Submitted by
Ray
a
from Albuquerque, NM Date Reviewed: July 2, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$270.00
Purchased At:
Bikes USA
Strengths:
Inexpensive, appearance (colors), tires
Weaknesses:
Shocks, pedals, saddle
Similar Products Used:
Trek 6000
Bike Setup:
SR Suntour shocks, Suntour front derailler, Sram 30 rear derailler, Sram grip shift, Hardrock'r tires, Serfas dual density saddle.
Bottom Line:
I bought the Hardrock Sport because a friend talked me into buying a bike. At the time, I just knew that I wanted a mountain bike so for $270 bucks it was a great deal from a reputable brand, Specialized. At times it sat in the garage for months until lately, I started riding often (3-4x/wk.) The bike was mainly used for in-town riding and taking it off trail. Since I started riding more often I've got to upgrade. Overall, I put about 1 yr. use in this bike, now it's getting flats every week (rear ones mostly). It's made for someone who needs a great bike to ride around town and doesn't mind getting it dirty and scratched up every now and then. If you plan on getting more serious about riding and have a better idea of how you will use a bike, I recommend investing more money for a better one.
BOTTOM Line: Good for about a couple years for beginners, good for the price, will want to upgrade if like riding a lot.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy Bryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Black Hawk, SD, USA Date Reviewed: April 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
anywhere
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Two Wheeler Dealer
Strengths:
Killer strong frame, super upgradability
Weaknesses:
Fork stinks beyond reason, crank is horrible, very heavy in stock trim
Similar Products Used:
This was my first "real" bike
Bike Setup:
Specialized Hardrock (2001) w/Truvativ 3.3 Team cranks, Avid SD5 brakes and levers, XO rear derailleur, XO carbon trigger shifters, XT Cassette, PC-991 chain, Mavic wheels with Deore hubs, Specialized Fast Trak Pro tires and Shimano 540 clipless pedals.
Bottom Line:
This is a killer bike for someone who is short on cash and fed up with Wal-Mart junk.
I bought this bike new in May of 2001 and have beaten the poor thing senseless for six years and it has yet to die. I've wrecked this poor thing more times than I can count with some crashes worthy of Americas Funniest Home videos. The frame has ZERO structural damage to date.
At first the stock setup worked great but after about a thousand miles or so it became quite evident that the component group on this bike was not made to last for the long haul but hey, you get what you pay for! For what I paid I got my money's worth about a dozen times over as far as I'm concerned.
Up to the thousand mile mark or so the stock groupset will serve you fine, however after that mark the stock component group....uhhhhh...sucks. The shifters and rear derailleur were ok. They were reliable but rather heavy and only 7 speed. The front derailleur works I guess. The crankset sucks, the chainrings are non-replacable and slip terribly. The stock platform pedals are ok I guess if you like platforms. Brakes were adequate. Wheels were rather weak as I destroyed both of them. Stock tires were ok I guess. The stock SR Suntour fork stinks beyond measure, below 70 degrees the thing has no give to it whatsoever, but above 70 it works somewhat.
Over the years I destroyed everything on the bike save the frame itself, some due to the volume of riding I do, and some could be factored to the complete lack of maintenance that I performed on the poor thing. I literally wore every component on the bike out or just plain destroyed it but that can be expected even of very high end components that are used as heavily as I used this poor thing.
As parts broke I replaced them with better and lighter stuff.
First thing to go was the Sram 3.0 gripshifters and rear derailluer. I thought the Shimmy Acera 8 speed setup I replaced them with would be better. They were not. The low end Shimano stuff stunk. The Sram stuff was much better and more reliable but mine were completely worn out. After I murdered the Shimanos the shifters and rear derailluer were replaced by Sram X.0. parts with an XT cassette. WOW!
The wheels were replaced with Mavic 117 (front) and 221 (rear) laced to Deore hubs the tires replaced with Fast Trak Pros. Not the best wheelset on earth but leaps and bounds better than the stock wheels.
The original crankset was replaced by a Truvativ 3.3 Team GXP more for safety reasons than anything else. The stock crank chainrings were worn down to nubs and were not replacable. Needless to say the chain skipped a fair amount leading to a few impressive crashes. I put a set of Shimmy 540s on the Truvativs as well which was probably the most noticable and signifigant upgrade to date. Clipless pedals rule.
The original brakes worked fine for over 5 years but finally started to give out. The springs didn't really "spring" at that point but they still stopped the bike just fine though they drug a bit on the wheels and couldn't really be adjusted any more. They were replaced with Avid SD-5 brakes and levers. The Avids do work noticably better than the stock (Tektros?) brakes did but not by leaps and bounds.
