Submitted by
Kristina Attwood
a Cross Country Rider
from Townsville, QLD, Australia Date Reviewed: January 21, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Townsville's not bad in that department
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Xtreme Cycles - Perth, WA
Strengths:
(Paid $900 Aud, purchased 2 at the time - one for my Husband) - His bike hasn't had much use (virtually nill off road) and it's still like new! Still looks great after 5yrs. No dramas in the time I've had it. Light for it's componentry. Wheels have stayed true as! Apart from scratches & paint chips seems to fare well in minor stacks.
Weaknesses:
Judy TT could be better. 0deg rise stem makes it so much better for riding up hills & generally found the position better on trails. Don't seem to have much control on downhills. Seatpost all scratched from moving it up and down.
Similar Products Used:
Purchased this over the Giant Iguana. This is my first real bike! Had Dunlop (Kmart) bikes in the past which tended to get stolen alot!
Bike Setup:
Panaracer Fire XC tyres Bullet 0deg rise stem (would like to get a riser bar to see if that makes much difference to riding position and feel) Womens BG Saddle with Ti rails. Candy C Pedals Recently replaced wheel bearings & next service will need a new chain & cassette.
Bottom Line:
90% of the time I ride on trails (or anywhere near my place that is off road really - I like to explore). The bike has probably had 2.5 yrs hard riding with a couple of years rest (due to popping out a couple of kids, so just getting back into it more now that the kids are older). But anyway it has been great during all that time, components are only now starting to wear, and perhaps I've becomed more able or accustomed to mtb riding as I am more & more noticing the lack of performance when it comes to the Judy TT. In future it will be hard to let this bike go, but rather than upgrading I reckon I would buy a newie, Definitely consider specialized again, along with the likes of Norco, Avanti(maybe), Giant.
Great Bike, Great Value For Money, I think it's pretty light for the componentry it comes with. So I would say excellent for entry level XC and Commuting.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JJ Evans
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada, Ontario, Toronto Date Reviewed: July 20, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Hardwood Hills
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$425.00
Strengths:
Everything for the price i paid for it 425 cdn.
Weaknesses:
The when often becomes unalligned and rubs against the frame. JUdy tt.....need i say more? but its alirght for a beginner.
Similar Products Used:
hardrock comp (2003)
Bike Setup:
Stock except Rock Shox Sid race
Bottom Line:
Amazing for the price. Quality unlike any other. Frame will outlive you and your children.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
crevis
a Cross Country Rider
from altrincham cheshire england Date Reviewed: December 10, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$430.00
Purchased At:
northwest mountain bikes
Strengths:
great all rounder for the cash you have to lay out.ive done a bit of xc and dh and the bike still goes well,quality frame that also looks good...
Weaknesses:
forks and chain are crap,the whole bike is a bit on the heavy side.some of the componants will need to be replaced soon.
Bike Setup:
marzocci mxc forks, easton ea 50 bars,continental tyres 2.1,the rest is standard.
Bottom Line:
GET SOME WEIGHT OFF! air forks and some decent tyres have made this bike so much more fun to ride,the stem and seat post are for the chop next,then the wheels,this will then bring the weight down to a reasonable level, the frame on this bike is so good you can upgrade the componants as and when you can afford them,you will then have one fantastic bike, and it wont have cost you an arm and a leg,it wont get 10 out of 10 from me because you have to spend a bit more cash later,that said you can upgrade the componants and build a fantastic bike,then you can throw your self down hills and know even if you never ride again your bike will........
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a
from Frankfort, KY, USA Date Reviewed: September 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Vicious Cycle
Strengths:
Great value, good frame, decent fork, drivetrain components are holding up fine, brakes work well, comfortable seat, looks purty.
Weaknesses:
The fork makes annoying springy sounds each time it compresses; Rock Shox says it's normal. Rims a bit sketchy, and tires are terrible in mud.
I have to admit, I got a heck of a deal on this bike. It was a leftover, and they were getting rid of it. However, I would be happy with it if I'd paid retail. It's a great bike for what I use it for (a mix of commuting to class, driving on paved trails, and singletrack), and has held up commendably well. I'm impressed with the drivetrain components, everything has worked fine, with few adjustments needed so far. Overall, a very good beginner's bike...and, with some new components, a good advanced bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Olivier
a Downhiller
from Calgary Alberta Canada Date Reviewed: July 26, 2002
Favorite Trail:
sammy's new chanter
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
the bike shop
Strengths:
It's good for cross crountry although not too good for downhill, obviously. shifters are pretty good, brakes work when u need them too. its a fairly strong frame.
