you wont be disapointed trust me. iv had some bikes in my time and this baby is one of the best iv had yet. happy cyceling guys and girls . nate dogg | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark O
a Weekend Warrior
from Honolulu, HI, U.S.
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Aiea Heights | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | Goodwill (Second han | | Strengths: | Awesome frame. I had no idea what I purchased until I came across this web site. I was shocked when I found out that this bike is worth ten times what I paid at Goodwill! | | Weaknesses: | None found so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose mountain/city bikes. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Best mountain bike I ever rode. Comfortable ride, especially if you're tall(6'0" to 6'4" range). You get the feel of a city bike with the capabilities of a well made mountain bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mason Frazier
a Weekend Warrior
from sacramoento ca usa
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | craigslist | | Strengths: | everything | | Weaknesses: | nothing | | Bottom Line: | super dooper bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Dold
a Weekend Warrior
from Kansas City
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere-Just ride | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | A friend | | Strengths: | A beautiful headtube-butted Aluminum frame. Cool looking oversize tubes and fat seatpost. Nice Tig welded joints and
a replaceable derailleur hanger. I think it's a good keeper, and will really improve with normal upgrades. | | Weaknesses: | Seems just a little heavy for what it is, but not too bad. It could probably stand a little judicious component selection for lighter weight as upgrades are added. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn S10, GT RTS2, Gary Fisher Hookookekoo, Cannondale M400 | | Bike Setup: | I upgraded my elastomer fork with a Judy SL, Avid Brakes and levers, and various sets of tires. The rest of the bike is still stock, because it works well. Mostly Shimano STX
Also added some upper end riser bars, stem and headset. | | Bottom Line: | I own several bikes, all very respectable rides. However the Specialized is the one that I will always grab for a ride. I've had this bike for years now, and it still performs beautifully. I really like the longish top tube, and the overall geometry seems to work out well for me. No complaints at all, Might as well save your Stumpjumper
money and just buy one of these. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J C
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago, IL, USA
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$216.00 | | Purchased At: | Village Cycle | | Strengths: | Beautiful bike, read great reviews in here and other places about the frame etc. | | Weaknesses: | Don't know much about mountain bikes so I can't really comment here. | | Similar Products Used: | Royce Union POS from Sports Authority and some no name Wal-Mart crap. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, swapped out the stock saddle for a Trek CRZ+. Also swapped out the tires for some Nimbus EX road tires. | | Bottom Line: | I'm fairly new to the whole mountain bike thing. In the past I was pretty ignorant about where to purchase a bike. I'd always go to the big box retailer, lured by their cheap prices. Well after my bad experience with a Royce Union (which was crap from day one) that I purchased at Sports Authority, I decided to do a little more research this time around. I started shopping at my local bike shop as recommended by many on the internet. I will never ever buy a bike again from a big box retailer! I found this bike on clearance at $215.00. I was first considering a comfort bike, but I'm very glad that I chose to go with this bike after reading great reviews.
I'm mainly going to use this bike for weekend rides and some commuting around the city. If you are primarily going to ride it on paved surfaces, then swap out the stock tires for some slicks. The ride is awesome! I can't really comment on the components as I don't know what "good" shifting or suspension is supposed to feel like. But so far for a novice like me, its a huge diffence from the bikes I've owned in the past. If you can find this bike at a LBS at a good price like I did, go for it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Muff Hugger
a Weekend Warrior
from Soo'er
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | downtown soo'er | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | The Duke | | Strengths: | Great entry level bike. Super strong aluminum frame suprisingly light. disk brake tabs were a nice touch for future upgrades. | | Weaknesses: | The parts spec'ed on bike needed to be upgraded quickly. I Immediately upgraded the fork to a marzocchi bomber fork (EXR Comp). Alex rims were the next to go (RhynoLites). crank and bottom bracket were the next. I bought a hussefelt w/a splined bottom bracket and had to upgrade the BB before I could install the new crankset. | | Similar Products Used: | Banshee Scratch, specialized P street, p2, Norco 125, 250, | | Bike Setup: | Specialized set up this bike for flying around town and light trails. My upgrades turned it into an aggressive cross country bike that could handle some urban and trials riding. | | Bottom Line: | With all the upgrading I did on this bike I realized that I should have bought a better bike from the start, and so I sold this bike and went bigger.