The original butt murderer saddle was replaced by a cheap Schwinn seat with a cutout similar to the Specialized BG seats. The thing is heavy as an anvil but rather comfortable to sit on, even for very long rides.
Last thoughts: This bike was worth every cent. The stock component group did wear out but it was great for a few years as long as you're not a racer. Even though this bike is on the heavy side it is super strong. If you don't ride a whole lot this bike will probably last a lifetime in stock trim. If you ride as much as I do you broken parts can be easily replaced and the frame can take any punishment you can dish out to it.
I put over a thousand dollars in upgrades on a $350 bike because I like it that much. I can't recommend it enough.
I'd give ten chilis for value if I could. Even though the stock component group wasn't the best it was worth far more than the asking price. Yes there are better bikes out there but you can't even get close to the quality of this bike for the asking price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ryan
a Downhiller
from san diego, CA Date Reviewed: August 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Split Rock
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Black Mountain Bikes
Strengths:
I HAVE TAKEN THIS BIKE DOWNHILLING 4 TIMES
Weaknesses:
this bike is CHEAP if you dont have alot of money. this bike go me into DH and dirt jumping and i still kick it around after 3-4 YEARS!!!
Similar Products Used:
specialized p.2
Bike Setup:
the only things i have ever had to replace are the deraileuer, pedals and 1 tire (the back) also ALOT of flat tires
Bottom Line:
what more can i say for a 4 year old bike which is a piece!=to a wal mart now that its this old but who cares its not too heavy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert
a Cross Country Rider
from Maryland Date Reviewed: August 31, 2003
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Hudson Trail Outfitters
Strengths:
Its pretty light for a steel frame, VERY UPGRADABLE! I also like the grip shift.
Weaknesses:
Chain slips off all the time, seat hurts, wheels are horrible, and handlebars slip off. I have had it in the shop 3 out of the last 4 weeks! SR Suntours fork is a low-end trash. I also recently found my shock cap off and I now need a new fork. I’m just going to replace the bike I think.
Similar Products Used:
trek something
Bike Setup:
Stock except for a new seat, computer, metal petals, better brake pads.
Bottom Line:
It’s dependable for about a year or so. Thereafter things begin to deteriorate quite rapidly. When the treads go down you need new ones fast or the tires will pop until you have the treads replaced. I have begun to ride hard through nearby trails and this bike isn’t up to the challenge. This bike is mainly for people who ride frequently on paved trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Madrid
a
from Mill City, OR Date Reviewed: May 5, 2003
Favorite Trail:
1-Mile Hill, Korea
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At:
Sun Country Bikes Killeen, TX
Strengths:
Steel frame, Specialized Ground Control tires, Grip Shift shifter system.
Weaknesses:
OEM wheels, Suntour SR fork, handlebar, seatpost and saddle.
Similar Products Used:
None, my first MTN Bike
Bike Setup:
Mavic rims, Race Face Next LP cranks, Easton CT2 carbon handlebar, Gipemme Nitrec saddle, Kalloy 3D Lite seatpost, SPD pedals.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is you get what you pay for. I am a MTN Bike newbie after 15 years as a roadie. I bought the bike to get back and forth to work, and bang around on the trails with. The first thing that happened was I destroyed the freewheel on the original wheels. I can't remember what they were offhand. I replaced them with Mavic wheels laced to Sun hubs, and have not had any problems since. The fork is not very good, at 185 lbs, I bottom it out on drops of 8in or more and most dips. I have upgraded the saddle, seatpost, handlebar and cranks. The bike is not hard to upgrade, but some items such as the seatpost with a 30.4mm diameter are hard to find. I was able to use the OEM Grip Shift with the Race Face cranks, which was a concern at first since the bike comes with compact cranks and the replacements were standard sized. Overall, I am happy with the bike and I have dropped about 3-4 pounds with the upgrades. As I find components on sale or used from buddies of mine, I will continue to upgrade. Bottom of the bottom line: Great for a beginner or someone who won't drop off anything too big, but if you are looking for race ready out of the box, keep looking.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
david
a Racer
from wisconsin Date Reviewed: November 19, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$135.00
Strengths:
inexpensive
Weaknesses:
VERY heavy, wheelset totally sucks (i have tacoed both stock rims and a replacement), low end components, fork's lack of travel and adjustability, threaded headset, saddle
Similar Products Used:
trek 4500
Bike Setup:
sun rhyno lite rims, bontrager crowbar sport, kenda kharisma tires, shimano m515 pedals, 12-26 cassette, power link chain, 5 deg. rise stem
Bottom Line:
if you go cheap, then you get crap for a bike. i never thought it was possible to have as many parts break as i did. i went to the Kettles and had to borrow my friends topeak almost every mile. the single walled rims are a real killer. the extra weight of double walled rims is well worth it. even with all of my upgrades i still think this bike is just horrible. not a penny more is going into this bike. i'm saving up for a liquid 10.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Evan Devine
a Weekend Warrior
from Lexington,KY USA Date Reviewed: August 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
local park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$320.00
Purchased At:
vicious cycle
Strengths:
Good frame, wheels and rims aren't bad for a begginer, no trouble with brakes.