Weaknesses:
the tires r too slim, needs a better fork, the rims r too week, i bend them almost everytime i go riding, the pedals slip too much.
Similar Products Used:
muni-mula from kona, much better
Bottom Line:
its not a bike u wanna go hard on. well build for cross country, good strong frame, gude lookin bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
alex
a
from the freakin' hot'n'humid southeast Date Reviewed: June 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
the happy trail ;-)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$475.00
Strengths:
Value; strength; balance; upgradeability.
Weaknesses:
Drivetrain slips in the wet; paint chips easily.
Similar Products Used:
This is effectively my first real bike.
Bike Setup:
Stock: Shimano Alivio; Judy TT fork; Body Geometry saddle; Alexi rims; etc Mods: Nashbar clipless pedals; Nashbar straight handlebar with bar-ends; Cateye Enduro 2; Kryptonite rear rack & ULock; blinky at night; coupla bottle cages, a frame pump and wedge bag with tools and tube.
Bottom Line:
I'm pretty d@mn happy with it. Can't imagine how much better it can get (though I know it can) but it's a great first bike.
I've got mine set up for commuting, though I do take it out to trails of up to moderate difficulty without any problem. And despite my being a big guy, it's held up to what I think is reasonably heavy pounding on the trails, through mud and rain and dust and gravel and whatnot.
Sooner or later, if I stick with this biking thing, I suppose I'll be looking for the next hot ride but I can see keeping this forever as an allpurpose beater bike/commuter/grocery-getter.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike rikey
a Weekend Warrior
from germany Date Reviewed: May 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
türingen mountains
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
good looking bike rock shoxs brakes
Weaknesses:
sloppy front derailer tyers are for road use only
Similar Products Used:
trek 4500
Bottom Line:
if you want a mountain bike do not buy this its for road use, for a bit less you can buy the trek 4500 its a "mountain bike" i ride up and down mountains all day and the trek is great, ok if i had more money then i would buy a cannondale but i dont so if your like me and a bit poor get the trek and dont belive what people say about the seat there poof,s
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Igor
a
from MA Date Reviewed: February 24, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$490.00
Purchased At:
Salem Cycle
Strengths:
Light frame, well equipped, good geometry
Weaknesses:
See the bottom line
Similar Products Used:
GT Avalanche, Trek 820
Bottom Line:
Yeah, pretty well equipped bike, not too expensive. I replaced some parts on it: wheels(to rhyno lites),V brakes(to disc hydrolics), Rock Shox fork, handlebar(profile disign), stem(to KORE aheadlite), tires(TIOGA)- and now it's my BABY! I like it. I'm using it for ...........trials! I would recommend 2001-02 model. It has another geometry and it's more for agressive riding which I prefer. You can use it even for freeride!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Russell
a
from Washington Date Reviewed: January 31, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$510.00
Strengths:
the frame held up...
Weaknesses:
not good for hard riding. ive had to replace a few rims, my brakes (pads, calipers, and cables), the stock shimano diore derailer, and i had to get a brand new crankset. i say had to becaus all of these parts bent or broke.
Bottom Line:
after i put higher quality components on it, it was a great bike. it wasnt the right bike for me when i got it, but it grew into me. it wasnt made for the harder riding or the punishment i gave it, but the frame is still in peak condition, even if the rest isnt.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dylan
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Albert, Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: January 7, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Capalano River Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
Revolution Cycle
Strengths:
This Bike is great...unless you bring it near mud. It's light, quick and virtually flawless in dry conditions.
Weaknesses:
The stock tires are the worst component of this bike. In mud they instantly clog with mud and you're left with no traction. The drivetrain also performs poor in muddy condtions, but this can be fixed with some white lightning in most cases. I think clipless pedals should've been stock as well.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Caldera '99 and 2000
Bike Setup:
Threw on some Richey Logic Clipless and some specialized bar ends, I also picked up a cheap headlight for night rides.