This is a perfect bike for people who want to have a good bike for cruising around town, hitting the odd trail and staying on the ground. If you love Red Bull, drop in, and look to the sky for a place to ride... steer clear of a Specialized Hard Rock... | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charles Brown
a Weekend Warrior
from CA
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Used - local classified ad | | Strengths: | Excellent entry level bike for a newbie or someone just getting started in MTB. Of course, it's great for the casual biker too, in my opinion. Love the frame, looks sleek, yet strong, durable, and light. Just read reviews on other bikes and you'll see the horror stories about cracked frames and other weaknesses. So you can't go wrong with Specialized frames. | | Weaknesses: | No complaints here. Shifting can be a little delayed, but probably b/c I haven't lubed it in a while. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Gary Fisher, Kona, Giant, etc. | | Bottom Line: | You get what you pay for. It's a little misleading and disconcerting when reading some of the previous reviews on this bike. People complaining about certain parts is a little unjustified. I'm not trying to exaggerate, but if I bought a car like a Honda Civic, could I complain and say it doesn't accelerate like any of the Acura's...or if I got some dinky Toyota Tercel, could I say it's not this or that like a Camry or Lexus? Hardrocks have a retail around $300 - $350. So you're not going to get components like Shimano XTR, Dura-ace, SRAM 9.0, Truvativ cranks, or Fox or Marzocchi forks. So when you read those reviews from people saying the bike doesn't shift well, suspension this, crank that, brakes yada... those reviews possibly are from delusional individuals who think they can get the performance of a +$1500 bike for under $350. So bottom line, if you're new or just want a decent quality bike who isn't going to be sponsored by a major company in a race anytime soon, then go with any of the latest Specialized Hardrocks. If you find biking to be fun and enjoyable, then invest as need be and accordingly to your budget. If you got money to burn or have high expectations, then shell out the dimes and start looking at the S-Works, Epic, Stumpjumper, and FSR models. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rocks
a Weekend Warrior
from Eug, OR
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Mckenzie river trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$220.00 | | Purchased At: | local pawn shop | | Strengths: | great entry-level bike | | Weaknesses: | components. Since it was used the drivetrain was severeley worn, and slow.:( Fork was too loose, but after tightening too max it held up ok. | | Similar Products Used: | Team Marin- a sick sick bike | | Bike Setup: | upgraded to: deore rear, lx crank set, new seat, clip on peadals, bar-ends, chain, and cassette. It also came with staight handel bars from previous owner. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, I ride it really hard and it holds up fine. I have a 19" and am 6' 190 lbs. I just bought a 04 15" sport for my girlfriend, so I definately am a satisfied customer... | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ray
a Cross Country Rider
from maryland
Date Reviewed: October 27, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Strengths: | ungodly strong frame, light weight, plain silver paint | | Weaknesses: | slow shifter, extremley hard grips, | | Similar Products Used: | diamond back super viper | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | i am 280 pounds and the bike didnt shudder when i was hitting 3 foot jumps. the frame and wheels seem very strong. the whole shifting procedure is noisy and slow and the tires are good for road riding but not the best traction in dirt. this bike is definatly worth the upgrade in components.
i just bougt this bike for 250 new but i had the option to wait for the shipments of 2003 gt avalanche 3.0 for the same price. evn though this bike was a year older im glad i got it because it is so rugged and it is a specialized.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ray m
a
from mAryland
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Strengths: | a very strong frame, plain silver not overdone, very rugged looking,
| | Weaknesses: | derailiurs and crank | | Similar Products Used: | diamomd back | | Bike Setup: | all stock | | Bottom Line: | this bike is tough, im about 230 and was hitting 3 foot jumps last night at a speedy pace and the bike was solid.
the gears shift slow and and its at the shop right now because the crank started slipping as i peddled.
overall i love the bike. for $250 i can upgrade components but the frame is definatly worth it.
4 overall chilis cause of the crank problems. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean the Monkey
a Cross Country Rider
from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Revolution Cycle | | Strengths: | Incredibly light, much lighter than my old Costco bike :P | | Weaknesses: | Sr Suntour fork is a bit of a dissapointment, would have at least hoped for something like a Judy. Some trouble shifting, rear derailleur cradle is always getting bent. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 5500 | | Bottom Line: | Very good bike if you plan on doing light recreational riding or commuter riding. The factory tires are absolute crap, and dont hold anything other than dry, clean road. If you plan on doing any dropping, upgrading the fork is a must, a 67mm Sr Suntour just doesn't cut it. I am currently looking into picking up a Specialized Enduro, this bike was quite a bit of bike for the money, but not the right bike for me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joel
a Weekend Warrior
from Long Beach, CA
Date Reviewed: March 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Wherever the bike takes me | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$330.00 | | Purchased At: | Jax | | Strengths: | Frame and PRICE! | | Weaknesses: | Fork (Suntour XCC), front derailur (Shimano acera) | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the new fork supension (Rock Shox Duke Race.) | | Bottom Line: | After years of hiatus from mountain biking, I decided to get back to into it. But this time I decided to do it smartly and not go overboard with the credit card. This is a great bike and what makes it better is that you can upgrade it with your preffered components without braking the bank. I'm slowly getting my technical skills back and am starting have a realy great time with this bike.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
urban warrior
a
from perth west australia
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | dunno | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | bicycle entreprenure | | Strengths: | wicked frame comfy seat good entry level components
adjustable front shock, disc compatible, light weight, strong rims | | Weaknesses: | front derailure, shock will need upgrading eventually
pedals arent too bad for my style but can be nasty on shins
| | Similar Products Used: | avanti hurrican
giant rincon | | Bike Setup: | stock with lizard skin and rst cappa forks with adjustable preload, 26x1.25 specialized fatboy slicks @ 90psi | | Bottom Line: | I only ride urban and this bike will do it all.
large drops, speed on tarmac, have had problems with chain suck wrapping around the front derailure and bending it out of line, its an excellent entry level hardtail with plenty of room to upgrade when need be. front derailure is a bit of a shocker and will be the first upgrade but otherwise I fully recommend this bike to those after a light strong mountian bike for urban or dirt looking to go hard | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Racer
from Lansing, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Ruby | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$319.00 | | Purchased At: | Denny's | | Strengths: | Frame is awesome, not terribly heavy and lots of upgrade potential. | | Weaknesses: | Front derailur is slow, the rear is flaky too. Front shock could use some work too. | | Similar Products Used: | trek 800, specialized stumpjumper, trek fuel | | Bike Setup: | Easton flat bar& bar ends, LX front derailur, little crap (saddle, computer, etc) | | Bottom Line: | Bike is an awesome value, I got it cause I started XC racing just as a starter bike till i could afford something better, but ill definetly keep it. After I upgrade the drivetrain and shock, not to mention some eggbeaters, this bike will rule. I can already place really well on the current setup (platforms and all). I would reccomend the bike to anyone looking for an entry level bike that can take you to any level competition if you do the right upgrades and practice. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from East Bridgewater, MA
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Barn | | Strengths: | Nice entry level ride. Rather strong frame. The bike is a good value for the price you will pay. | | Weaknesses: | The front end (fork and wheel) are rather week. They left me in the hospital for the night. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a good value for what you are paying. Do not expect an exceptional ride but for entry level riders it is a nice bike. Warning, DO NOT push this bike to its limits, it will break! | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Angelo bigguns
a Weekend Warrior
from Harrisburgh PA
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | the ones that i lead | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$330.00 | | Purchased At: | Busheys | | Strengths: | The 03 is 30 dollars cheaper than the 02, has caged pedals, better tires , much better fork suntour, and is lighter than the 02, everything else is about the same i think | | Weaknesses: | NONE ABSOLUTLEY -NADA for a 330 dollar bike | | Similar Products Used: | Stock except specialized bar ends | | Bike Setup: | If you are shopping for a bike in the 300-450 range, do yourself a favor, take your next paycheck and buy this bike!