Weaknesses:
The shocks totally suck. It takes nothing to bottom out, very squeaky after hard running.(Yes i've tried wd-40) the Sram gears have given me a little bit of trouble but nothing to worry about.
Similar Products Used:
Diamondback outlook(totally sucked)
Bike Setup:
SRAM 4.0
Bottom Line:
I purchased this as a beginer investment and its a good bike for the money i paid for it. Specialized could have chose some better components but if your that serious about racing then don't get this bike. You can't beat this bike if you r a beginer and r just looking for something to play around with on the weekends and in your spare time. Bottom Line... this bike is dependable for the first-timer. I ride SPECIALIZED only!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ready Rider
a Weekend Warrior
from Baton Rouge, Louisiana Date Reviewed: June 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Hooper Road
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Bike Shop
Strengths:
Cheap
Weaknesses:
All components
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
The bike was cheap and you get what you pay for. I bought this as my first bike as a beginner mountain biker. After less than a year of riding, I had to upgrade to a better bike. The shocks are cheap. The shifters and deraillieurs are cheap. And if you are going to do much off road riding, you need to have double walled rims. This isn't a bad first investment to see if you are going to enjoy mountain biking, but if you do, you will want to upgrade soon because this bike leaves a lot to be desired.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GTi GUY GERBER
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: June 14, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Stoufville Forest
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Skiis and Biikes
Strengths:
The cromo frame is fairly lightweight and extremely strong. I've punished this bike alot and its in perfect condition. Tires are very affective on the trails.
Weaknesses:
Suspension sucks on this bike! SR Suntour sucks! It's way too easy to bottom out the suspension on this bike! Buy some Rock Shox Judy forks.
Bike Setup:
Completely stock... I'm waitin ta get Judy's though.
Bottom Line:
This is a really good bike. I'd recommend this to riders riding beginner to intermediate trails. This bike can take alot. The suspension really does suck though. Besides that it's amazing bike. I'm loving it so far and so will you. Great deal too!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin White
a Weekend Warrior
from Denton, TX Date Reviewed: May 30, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Bicycles, Inc. in Fort Worth, TX
Strengths:
Good frame, fine seat, great tires, fun handling, attractive paint
Weaknesses:
Nothing, after a couple alterations
Similar Products Used:
Trek 820
Bike Setup:
Still use heavy duty tubes; still use seat low and angled up; installed wheel/axle from the 820
Bottom Line:
This is a follow-up to my review (mine is the super-long one below). It's five months later and I've put around 150 miles on the bike (very rough estimate) in that time. I've done some more aggressive riding and cornering, gone on a few long trips, had a few falls, gone muddin' a couple times, and depended on the bike for daily commuting.
The problems I mentioned with the bike have gone away. First, the slipping chain has just sort of sorted itself out and hasn't really occured to any degree in months. I have confidence in it now.
Second, I was so dissatisfied with the front wheel and axle (and braking) on my bike that I got the bright idea of switching it out for the superior wheel from the Trek. I don't know what's wrong with that Specialized front wheel, maybe I just got a lemon, but the Trek wheel works like a dream on my bike. Suddenly it coasts more freely and brakes much easier. I had tried to lube the old wheel and clean it several times to no avail. I'm basically the only one who uses the Trek over at my folks place, so it wasn't a problem really and I can live with it on that secondary bike.
The braking is sensational now. It took me a few days of adjustments and tinkering, but it's got great bite and strength and no squeaking or misbehaving.
Third, the 'ratcheting' sound I described finally caused me to to take the bike in for repair. The first time after I got it back nothing was changed after several days in the shop. The second time it took three minutes for a guy to take apart the front, clean it, lube it, and tighten everything down. The noise is completely gone and the front feels better. I was quite happy to have it fixed and noiseless once again.