Bottom Line:
A great bike for the price. I'd recommend it to anyone new to the sport.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James R
a Weekend Warrior
from Issaquah Washington Date Reviewed: December 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Issaquah SKi and Cycle
Strengths:
YOU CANT EVER GO BAD WITH A SPECIALIZED! So far, i have everything specialized and io love it all!
Weaknesses:
Hmmmmm, a little paint has chipped? Lets see, ummm, it dosnt have a self chain luber, but what does=) I popped a tire once, but i went really fast (and im a big guy) into a curb, kinda leaving out the hopping part =) Lets see, hmmmmm, ya thats all i guess! How wonderfull!
Similar Products Used:
I dont care they were all crap compared to this! Well okay, the guy i talked to when i was deciding between this and gary fischer (before i had ridden) said the Garyt was the lexuas and the speacilized was the Explorer, i agree. I HATED THE FISCHER, hey maybe its made by fisher price? LOL, now im rambling!
Bike Setup:
This christmas hopefully= Some nice Egg Beaters with Specialized shoes, some long fingered gloves (its allways cold here! lol) CamelBak MULE (100oz.=) and cordless comp
Bottom Line:
Okay its still great! I still dont get out on trails often but im getting in shape, mainly go on road. But i could never think of going on road with a road bike, ewwwww lol!
Hmmmmmmmm........i can only give it a five? That sux, they need to be able to give it a 6/5, i mean an A is above average but its the best you can do right?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jereme
a Weekend Warrior
from Bellingham, WA Date Reviewed: December 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Long Trail--Winter Park, CO
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Wheat Ridge Cycles, Denver CO
Strengths:
Light (for my needs), fast, handles great. Shocks do the job. Frame is sturdy for its weight. Reasonably priced. Gears shift nice except in wet, cruddy conditions.
Weaknesses:
Gears shift nice and fast, but drivetrain slips and chain locks when I go up hills in wet, cruddy conditions. Haven't quite located the problem yet, but it seems to be caught between gears in the rear derailleur and happens whether I'm shifting or not. It is REALLY irritating because it completely screws up my rhythm, especially on very technical trails. Also, although frame is good, the paint is starting to chip. Admittedly, I ride it really hard and could have chipped it taking it on and off of my bike rack, but it seems to chip a little too easily. Nothing some spot painting can't fix though.
Similar Products Used:
Treks, Giants and Schwinn's in similar price range.
Bike Setup:
Currently everything is stock as mentioned in the description above, except for bar ends and Shimano clipless pedals. The components are great for my needs right now, but I may upgrade later. If the problem I'm having with shifting is related to the rear derailleur, I may end up replacing that.
Bottom Line:
I was tired of trying to do technical trails in my heavy, old steel Novarra which I had upgraded with cheap shocks and mtb. tires so I decided to buy a new mtn. bike. I wanted a good quality bike, but didn't have much cash to spend. This bike was the perfect solution. An awesome price for the quality. I can do some pretty technical trails and feel perfectly comfortable. The only thing that holds me back when biking with riders with fancier more expensive bikes is my own technical skills. Once I get better I know this bike will keep up with the others just fine. The only problem is the above mentioned difficulty I'm having with shifting in wet, muddy conditions. This really is a great bike for the money. I've ridden it a lot and very hard. It still pretty much behaves like it's brand new. I haven't tried racing with it yet, but it seems pretty light to me and I have no problem picking up speed quickly when I want. I should be able to upgrade easily. I'll probably keep this bike for as long as the frame lasts, which I'm betting will be a long time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
florinda
a
from como Date Reviewed: October 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
alpi lombarde
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1200000.00
Purchased At:
longoni
Strengths:
telaio, forcella, estetica, cambio deore
Weaknesses:
peso
Similar Products Used:
nessuno
Bike Setup:
bambolina barbie sul manubrio ;-)!!!!
Bottom Line:
Da quando uso questa bici,la mia abilità in fuoristrada è migliorata molto! la bici è molto reattiva, frena benissimo e solamente ogni tanto il cambio è un po' brusco nella sua azione. gran bella bici per i soldi spesi anche se potrebbe pesare un pò meno di 14 kg per la taglia 15,5". E' un affare soprattutto rispetto alle concorrenti!! Ciao
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from UK Date Reviewed: September 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Forest Fawr, South Wales
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$430.00
Purchased At:
edinburghbicycle.com
Strengths:
solid frame, looks good, strong wheels, great tyres.