This bike is the shiznit, it has double walled rims, even the lower model cannondales don't come with double wall rims. It could be a hair of a pu$$y lighter though, the 21 inch weighs only 27-28 pounds so it's still not bad at all. | | Bottom Line: | I puchased a diamonback topanga at dicks for 350 bucks on sale but the lady at the cashregistar screwed up, charged me 250 so I left with a smile on my face, well after seeing the 03 Hardrocks i returened the topana and spent the extra 80 bucks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dean Hepburn
a Cross Country Rider
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Eskdale | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Pedal Power | | Strengths: | Frame ,mainly.Price. I love the box shape of the frame it makes the bike look like a XC version of the P3.
| | Weaknesses: | The forks.Upgrade these as soon as possible.They left me in a lot of pain.So I upgraded to 2001 Judy C's and I'm not looking back. Pedals as well. Get SPDs. Tyres, especially if your like me and the tracks you ride is mainly wet.These tyres are for the dry. They suck in the wet, big time. | | Similar Products Used: | Avanti Mojo (It hella sucks, man) Avanti Stinger(not fond of single pivot fullys for XC) | | Bike Setup: | Deore level upgrade, Judy C fork, Wellgo clipless , Maxxis Highrollers 2.1 (very lite) | | Bottom Line: | If you are a beginner or need a bike that wont break the bank this is it.After my upgrades I really love this bike.Although it could be lighter and I'm in the search for a better seat. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Port Angeles, Washington
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Foot Hills Trail (so far) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$330.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Shop | | Strengths: | Strong huckster frame. I don't think you will find anything better in this price range. | | Weaknesses: | Derailers or just OK. Shock is springy and playfull in town, but this same trait can hurt you on a fast trail. | | Similar Products Used: | None, just BMX stuff. | | Bike Setup: | Bone stock for now. | | Bottom Line: | Great rideable bike right out of the box. Upgade the components one at a time when you can afford to do so. I ride about every other day and haven't torn anything up yet. If you break this frame, you'll likey wind up in the hospital!! For price and overall strength, I have to give it the highest rating. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Q.
a Cross Country Rider
from Yokota Air Base, Japan
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Ome, The Bowl, The Res., etc. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$190.00 | | Purchased At: | "B" Sports (second hand) | | Strengths: | Frame, tires, seat, headset, shimano rear hub, the price! approx. $190 US! bought it used for 21,000 yen. It still had the stubs on the tires, and hardly a scratch! The seatis the same as the one on my Big Hit (approx. $40) | | Weaknesses: | The components aren't top drawer, but then this is supposed to be an entry level bike. I bought it for commuting, so it'll be okay. I've never ridden a SR fork, but at least I've heard of them. | | Similar Products Used: | As far as commuter bikes go...99'Specialized A1 FS (no name brake levers)Giant ATX ($600, w/flimsy Jett fork) 97' Rockhopper (great for a rigid bike), 97'Trek 8000, 01'Haro 4.0 (that was a GREAT deal for the $$$) | | Bike Setup: | stock, Alivio(?) components, SR XCC fork, Rockster tires, etc.. | | Bottom Line: | I was selling some old bike parts and came across this bike in a Japanese second-hand sporting goods store. They gave me 9,000 yen for the parts ($75) and wanted 20,000 yen (+ tax) for the bike. So basically, this bike cost me less than $100 out-of-pocket! As I said, for a commuter bike (I don't want to ruin my Big-Hit!), this will do just fine. If it really takes a crap on me, I'll post a follow up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jose Sanchez
a Weekend Warrior
from Miami
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bear Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$349.00 | | Purchased At: | Mac Cycles | | Strengths: | Tough frame. I really tested it this weekend at bear creek. The frame can take a beating and the bike is great going down hill. | | Weaknesses: | Front de-railer takes to long to shift. Terrible for climbing up steep hills (back tire looses traction very easily. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized hard rock (hard nose and hard tail). | | Bike Setup: | Front suspension (rock shox) the rest of the bike is as it came. | | Bottom Line: | For a beginner like myself it's a good entry level bike. It can take a beating. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Douglas
a Weekend Warrior
from West Palm
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$299.00 | | Purchased At: | Boca Schwin | | Strengths: | Great frame, good components, new Alex rims are double wall and very tough, new RST fork is improvment over SunTour, very tough and stylish. Frame is light and tight. Value is this bikes middle name. | | Weaknesses: | Peddles are definitely the first to be upgraded. Should come with the Judy TT fork, Seat may need upgrade | | Similar Products Used: | Ive smashed most of them | | Bike Setup: | Stock but peddles and seat | | Bottom Line: | Get this bike if you have a $300 price-range, tough and upgraded this year, great frame can be built into a tricked out winner | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Novi, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Maybury and Island Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$360.00 | | Purchased At: | Town and Country Cyclery | | Strengths: | Good beginner entry level bike. If I knew what i do now about bikes back when I bought it, I would have saved up for a much better bike since i beat the sh*t out of this one, lol. I'm thinking about upgrading to a Giant NRS1. Good entry level RockShox Jetts (adjustable) | | Weaknesses: | Single-wall rims, went out of true quick with a few hard trail runs, consider getting double wall. Derailleurs were also entry level, which showed. Also I switched from gripshift to rapid fire for ease of use cuz i had some problems with the grip shifts breaking on me. I also upgraded the tires to WTB Velociraptors which were good on trail and GREAT in the winter time in like 2-4 inches of snow. (I love to go snow riding) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Dimmick
a Weekend Warrior
from Rayleigh, Essex, UK
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Local roads, tracks and woods | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Grips, Rayleigh, Essex, UK | | Strengths: | Style, frame, spec of bits for the price, how it rides on the road and down the tracks. Ideal first semi-serious mountain bike, with great upgrade potential. | | Weaknesses: | Seat can be uncomfortable, original grips, calf chopping pedals | | Similar Products Used: | Standard old style mountain bike - not in the same league! | | Bike Setup: | Stock except gel grips | | Bottom Line: | Really delighted with my purchase. Great service from the shop as well leaves me with total confidence that I have got a good bike. It looks such a cool bike and has knocked years off my age! Riding it on the rough tracks or road is so easy as it handles so well. Run that shock on soft to start to bed it in otherwise it can be a firm ride. Given the price and quality from stock, the bike can be upgraded over time to meet personal taste. Better pedals is my first change.