I also wear a little armband at my right ankle around my pants when I'm wearing loose-fitting pants or jeans, which has eliminated the problem of the sprocket grabbing my pantsleg.
The good things I mentioned before continue to be 'good'. The frame is excellent, the tires continue to perform sweetly, the rear brake is great, The shifting has actually improved. It's very direct, quick, and nearly flawless. The Trek 820's system has actually gotten glitchy and become a hindrance. Probably needs a fair amount of adjustment.
I've been extremely glad to be wearing leather MX gloves after a couple big falls. I generally don't wear a bicycle helmet (I think the standard bicycle helmets are just SILLY--I'd much rather wear a moto-X helmet), but I always wear my gloves, and without them I'd have no skin on my hands right now (the only downside is being stopped and harassed by the campus police for 'suspiciously' wearing gloves a couple times). I've been considering wearing kneepads for aggressive riding as well, as I'm going through the knee area of jeans at an alarming rate (and collecting neat little quarter-sized road rash scars). Through all the abuse of sliding along the ground or flipping over, the bike has held up beautifully. Miraculously, actually.
I thought about augmenting my biking experience by purchasing a second bike, a Specialized Expedition. This bike has several things going for it. It has wide super-grippy street-only tires (though they have some tread for dealing with water or light sandy patches). It uses an aluminum (and therefore lighter) frame. It has no suspension (although the seat is suspended). It has a sprocket guard! It has an adjustable handlebar angle. It comes in a gorgeous 'British Racing Green'. And I believe if I got it in a larger size it would have more cornering/pedal clearance than the Hardrock...
But as of right now my Hardrock is so well-dialed-in that I've dismissed the idea. It just works so well right now and although it took some part-swapping (just the wheel unless you count going to heavy-duty tubes), some repairing, some tinkering and tweaking, and some breaking-in, the bike is totally satisfying.
I can't recommend it either way for someone who wants to tackle hardcore offroad jumps and rocks, or someone who wants to do extensive (long) trips, and you probably shouldn't expect it to be wonderful right out of the store, but at this point for $200 it has exceeded my expectations.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris S.
a Weekend Warrior
from Missouri Date Reviewed: May 1, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
BikeSource
Strengths:
This is a follow-up on my old review. the frame hasn't broken yet, easy to upgrade nice paint job
Weaknesses:
crappy pedals creak like heck doesn't shift right suspension squeals even with wd40
Similar Products Used:
Huffy-that was better long-term
Bike Setup:
Coda handlebars and seat, specialized computer, smoother tires for road-but not slicks at all
Bottom Line:
if you like buying new parts, buy it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Madison Dines
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, OR USA Date Reviewed: January 29, 2002
Favorite Trail:
North Shore
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$249.00
Purchased At:
River City Bicycles
Strengths:
Strong frame, great rear derailleur, good starting fork
Weaknesses:
Heavy, slightly stiff fork
Bottom Line:
This bike is great for people who like to ride all out. It performs well and because of the price, you won't have to worry about breaking it. Personally, I think this bike is worth much more than what I paid for it. The one thing I could suggest is that you buy a new seat and a new fork. Otherwise, this bike is perfect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin White
a Weekend Warrior
from Denton, Texas, USA Date Reviewed: January 4, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Bicycles, Inc. in Fort Worth, TX
Strengths:
Good frame, fine seat, great tires, fun handling, attractive paint
Weaknesses:
Front brake and axle, chain slippage, irritating ratcheting sound from headstock area
Similar Products Used:
Trek 820
Bike Setup:
Stock. I think the bike is a 21". I use the heavy duty tubes (@ 80 psi) so as to avoid frequent flats, and I like my seat rather low and angled so the front is higher.
Bottom Line:
I'm a newbie. My previous bicycle was just awful, bought from K Mart and with ridiculous problems. So even the entry level Specialized was a big step up for me. It just so happens that right about the same time I got my Hardrock, my stepmother got a Trek 820. She hardly rides it, so when I'm visiting I put many miles on it myself. So I can compare the 820 to the bike I own, the 2001 Hardrock Sport. My riding consists of commuting to school and the store and my neighborhood, having fun on very mild offroad stuff, just messing around around the neighborhood, and riding around parking lots like I'm in World Superbike. :o) I'm a 5'10", 163 pound guy.
The first problem that presented itself after I got my bike was the slipping chain. I stood up to pedal and nearly high-sided off the bike when the chain slipped severely. It goes through phases--sometimes it'll slip several times in an hour, other times it goes days without a problem. The rather uninspiring-looking front sprockets may be the culprit--many of the teeth look worn away or misshapen while still looking brand new. The Trek 820 has never had any problems with slipping (my previous bike's chain would come right off the sprocket unless I kept pedaling all the time!).