Weaknesses:
too heavy for racing.
Bike Setup:
as standard but with flat bars, bar ends and crud catcher.
Bottom Line:
it's a great first mountain bike. for £430 you get a frame you can stick loads of upgrades on. it's not designed for hard XC riding, but i do anyway ;-), it handles all the abuse i give it, but too heavy for serious racing which is why my next bike is a stumpjumper M4. i bought mine from edinburghbicycle.com and they set it up really well. ready to ride!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Washington, USA Date Reviewed: September 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Anything (preferably not to steep =)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Issaquah Ski and Cycle
Strengths:
Cheap,good when upgraded!!!!!
Similar Products Used:
Trek, Gary Fischer (Big Sir and some other one), and the Rockhopper 01 Comp w/ disc (was too expensive!!!!!)
Bike Setup:
Upgraded...see below
Bottom Line:
I bought this baby on clearnence heavely upgraded. Some of the upgrades included: shifters, chain parts, up to Rock Shox. Maybe more? I dont know a lot but would soon like to. Ive had this one day but hey? I love it. I dont know a lot so sorry for the untechnical terms and not exactly knowing all the upgrades but....I dont know how much it normally goes for but i got the last one and on clearence. O ya...the brakes are upgraded...still standard V-brakes but nice ones. Im a newb at mountain biking...main reason is my last bike was 15" and (this is a 19") i would like to get into it more so... Its pretty light and good all around. Sence im not expearienced i cant say if its good for pros ect. but its a good beginners. Ill post again in a few months and its broken in!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jared Davies
a Cross Country Rider
from Orlando, FL Date Reviewed: September 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
little big econ
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Orange Cycle Orlando
Strengths:
2002 model has a frame built to last. Very heavy duty, but still a few lbs less than Schwinn Mesa. Brakes are very powerful. Rock Shox Judy TT performs well... even as a pogo stick... Drive train is pretty solid, haven't had any slipping. Stock seat (specialized men's comp model) is actually pretty comfortable.
Weaknesses:
Haven't really ran into any of them yet. I will say that the tubeless tire design may be a bit of a downer in sandy areas... I'll know more soon. Also, the linear pull breaks are a pain in the a** to disconnect for pulling off the front tire. I'm a fan of center pull brakes for their ease of disconnection in tire removal.
Similar Products Used:
Many bikes in this price range (Schwin , Trek ,etc)
Bike Setup:
2002 model, stock setup (this site doesn't have a review setup for 2002 model yet)
Bottom Line:
A lot(!!!) of bike for the money. Frame and shock will take more abuse than you can dish (unless you typically ride off of cliffs). If you're looking for a good entry level bike between $450-$600 this would be the one that I suggest.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: August 30, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$440.00
Purchased At:
Revolution Cycle
Strengths:
The frame is well designed and pretty light. The Shimano drivetrain shifts great and the EZ Fire shifters and way better than any type of grip shift. Just pull the trigger and it shifts right away with hardly a sound. Even in the middle of a steep hill you can shift without it complaining much. The RockShox Judy is a great fork and I like the adjustable damping. The decals and paint are all well done and make the bike look awesome.
Weaknesses:
I was riding around the other day and I heard a rattle in my front rim. I figured I must have got a loose spoke, but all it was is that the reflector had come loose. :-) That's the only weakness- a loose reflector.
Similar Products Used:
Nakamura FS 9000, Sportek Tempest, a $5 stunt bike that fell apart
Bike Setup:
Shimano Alivio and Acera shifters. RockShox Judy TT Jett front suspension fork (80mm).