(I note it is more expensive in the UK but still very competitive over here) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan
a Downhiller
from Mississauga Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | rat-tray marsh | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Gears | | Strengths: | Frame is extremely light and durable.
Brakeing is strong and stops well.
Good bike for getting from A to B.
Can be used in all kinds of terrain an works well. | | Weaknesses: | I'm not to fond of the SR Suntor front forks...not alot of travel.
Shifting is a little slow at times | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized rockhopper
Giant yukon | | Bike Setup: | new saddel.
new front forks.....Judy tt | | Bottom Line: | This is a pretty good bike once you change the front forks...It is durable and a very light frame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Medford, OR, USA
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. Ashland so far... | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$330.00 | | Purchased At: | Sims Cycle and Fitness | | Strengths: | I love this bike soo much. As specialized puts it, " we cant explain how much stuff we put into this bike," and its entirely true. The fork and shocks are good, although my shop gave me a different fork and saddle which were a little better for no extra cost. the frame is nice and ligt-weight the shifting is fast and not "clunky" everything about it rules! | | Weaknesses: | There are none except the shocks are not Judy TT's! | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale and Giant bikes | | Bike Setup: | RST Capa TL suspension, new saddle, and new grips otherwise its stock! | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the low low cost. Get it if u need a mountain bike that works great and u dont want to put a HUGE dent into ur wallet. ITs top notch stuff! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin B.
a Weekend Warrior
from NY
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle World Plus | | Strengths: | Frame is extremely SOLID!
Light weight.
Good Components for the price.
Looks awesome.
| | Weaknesses: | Front Acera Derailleur is very slow! Be Careful!
Tires are very weak. Hardly any tread on them. Zero Traction in loose dirt.
Seat is pretty uncomfortable. | | Similar Products Used: | Demoed many bikes in this catagory. Nothing compares to this bike! NOTHING! | | Bike Setup: | Had the bike shop install Rock Shox Judy TT for the same price. Much better than the stock Suntor shocks that come with it. Topeak Saddle Pack. Specialized Computer. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is AWESOME! I tested many bikes before I bought this one and none of them came close to the feel and value of the HardRock.
The frame is light weight, very solid and looks built to last. Nice blue paint job too!
The Suntor shock that comes with the bike is not the greatest so I had the bike shop swap it out for Rock Shox Judy TT at no extra cost. Much better feel over rough terrain.
The Acera compontents are not the greatest but work up to par. Just be careful with the front deraillure. It is very slow. This will probably be one of my first upgrades.
The rear Derailuure and Brakes work well with a little fine tuning.
Some people have problems with the pedals but I have not found any myself.
If you plan on doing all off road riding you must replace the terrible tires. The have zero tread and this results in zero traction on soft dirt.
Overall, my advice to you is "GO OUT AND BUY THIS BIKE!".
For $350 you will NEVER find anything better! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeff fantuzzi
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | rockville park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | bike shop | | Strengths: | The frame is awsome. It feels solid. | | Weaknesses: | The pedals were the first thing to go. I am not a fan of plastic pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Fire Mountain, Raligh M-50, | | Bike Setup: | Factory ( except those cheap pedals ) | | Bottom Line: | If you are looking for a solid feeling bike that feels like it will last forever, then this is the bike you have been waiting for! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh Melhorn
a Weekend Warrior
from Chattanooga, TN, USA
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Edward's Point | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$360.00 | | Purchased At: | River City Bicycles | | Strengths: | The frame makes this bike | | Weaknesses: | The shocks aren't Judy TT's, but for the money they're great. I've had to take the bike in for some minor adjustments but it's only because of the new cables. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Gary Fisher, Litespeed | | Bike Setup: | Factory setup with an added Lizard Skin chainstay(A must have). Will be upgrading the pedals and in the future the fork. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the best for the money a mid-grade hardtail at or under 360 bones. I love mine | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
E.E. Man
a Weekend Warrior
from Mountain View, CA
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$325.00 | | Purchased At: | The Off Ramp | | Strengths: | Frame , handlebar. The frame is the deal maker. It's very nice. Acera components are pretty descent, but takes some adjusting to get it right. | | Weaknesses: | I am a heavy guy. 260 lbs. Was 275 when I bought this bike 3 weeks ago, and have been riding it everywhere since. Go figure. Anyways, being big puts lots of stress on the bike, and so far I busted the pedals and the rear hub body got stuck. The bike store was nice enough to replace them for free under their warranty. I am feeling a squeak from the crank now. Will take it to shop to check out tomorrow.