The next problem is the front axle and the front brake. In stark contrast with the 820, the brake and axle on the Hardrock are only fair. Remember, I'm a newbie, but what I notice is that when you pick up the front of the 820 and spin the wheel, it spins extremely freely seemingly forever. On the Hardrock, even if you disconnect the brake and spin the wheel, it just doesn't seem to want to spin very much. This translates subtley to the riding experience, where the Trek just feels faster, smoother, more refined.
To go along with that odd problem, the front brake of the Hardrock leaves a little to be desired. The bike shop adjusted it but could never quite get it sorted out. It squeaks here and there, it isn't as sure as the 820, and it doesn't let go evenly. The 820 front brake is amazing--strong, works perfectly every time and lets go the way it's supposed to.
The last real problem with the Hardrock (and again, it's one that is absent on the 820) is an annoying sound that emanates from the headstock when I'm standing and/or pedaling vigorously. I would describe it as a ratcheting sound, like somebody using a socket wrench. This developed a couple of months ago. Hasn't been in to the shop yet, as there doesn't appear to be any functional problem. It just gets on my nerves, especially riding around campus.
Now a couple small niggles. When the bike is sitting in my apartment and I turn the pedals backwards, there's quite a bit of what I call 'driveline noise'--the sound of the chain moving three each little toothed sprocket seems to be a little coarse. Not sure what that means but I bet the really nice bikes don't exhibit this. Also, there is no sprocket guard (do any bikes have 'em?), and once in a while my jeans or pants will get caught on the outside sprocket. :\
Now, the good points. The tires are just excellent. I keep them aired up to 80 psi and I use heavy duty tubes (I had three flats in the first week on the normal tubes, haven't had one flat since switching--I would highly recommend those thicker tubes). True, these tires probably aren't great for loose dirt/sand or trails, but they inspire much confidence on pavement, and for what I do that's a fair trade. I like to lean very low in corners and these things let me do it. Now, contrast this with the tires that came with the Trek 820--huge difference. The 820's tires are scary! No grip, no cornering confidence, low inflation limit, and they slide! Spongey.
The seat on my previous bike had less padding than a ping pong paddle. It got uncomfortable after a block or so (of course, I stand on the pegs alot). The Hardrock's seat isn't a couch, but it does its job well. There's just the right amount of padding and the shape fits me fine. I like the front angled up a bit and the seat lower than some other riders have their's at. Good seat. I didn't get to try the 820's stock seat as my stepmom had an aftermarket seat attached right away--it is sprung, very wide and contoured, and very soft and padded. It's more comfortable for about a block and THEN you realize softer and wider isn't always better. Just FYI, looks can be deceiving.
I believe the frame on the Hardrock is pretty well-made. It gets the job done and doesn't seem too heavy to me. It hasn't really been tested (though I did have one slightly nasty get-off that put the front wheel slightly (and temporarily) out of true). The pedals (which I scrape on the concrete on a daily basis) are holding up well so far. The rear brake and axle, in contrast with the front items, are excellent. I don't use the rear brake as often as I use the front, but it has nice feel and power. The axle lets the rear wheel spin very freely.
When I was still doing research for my first 'real' bike, I asked "why 24-27 gears?" and was told I'd 'understand when I got my bike and used it more'. Well, I am not convinced. I would be just as happy (or happier) with just three or four speeds, widely spaced. On the Hardrock, I leave the front gearshift in '2nd' all the time and switch between 2nd, 4th, and 6th on the rear gearshift mostly. It does a pretty good job of it, although I find I have less confidence shifting while standing and pedaling than I do on the 820 (which has a completely different type of shifter--still sequential but requiring a separate click for each gear--not better or worse, just different). I guess it could be more positive feeling, but compared to what my previous bide had, it's remarkably well-sorted. A couple of the gears are a little 'noisier' than others, but I think that is to expected. Of course, there is the aforementioned slipping chain problem. >:(
The bike features quick-release clamps for both wheels. I was somewhat worried about this, as I chain my bike to a rack in public virtually every day. How hard is it for someone to walk up and in about 2.3 seconds steal my wheels? No problems yet...