Bottom Line:
This is an awesome bike with great quality parts, a light and strong aluminum frame, and even the RockShox Judy TT- all at a great price. I got mine on sale, but even the regular price isn't bad for a bike like this.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darren
a Cross Country Rider
from St Paul, MN USA Date Reviewed: August 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Giant's Ridge
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$529.00
Purchased At:
Erik's
Strengths:
Frame, fork, seat, color, rapid fire shifters
Weaknesses:
Entire drive train-especially the crankset. Sucks sucks sucks. Horrible. Nightmare. Awful. Chain suck was so bad that even with a chain suck attachment I went through three chains and two cranksets in three weeks. The bike came with a rotten stock chain and ate TWO SRAM PS58s. Eight return visits to the shop in that time became so painful that I demanded a new bike. Upgraded to a Rockhopper A1 FS. Excellent choice it would appear, but I've only had it two days. I haul my bikes on a trailer hitch rack, and the paint job was trashed after about 5 trips in spite of careful attempts to protect it from rubbing against my wife's bike. The front rim went out of round after my first dirt ride. I hated this bike so much I wanted to throw it off a cliff, but couldn't find one in Minnesota. I think that the Rockhopper frame is more responsive. Wish that I had started with that bike instead. The Alivio front derailleur stinks big time too. Never did shift right in spite of eight trips back to the shop.
Similar Products Used:
1994 Diamondback Topanga, 1994 Diamondback Sorrento--both of which were vastly superior in terms of the drive train.
Bike Setup:
Added USE Schock Post (the second one I have purchased. These things are awesome) and rear rack for expedition riding in northwoods.
Bottom Line:
The Forearm crankset, front derailleur and chain are worthless. Upgrade immediately, or don't buy this bike. After switching to the Rockhopper, I think the frame geometry of the Hardrock isn't so good, though it does sit you upright for a nice view of the trail. I think that it is worth being extra careful when buying a Specialized bike to assure yourself that the crankset isn't defective. I learned my lesson. I got a lemon, or it was possessed by a poltergeist, or something.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Arsonist101
a
from UT, USA Date Reviewed: July 11, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Bingham
Strengths:
Frame is awesome Fork, not bad Decent components
Weaknesses:
have to watch shifting on front heavy entry level components Rims are kinda weak
Similar Products Used:
Mesa GSX, Trek 8??, Homegrown
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Not a bad bike, good for entry or intermediate riders, components are nice for the price, but a little heavy. Fork is nice but again HEAVY, 4.4 pounds if I remember correctly.
Frame is killer, its stiff, and strong enough to ride hard.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Philip
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte Date Reviewed: June 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Cernal Betty park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$575.00
Purchased At:
Bike Source
Strengths:
The bike is great for the price. For people like me that are on a budget its perfect. The features that it comes stock with aren't XTR but not to shabby.
Weaknesses:
It comes with platform pedles. They should at least put toe clips on. So now i hav Shimano PD M 858 pedals.
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Mesa GSX, Fuji 200
Bike Setup:
i hate stupid questions
Bottom Line:
This bike will give you more for the money! Its a great bike for the price. I did a lot of looking around before I bought this bike and I didn't find any other bikes like this for the price. You should buy this bike. Everyone who can't just go out and spend a grand on a bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jim
a
from ne Date Reviewed: June 26, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$550.00
Strengths:
fram, fork, 8spd, shifting, ride, ability to upgrade
Similar Products Used:
most bikes around $500
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
This is a great ride. I set a budget and went out to buy the best bike for the money. I looked at all the major brands. The frame and fork combination led the price range. Good components add value. I'm keeping it stock unless something breaks. However, the ability to upgrade when the time comes was why I bought the A1 Comp FS over the A1 FS.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alan Wong
a Weekend Warrior
from Staten Island, NY USA Date Reviewed: May 31, 2001
Favorite Trail:
High Rock
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$570.00
Strengths:
The frame is very responsive and stiff. Tough enough to ride hardcore.
Weaknesses:
The heavy weight of the entry level components. I upgraded the fork, seat, handlebars, tires, stem and brake levers.
This is a great entry level bike. I have enjoyed my Hardrock A1 Comp for a few months now. Nice component selection. Very upgradeable. I do everything on this bike, XC, DH, even light street hucking!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scooter
a Weekend Warrior
from Murrieta, CA Date Reviewed: May 18, 2001
RockShox Judy TT fork, Shimano Deore/Alivio derailleurs, Body Geometry Seat, Shimano Rapid Fire Shifters, Time ATAC clipless pedals (my add-on)
Bottom Line:
A great bike for the money. Good for the beginner/intermediate mountain biker that can't afford the top-o-the-line bike. Strong and light frame, no worries about breaking anything. I ride about 2-3 times a week, never on the pavement. This bike holds up great. Body Geometry seat is a great asset. No hurting bum after the hard ride. A perfect bike to upgrade.
I'd give it 5 flaming crondi across the board!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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