Also, I replaced the small BG seat the bike comes from with a nice big BG seat, and the grips with BG grips. These are things specific to me being heavy.
other things:
tires suck. I took the bike offroad, and the traction is pathetic. rear break is inadequate for me at least. Fork is descent for everyday road driving (to work), but going downhill, it's no difference from a rigid fork that I could notice.
Acera is hesitant on some shifts.
OEM pedals are crap. my foot would cover half the pedal when riding, and it would slip all the time. | | Similar Products Used: | A bike 7 years ago called Mt. Shasta. I haven't ridden a bike in 4 years. | | Bike Setup: | Stock+upgraded pedals with straps, upgraded BG grips, changed seat to Specialized BG comfort pro. (Very good seat) | | Bottom Line: | I like it. I bought a bike to get in shape and it's working.
The frame is great. Light and strong. I ride it everywhere around town. For serious offroading it will need some more upgrades, but it's definitely a good platform. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Dewar
a Weekend Warrior
from Lake Bluff Il
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | none | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | $399 | | Strengths: | I like th frame and the shocks It is a very durable bike | | Weaknesses: | back brakes and some gears | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | same as when i bought it | | Bottom Line: | I think this is a very good bike for all ages and that some of the parts on the bike could be ungrades but you dont really need too | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Racer
from england
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Beacon fell | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | buy a bike | | Strengths: | flooks, frame, seat, cranks, wheels, brakes - everything | | Weaknesses: | tires poor in boggy conditions, bottom cog sometimes jams going uphill, rear brake sometimes shoddy, original pedals were crap - all irrelevant | | Similar Products Used: | Blade freefall-got nicked, falcon escape | | Bike Setup: | free ride new pedals. plan to get new forks, bashring and new tires | | Bottom Line: | This is my first good mtb that has aloud me to ride good stuff without it breaking. It is a bargain at £300 and i reccomend it to anyone | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Marks
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Ellwood, Goleta | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Bob's | | Strengths: | Light good looking frame, strong chain, fair fork, breaks are great! | | Weaknesses: | Terrible pedals (get Wellgo or Kona), not-so-good saddle, thin tires, fork is okay but bottoms out to easily. | | Similar Products Used: | Specilized Hardrock 2001, Kona Stuff, Trek Bruiser 2, Kona Blast. | | Bike Setup: | Specilized Hardrock frame, wellgo pedals, body geometry sadlle (change if affordable), specilized grip (fox gloves) SR Suntour XCC fork. | | Bottom Line: | This is an awesome bike if you're a urban assault/dirt jumper mtb'r whose looking for a middle-class OB hardtail! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Nashville, TN, USA
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$329.00 | | Purchased At: | Nashville Bicycle Company | | Strengths: | Strong, aggressive frame. Best frame you can buy in this price range - no doubt about it. Silver finish is good looking. | | Weaknesses: | Saddle. Change it if you're going to be doing a lot of road travel. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested Raleigh M40 | | Bike Setup: | Factory design. No upgrades yet. | | Bottom Line: | I reccomend this bicycle to first-time mountain bike buyers like myself. I did extensive research in this price range and I feel I bought the best bike money could buy - for what I was willing to pay. (This bike beat out HaroV2, GiantRincon, GaryFisherWahoo, DiamondbackResponse, FujiSunfire, Trek820, RaleighM50, & KonaHahanna - on my top list. A close 2nd and 3rd place were the V2 and Hahanna respectively. The Wahoo got big points for the RockShox - however, the frame on the A1 FS stands alone in this group)
*Frame = Best part of bike!
*Fork = Thank goodness it's not a low-end Suntour - the one it comes with fits the ride of the bike well and is acceptable considering overall price of the bike. (the Comp version incl. JudyTT)
*Drivetrain = Acera seems to work well. For my level I didn't think I needed anything more. (Comp version incl. Alivio)
*Price = If anyone asks for more than $360 for this bike take your business elsewhere. For the money, this is the best bike you can buy. (I paid $329)
Note: The cheapest bike I could find that included RockShox was the Gary Fisher Wahoo. (MSRP $389) However, I was willing to sacrifice the Judy for the other [better] features the A1 FS had on it. You can always upgrade the fork. I'm tellin' ya - nothin' beats this frame!
*Buy this bike* Another perk is that Specialized makes a lot of the best gear you can find at reasonable prices. Everything from helmets to locks to accessories. (Although, don't ever over-accessorize, that's silly) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Duncan
a Cross Country Rider
from Cardiff, UK
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Afan Argoed | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Purchased At: | Somerset Cycles | | Strengths: | value for money, strong but light frame, saddle, looks | | Weaknesses: | rear brakes, front deralliuer, tyres, pedals, front forks clunky | | Bike Setup: | standard at present - upgrades to brakes (rear), rear cassette | | Bottom Line: | this is my first serious effort at mtb'ing and bought this bike on a tight budget. for someone my height (6'3") the frame is a perfect size and provides a good riding position. the standard tyres are dire and had them swapped out before buying. have had shed loads of issues with the rear brake especially and its basically constantly shot away. the front derailliuer/chain combo is as good as useless in bottom gear in wet/muddy conditions - regardless of what lube i use i get constant lock up. really need to keep constant fiddling to keep this bike in a efficient state of performance. chain link removal is on the cards. the forks are ok, but do tend to bottom out with a disturbing *thunk* on the really rough stuff. but not a problem at the moment in terms of replacing. the frame is mint and worth as much on its own as i paid for the bike so i am told. its light enough if you are big enough, but looks and feels strong and responsive. the pedals are a nightmare....do not under any circumstances have even the slightest foot slipping off incident else you will have your shins ripped to shreds!!