The styling and finish on this bike are excellent. It's a very nice looking bike! The grips are pretty good, and the levers are in a good position. I don't have a sidestand so I prop my bike up against the wall in my apartment and the soft rubber grip leaves little black marks on the wall, but this is no biggie. 8-)
My last bike looked like it had front suspension, but it was a fake. The Hardrock has a front spring. I feel it has lost some of its effectiveness over time, but this one doesn't bother me. It can bottom out here and there coming down a hill, and when I loft the front wheel it often 'tops out' with a loud click. But not a problem really. Again, I don't do huge jumps or anything and the suspension does nicely going down a long set of stairs at my campus.
The bike is fun. It can be reasonably fast on a downhill, it has good cornering clearance both while pedaling and while leaning further with the inside pedal raised, it sticks like glue and lets you carry a lot of speed around corners, it does nice stoppies despite the poor front brake, it's easy to lift the front, it handles sweetly and surely (wheelbase, bar position, and front steering rake seem just about right), and it doesn't give me too many problems. The slipping chain and headstock sound problems are annoying though.
Stock components can always be upgraded. But at a certain point, it becomes more cost-effective to just buy a better bike. So it's nice if the stock stuff on a budget bike is at least adequate. And I would say everything's at least adequate here for this $200 bike. However, other than the very poor tires (and the seat, which isn't fair as I can't judge the stock seat), the Trek 820 is a better bike in every possible way. I'm not sure of the price paid for the 820, but as much as I enjoy my Hardrock, there's no way I can recommend it over the 820. Put the same tires and seat on the 820 and it is superior in every category. This doesn't mean the whole Specialized Hardrock line is inferior to the whole Trek FS mountain bike line, just that the 820 beats the entry level Hardrock.
But for my $200, I'm still very happy with all the fun and practicality this thing has provided for me. You live and learn. :-)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy
a
from Spokane, WA USA Date Reviewed: September 28, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$249.00
Purchased At:
Wheel Sport
Strengths:
Price, front shock for under $250.
Weaknesses:
I never had a problem with anything on my bike, although I didnt beat it up much off road. Used mostly for commuting to and from school.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Sedona SE, Gary Fisher Mamba.
Bike Setup:
Stock, with computer and mud guard.
Bottom Line:
For $250 you cant get a better bike. I have not had one single problem with this bike. I used it mostly for commuting and light trails and it has been flawless. This bike is great for anybody who needs a mountain bike but isnt an extreme racer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from wilton, ct, usa Date Reviewed: August 24, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Dynamics
Strengths:
The frame is better than one would expect, it has held up well for me on some tough terrain.
Weaknesses:
Pedals, F+R deraillers, Shifters
Bike Setup:
Upgraded Fork to Judy XC, Specialized clipless pedals
Bottom Line:
This bike is a great bike for a begginer to start with. It is also a good bike for an intermediate rider with some upgrades. I think this bike is a great deal!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Alteen
a Downhiller
from Canada Date Reviewed: August 20, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$380.00
Purchased At:
Ramsays Cycle and Sport
Strengths:
All Arounds nice bike, Good for trials riders and begginers.
Weaknesses:
Alot of the parts on this bike are low quality. Ex. Threaded Headtset and 68mm fork.
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Frontier 2000 Model
Bike Setup:
I put on a Judy TT instead of the crappy jet. And I also got some extra parts on there like a Hellbent risor bar and new raceface grips. Strong Backrim (A must).
Bottom Line:
This bike is really great for a beginner, if you are interested in doing easy trails and stuff leave it be. But if your gonna be doing even 4-5 foot drops then you got to soup it up. I put on a new fork and threadless headset along with a sturdy back rim and turned this into a Freeride Hardtail. It works really great for me right now but I am lookin for a better downhill bike with some suspension. The thing that made me mad about this bike is when I started doing stuff on it it broke all the time, I probably spent about $200.00 so far on repairs but now that I got it souped up, no problems what so ever.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Sanders
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Paul MN Date Reviewed: August 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Battle Creek
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$285.00
Purchased At:
Erik's Bike Shop
Strengths:
The price is great, fairly light for a steel frame, pretty durable. Breaks grab really well.
Weaknesses:
Drivetrain is kinda weak, broke alot of teeth off the sprockets, suspension seems to bottoms out easily, grip shift set-up sucks on rough terrain, you end up switching gears just trying to hold on.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Overall I'm quite pleased with this bike, the price is great for entry level suspension bike. Definitely a good bike to start with so you can get a feel for what you really need without breaking the bank, then upgrade from there. I've beaten the crap out of this thing for a little over a year and all I really want to upgrade is the crankset, deraileurs and forks (I need a little more travel). But a good buy in my opinion.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chriss
a Weekend Warrior
from Dale City, VA, USA Date Reviewed: August 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Power Lines
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$249.00
Purchased At:
Olde Towne Cycles
Strengths:
Good price for an entry level bike. For a steel frame it isn't too heavy.