all in all i have been most pleased with what i have got for my money and was pleased to see after having bought it that it was rated so highly as a good entry level bike that is worth throwing some extra cash at to uprate. i have given it a serious mashing in the time i have had it and it hasnt let me down yet, although is getting to the point of needing to have some modifications about now! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a
from NJ
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$329.00 | | Purchased At: | Planet Bike | | Strengths: | frame | | Weaknesses: | Tires aren't the greatest especially when crossing streams. brakes have wore fairly quick after a day on a rough trail. gear shifting lags sometimes. saddle left my rear end sore after a long ride. | | Bottom Line: | great bike for an average rider looking for a good bike to do a little off roading or even street riding. definitely needs some mods to be a great off road bike though. definitely needs better brakes and tires. some people have said the suspension isn't great, but i havn't had any complaints about it. works well for what i do. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
blake
a Downhiller
from schaumburg
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | bike shop | | Strengths: | the frame kicks butt for the cost. really a sharp looking and handling bike for a hardtail priced so reasonably. | | Weaknesses: | handlebars are not my preference, forks need some tweeking to get thee right feel for the rider | | Similar Products Used: | diamondback topanga | | Bottom Line: | i researched mtb's forever after my last one was stolen (diamondback topanga, which i loved) and have to admit i had never heard of "specialized". i am pretty ignorant to namebrand, only knowing the really popular ones from back in the day. i prefer to sit on something that feels right to ride. i really wanted to get my old bike back, but considering the fact that that wasn't going to happen, i had to try something new. bottom line, i have found a bike that has made me very happy to ride again. i really hate the new style of mtb handlebars and replaced mine immediately with a sweet straight bar by sirrus. the forks are going next and then i might be able to forget about my old bike completly. i really recommend this bike to anyone who wants a quality product at a reasonable cost. there are some upgrades that can be made, but that's rider specific. overall i'd give it at least a nine on a one to 10 scale. this frame has some great potential and a great look. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian H
a Racer
from Calgary,Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Downhill | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$375.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | the frame,bars,cranks,everything about this bike | | Weaknesses: | the suntour fork,pedals, | | Similar Products Used: | konas | | Bike Setup: | 2001 z5 100mm,victor flat pedals,race face grips | | Bottom Line: | the bike kicks ass. its amazing, i would replace the shock,pedals, the seat if your always sitting down. the rims are ok and the tires you could get better. i am getting a 2.7 on the front and a 2.5 in the rear they come with xc 2.1 with no treads. but all around good bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joffy
a Weekend Warrior
from n.attleboro ma 02760
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | the one with rocks and dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$387.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike shop | | Strengths: | strong frame great handeling,easy shifting, the bike loves jumps and lots of mud.
| | Weaknesses: | it takes a little bit to get the right fork adjustment,tire's
there's no meat.rims forget it. | | Similar Products Used: | gt | | Bike Setup: | a little over stock | | Bottom Line: | I'm about 225 and this bike is so easy to jump go thrue mud I love it I ride about 40 miles a week and for all the abuse I have dished out to this machine it has not failed me yet, great price,great bike go get it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a
from Mashpee, Ma
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anything good | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$360.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Zone | | Strengths: | The frame is pretty strong and can take a beating. Also it is a good bike fo jumping and climbing if set up with the right tires. The components are also nice. | | Weaknesses: | The Sr Suntour shock is not very nice. It is stiff when it is cold and it bottoms out in the heat all the time. Other than that is the bike very nice. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing | | Bottom Line: | The bike is awesome for the amount you pay for it. It is a good trail bike and also good for just a ride around town.
The components are ok and the fork is for city use. Basically i am rating the bike without the fork. If you want a nice fork get a Marzocchi bomber, a Noleen downhill or a Rock shox Sid. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alan
a Racer
from chisago city mn
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | cycle and skate | | Strengths: | good bike for the money good frame lightweight looks good good head set godly fast handles the trails right | | Weaknesses: | pedals have carbon fiber in the middle replace these and the derailer is prone to gets sticks in and break it iv had to replace 3 at 60.00 each and i bought it for 368.00 and now its almost 600 dollars needs more travel or rock shox | | Similar Products Used: | trek 220 haro v1 | | Bike Setup: | stock exxept seat shocks and new pedals. | | Bottom Line: | this is an awesome bike takes what ever you throw at it it thrashes its an very good handling bike too. get this bike it goes though anything but is a machine and is not indistrucktible but will hold up through preetty much anything. good bike i love it | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Repton
a Weekend Warrior
from NY, USA
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$330.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Shop | | Strengths: | The best frame out there for the money. Decent brakes and headset. | | Weaknesses: | Shocks are not the greatest but good for the money. Shifters are ok but would move to Deore later. The tires come stock with tread that looks like its been riden for 6 months allready. | | Similar Products Used: | Marin, K2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is simply the best bike out there for the money. The frame is worthy of upgrades. If you are just starting out or do not have a lot of cash to spend then this bike should definately be looked at. It's tough, durable, and fun to ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Elmira, NY
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$339.00 | | Purchased At: | Hillside Bikes | | Strengths: | What can I say about the frame? Looks great. Must see in person. Any 2D pictures of the frame can't do it justice. I researched this bike for 2 weeks before buying it (specialized website, this page, etc.) ,but once I saw it in person it was a totally different bike. Looks like it should be a higher end bike. | | Weaknesses: | I am 185 lbs. and feel little difference between Suntour suspension fork and a rigid fork on heavily ridden trails. It seems to me the fork has little travel at the lowest setting. The Rockster tires are not impressive in tread pattern or appearence for that matter (look like toys). | | Similar Products Used: | Upgraded from an early model of GT timberline (rigid fork), 2001 GT Aggressor 2.0, 2002 Mongoose full-suspension | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | When comparing the Aggressor's fork (Rock Shox Jett) to the Hardrock fork (SR Suntour xcc) I would rather have the Jetts. Too little suspension with the Suntours ,but I will say the Jetts bottom out harder than the suntours (most likely because they travel better). The frame is a must see. To see a frame of that style is like observing art. If your concerned about the frame cracking in half try not to run full speed into trees. Other than that I see no problems. If it's your idea of fun to crash into trees the frame has a 5 year warranty. Componant-wise it's great for the price. The saddle can be a touch uncomfortable ,but it's not terrible. The only reason I won't give it a 5 for overall is the forks. Then again to get any suspension with this bike for the price is worth it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Spike