Weaknesses:
Stock setup could be better, but overall you get what you pay for.
Similar Products Used:
After trying the whole gambit of bikes at Wal-Mart etc. I have found a bike that doesn't fall apart after a week.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for alloy pedals with clips.
Bottom Line:
Good beginners level bike that is capable off-road. Price is probably the biggest factor in making this purchase.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alan Stout
a Cross Country Rider
from Warwickshire Date Reviewed: July 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Sherwood
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Secondhand
Strengths:
Cheap
Weaknesses:
brakes,
Similar Products Used:
TREK VRX 300
Bike Setup:
Mavic 517 wheels,Selle Gel seat,Avid 1.9 levers and Avid 2.0,Rockshox Judy XC,Azonic Double Wall handle Bars,Kore Head stem,XT Rear mech,LX cassette,Wellgo clip-less pedals
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike to go to work on but its such a good bike I'm up graded my TREK VRX300 full suspension and using the componets of that and put them on my Hardrock. The bike is getting better every week.Just get out there and ride :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jared
a
from Sierra Vista, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: July 29, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$175.00
Purchased At:
Sun 'N Spokes
Strengths:
Same as before. This is simply a update.
Weaknesses:
I believe, from my recent experience with the front derailleur, that SR Suntour is the weakest issue on this bike, thus far.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
If the front derailleur is giving you shifting problems, don't keep bringing it back trying to get it "fixed" (it never happened for me), just have them swap it out with a Shimano front derailleur or pay around $18-$20 for one and see what a difference it makes. If that doesn't work, the bike techs are idiots, because I haven't had a problem shifting since I got mine.
SR Sunstroke... er, I mean Suntour... Does SR stand for Super Rediculous? :-)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jared
a
from Sierra Vista, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: July 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
None travelled so far
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$175.00
Purchased At:
Sun 'N Spokes
Strengths:
It's a Specialized... need I say more? Actually, the brakes take some getting used to, because they both grab like a grizzly! You wanna stop fast, you're gonna stop fast! The front susp. is really nice, given that I've never had a hardtail before (my last bike was a Schwinn Sidewinder), so I'm really pleased. It's also a tad lighter than my Sidewinder was.
Weaknesses:
I believe SR Suntour is an "off-brand" that is decent, but not a brandname representing high quality. Given the price I paid, with trade-in, I'm not complaining. It's perhaps a tad bouncy (soft vs. firm suspension), but I'm not taking this bike out to romp the supension to death, so it's just a fun feel for me.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
The shifting was a touch out of tune "off the floor" (it was an assembled floor display model), but after a couple of test rides around outside of the store, they got everything "dialed in" just right and I've been happy ever since. Of course, I just bought it yesterday, so... :-)
I'd recommend this bike to anyone wanting to upgrade from a hardframe (non-susp.) bike to something with a bit more "cush". I'm completely please.
Specialized... Innovate or Die!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jamie
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago, IL Date Reviewed: July 25, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$149.00
Purchased At:
erehwon
Strengths:
Cheap price....I was able to pick it up for $149 new.
Weaknesses:
I wasn't expecting a whole lot because of the cheap price. I rode the bike for 2 miles (on the street) and the chain slipped badly 3 times while shifting. The rest of the time the chain either got caught between gears or made a very loud noise when shifting. The very next day I brought it back and asked if they could look at it. They did and gave it a test ride. I was told it was working how it should and that I shouldn't expect too much from a bike normally $250. I promptly returned it.
I have ridden a few other Specialized bikes in the mountains and never had any problems. Maybe I need to get a better bike.
Similar Products Used:
Trek
Bottom Line:
Make sure you test ride the bike the same way you will be riding it. Don't expect too much.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago, IL, USA Date Reviewed: July 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Anything out of the city...
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$330.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Smithy
Strengths:
Great price first of all. Shifts very precicely. Very Durable.
Weaknesses:
Steal frame is heavy (although lighter than some other steel bikes in the same price range). Shocks are fairly light.
Similar Products Used:
trek 820
Bike Setup:
Stock, with the usual city rider components (U-lock, reflectors, etc.)