a Cross Country Rider
from Tampa, FL
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Santos | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | UBC | | Strengths: | Lightweight, inexpensive, good brakes. | | Weaknesses: | Shock and gears | | Similar Products Used: | Swhinn DSX, GT agressor | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Bike hasn't shifted right since I bought a couple days ago. Took it in for adjustment and they couldn't even fix it. Bike is the best ride I've been on for the price, but if I crack my nuts one more time because the gears slip and specialized dosen't do something to fix them. (the gears not my nuts) It's going back to the store for good. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Washington DC USA
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Pro Shop | | Strengths: | frame is relatively light for price but seems pretty strong, climbs really well; decent components for price; beefy tires ride well | | Weaknesses: | fork isn't too smooth, doesn't adjust too well, and can be bottomed pretty easily; saddle is really uncomfortable | | Similar Products Used: | first mountain bike, but i rode trek 4300/4500 and gary fisher mamba | | Bike Setup: | stock except for toe clips, eventually i plan on swapping out the fork and adding a suspension seatpost | | Bottom Line: | i'm very happy with it overall and feel that it's worthy of upgrades; best entry level hardtail i could find (around $300), the comp version might be worth the extra $100 or so if you plan on swapping the suntour fork out eventually anyway (it comes with a judy tt) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kurt
a Cross Country Rider
from Manhattan, KS
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Carnahan | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Pathfinder | | Strengths: | Very rigid frame, fairly light for the price, great rims, good shifters, very upgradable, one sexy looking bike | | Weaknesses: | not the smoothest drivetrain, front fork is heavy and has little adjustment | | Similar Products Used: | first real mountain bike, BMX: Schwinn Predator | | Bike Setup: | new rear derailleur, hanger, and chain;
toe clips, Specialized Ground Control tires | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. I ride it mostly on the trails, but I also love riding it around town. I think this bike is the best bang for the buck. Competely trashed by rear derailleur, hanger, and chain when a very small twig got caught in one of my cogs. I have been told that this would have happend with any other bike. Front shock really has loosened up over the last month. I would recommed this bike to anyone who wants a great entry level bike with a great price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam
a
from Port Angeles, Washington USA
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$275.00 | | Strengths: | It is very tough. It handles and corners awesome. Climbs great. | | Weaknesses: | The only thing that might be a problem is the front fork. Only because it has almost no travel. But at least it doesn't break. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant pieco of crap Rincon | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | It is a great bike and a screamin deal. I would reccommend this bike to anyone. Specialized is great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Marshall
a Weekend Warrior
from Irving
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Grape Vine | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$195.00 | | Purchased At: | yahoo Classifieds | | Strengths: | Best Bike for the Money !!! - This will allow a beginner or someone with a budget to get into mountain bikeing. The frame is a Great Value, so you can upgrade the componants piece by peice. I would Start with the front suspension.
Good craftsmanship. Dont forget your still getting a Specialized for around $300 Bones | | Weaknesses: | NONE for price | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose, Diamondback, Wallmart Trash. | | Bike Setup: | Stock - Except XT Crank, Rock Shox SID Carbon (Cost More than Bike) and Monkey Bars. | | Bottom Line: | The Bottom line is this...Great Bike, Great Price.
If you need more bike pay more money - Period. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joe lidbury
a Weekend Warrior
from missoula, mt.
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Big sky cyclery | | Strengths: | Awsome frame---fairly light | | Weaknesses: | stem, handlebar is too wide---rockshox would be nice | | Similar Products Used: | schwinn moab | | Bike Setup: | stock--for now! | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the money. I'm only planning to make minor changes to it when the cash flow comes around: stem, handlebar, front fork. I'll probabley leave the components stock until they break or are worn out. The bottom line is that it's a great bike to get you going. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ben
a Cross Country Rider
from portland ME
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | river side, ogunquat, everything in maine, a lot of urban | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | dunno | | Strengths: | it was first bike ive had in 5 years, first mountain bike, its a good bike for a first timer although it deffinatly needs to be upgraded to perform very well | | Weaknesses: | the shifters and all the components werent very good, i had to get a new seat in order not to sterilize myself. broke the frame in half | | Similar Products Used: | gt aggressor, my new bike the tassajara | | Bike Setup: | it was stock but i dont have it anymore | | Bottom Line: | within about three months i had snapped the frame in two places after i dropped a cliff (it cracked my handle bar aswell). it was an ok bike, good for a beginner whos into trail riding thats not to technical. doesnt hold up well for freeriding. for the guy who uses it half on the road to get places and half for simple paths and trails. but hey you get what you pay for | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jimmy
a Weekend Warrior
from Birmingham,Al USA
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$340.00 | | Strengths: | Price, double wall rims,weight | | Weaknesses: | BB, headset,front derailleur | | Similar Products Used: | none, first bike | | Bike Setup: | stock 'cept toe clips,thudbuster,and sks xtra dry rear mud guard. | | Bottom Line: | This is my very first bike. Within the first two months, the bottom bracket went bad, and the headset soon followed.
Both were covered so it really didn't matter. The front derailleur hasn't shifted right yet. It doesn't like to shift from first to second and refuses to go from second to third.
I keep hearing about problems with the forks. It wouldn't be fair of me to rate them as this is my very first bike with front suspension. I can say that at speed on rocky surfaces, I cannot even see where I'm going. If a new shock would alleviate this, then I'm gonna have to start looking.