Bottom Line:
I always loved riding bikes, but never really got into riding much. Now at 25, I need to get more exercise, and thought getting a bike would be a great idea. I didn't want to spend alot of money on a bike (actually the finace didn't want me too...), and after testing out some other bikes, I decided on the Hardrock. It was lighter than the Trek 820, and had offroad capability that the hybrids/cruisers didn't. The bike shifted flawlessly, and pretty quickly considering it's not top of the line. The rear brake is stifer than the front brake, which helps keep you from spillin gover the handlebars should you stop all too quick. Overall the bike brakes nicely. The grips are very comfortable, as is the saddle. I would suggest upgrading the forks if you plan on some tough offroading, other wise, as a city bike it's wonderful. I would have liked a choice in colors, but the black/silver is pretty nice. If you want a lower priced, good mountain bike, I'd have to recomend it. Especially if you plan on riding it in the city, or general trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jeremy
a Downhiller
from San Diego Date Reviewed: June 29, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
bike USA
Strengths:
smooth, handles good, light
Weaknesses:
not verry upgradeble
Similar Products Used:
huffy
Bottom Line:
Good beginner bike, great for light to moderate riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Terryville, CT, USA Date Reviewed: June 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any one that hurts to ride!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
bikers edge
Strengths:
nothing really. it' s a good bike for the price paid, but u can find better. has a sturdy frame.
Weaknesses:
a little too heavy for me. i had to change most of the parts on it already, i upgraded the brakes, hubs, rims, tires, so far. soon i will change the drivetrain(it's extremely crappy), seat post and seat, handlebars.... and hopefully the frame to a stumpjumper frame or something like it.
Similar Products Used:
schwinn frontier, specialized rockhopper.
Bike Setup:
pretty much everything on it is new or gonna be in a few months.
Bottom Line:
i'm seventeen and have been riding for about 6 or seven years. but i got more serious into it in the past three or four. i have rode many differant bikes and think the hardrock series can use a little bit of factory upgrades. the frame is heavy but very strong, the paint chips very easily, and comes with a crappy drivetrane. my advice to you is buy this bike if you are looking for a good bike for a cheap price. it aint that bad, im just very picky when it comes to my speacialized bikes!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris S.
a Weekend Warrior
from Lee's Summit, Missouri Date Reviewed: June 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Don't Know
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At:
BikeSource
Strengths:
Great bike for the money. I'm only 12, but it is the smoothest ride I've ever had.Awesome grips...they have little gel filled ovals that are really comfortable.
Weaknesses:
Pedals, Specialized calls them composite...they look like plastic
Similar Products Used:
Huffy Stone Mountain(K-Mart)
Bike Setup:
Coda Bar Ends, Coda Seat
Bottom Line:
Great for anybody that doesn't want to spend $500 and up on a bike. The suspension is awecome.Fairly light. Very nice brand, so go ahead and buy it. Don't buy it if you need an extremely nice bike.
P.S. They pedals haven't broke so I guess they're o.k.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Evan
a Weekend Warrior
from San Luis Obispo, CA Date Reviewed: May 31, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
Art's SLO Cyclery
Strengths:
very low price
Weaknesses:
frame, brakes, hubs, crankset
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
You get what you pay for, so be prepared to be a little let down. On the other hand, I've had a lot of fun on this bike. Buy it if you have to have a bike right now, then save up for something better.
The sticker on the seat tube says cro-mo, so you might believe the whole frame is some kind of wonder steel until you read the specs on the Specialized website. The labeling ought to be clearer.
The pull on the rear brake handle is noticeably stiffer than the front. The mechanic says that's just the way it is, but I'm not so sure.
In the third week there came a metallic buzz from the front hub. Even this newbie knows that ain't right. The mechanic took a look inside, pronounced the bearings OK, put it back together, and the buzz was gone.
The heartbreak came when I accidentally whacked the largest chainwheel on a big rock on a trail. Because the chainwheels are riveted together, the mechanic said he had to replace the whole crankset. Because the replacement, a novice-grade Shimano (arguably a step up, quality-wise), was incompatible with the stock bottom bracket, the bracket had to be replaced, as well. All at a cost of about 40% of the entire bike's selling price. Yikes.
I'm basically happy with this bike, despite the problems, because it gives a beginner a chance to try offroad riding without an enormous up-front cost.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Orangevale, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 30, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$239.00
Purchased At:
Bicycles Plus
Strengths:
Solid, lite, accurate, Inexpensive!!
Weaknesses:
Stem, headset and pedals are cheesy
Similar Products Used:
Royce Union 2000 (Sears), Next (Walmart)...Don't be this cheap!
Bike Setup:
Added a Zoom adjustable stem and metal pedals
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for the beginner. It has plenty of upgrade potential to hold you over until you're ready for a more expensive, custom model. I tried going really cheap at first. Now that I have tried a few bikes, I can feel the difference a couple of dollars makes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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