All in all I would reccomend this bike, but buy it locally so that sevice problems can be dealt with in a timely manner. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Tonge
a Weekend Warrior
from Lanscashire
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Blue Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | Leisure Lakes (at Preston) | | Strengths: | The frame is really good and doesn't isn't heavy at all. | | Weaknesses: | The forks are a big tud of lard and I wouldn't spit on them if they were on fire. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Aggressor | | Bike Setup: | New pedals, Haro Bikes Big Blocks (because I do street riding and jumping as well), and Rock Shox Judy XC 01'. | | Bottom Line: | It is a great bike that is light and strong as well. The forks let it down but i got some new ones so the bike is perfect. I'm going to upgrade the parts on my bike, but use the other parts for a bit. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Hutchins
a Weekend Warrior
from Ford, West Sussex, England
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Whiteways, South of england | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | www.Leisure-lakes.com | | Strengths: | very good frame and componentry for the price, riding position is effecient and frame style is quite hardcore. | | Weaknesses: | Cheap fork, mostly unbranded componentry and no crud catcher bosses (for all you british people out there). oh, and the frame was made in Taiwan. | | Similar Products Used: | kona Hahanna 2002 alu frame. | | Bike Setup: | it wasnt set up brilliantly so it would be unfair on kona for me to comment | | Bottom Line: | i Love it!!!!!!!! its soo hardcore(ish) and just great fun to ride.
Loads of great reviews from all the mags ive read ('MBUK' and 'what Mountain bike') | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
emmanuel lewis
a Cross Country Rider
from tampa, fl, usa
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | belleview | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$360.00 | | Purchased At: | UBC | | Strengths: | stiff frame. light for the price | | Weaknesses: | the doo doo fork. heavy and only seems to absorb big bumps | | Similar Products Used: | gt aggressor, talera. | | Bike Setup: | stock. except briggs n stratton 16 hp engine. | | Bottom Line: | great bike for the money. just get rid of the fork however possible. just take it off and wheelie all over if you have to. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Porth Jr
a Weekend Warrior
from West Allis, Wisconsin
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | John Muir | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$329.00 | | Purchased At: | Allis Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Extremely durable, Adjustable suspension for a slim cost, slim overall cost and medium range parts. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback | | Bike Setup: | Stock Config with Rock Shox Fork(tossed in free when i purchased) | | Bottom Line: | Ive rode this bike through snow, rain, mud, over logs thru brush and awfully dam close to cliffs and it never has given me a problem.
Extremely easy to handle and fairly light for bikes in this price range.
Great starter bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William McKibben
a Weekend Warrior
from Haverhill, MA USA
Date Reviewed: February 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Harold Parker State Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$329.00 | | Purchased At: | Buchika's | | Strengths: | Strong, tough | | Weaknesses: | Standard grip shifts too long | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose | | Bike Setup: | great components | | Bottom Line: | If you want a great bike that will stand up to peddling over logs, racing through mud puddles and climbing rock ledges without breaking the bank then this is your bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nik Wood
a Weekend Warrior
from Yorks, England
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Haven't got one yet | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Guisbrough | | Strengths: | I compared this to a 2001 FS Pro HardRock at 75$ (£50) more - here are my views on it's comparison :
The 2002 FS :-
Looks superb
Rides as well as the better spec model
Is about as light as it
Has a fantastic frame and looks for the price | | Weaknesses: | Gears a bit clunky when changing | | Similar Products Used: | A fifteen year old racer !! | | Bike Setup: | Standard | | Bottom Line: | Buy it if you do road/trail rides ...
It's so good looking I don't want to get it dirty ! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Taylor Rudd
a Downhiller
from "Phat"ville Arkansas
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | my secret domain | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Highrollers Cyclery | | Strengths: | Lightweight. Decent frame. Nice breaks, shifts well. Smooth ride. Nice frame, very sturdy...looks aerodynamic (sp?). | | Weaknesses: | Shocks. They'll work for a little while, but they definitely need to be replaced within oh...6 months or whatever your budget allows. | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh, Trek, Royce Union | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price. From what i understand, this model has the same parts as last years $450 model, but for $100 less (just in case you're looking for a deal). My plan with this bike is to build my knee back up to strength, upgrade most of the parts, then get a new full suspension frame (over the course of a year or two). If you're looking at getting into mountain biking then do what i'm doing and upgrade the parts and frame later. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gabo Suarez
a Cross Country Rider
from Miami, Florida
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Markham Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Downtown Bicycles | | Strengths: | Its light for what it costs. It has very good components, also for the price. IF the pedals are replaced the bike is amazing | | Weaknesses: | The pedals are very flat. The shifters a bit slow and the handlebar is somewhat too wide. | | Similar Products Used: | Pacific TimberTrail, GT Rebound, Specialized Stumpjumber | | Bike Setup: | New pedals with cage. New Specialized PC. New water cage. | | Bottom Line: | The bike takes you much farther than any Kmart or Walamart piece of crap, and you will look good in the new designed frame. The seat is super confortable and super flexible. The brakes are perfect for some what hard trails. Also the fork is well chosen for the bike, but I admit a RockShox would be better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
F Mack
a Cross Country Rider
from Scotland
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | still looking! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$370.00 | | Purchased At: | Edinburgh bike co | | Strengths: | Throwable frame geometry with quality componentry on this price of bike.Once tweaked to your style this bike performs on single track and is comfortable on tarmac. | | Weaknesses: | The fork supplied is a ridiculously heavy coil spring/elastomer job which upsets the balance of the bike and does little to dampen the hits. | | Similar Products Used: | accesories | | Bike Setup: | As standard. | | Bottom Line: | It's a goody, Specialized have taken a proven design and improved it by redesigning the whole thing. The new square to oval frame tubing creates a stiff resposive and strong platform and the level of componentry is unequalled elsewhere. The bad forks will have to go soon , but I'm having fun finding it's limits. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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