Submitted by
Jay
a Weekend Warrior
from Youknowwhere Date Reviewed: August 25, 2001
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$260.00
Strengths:
(Note, this is a review for the 1998 model) -Stock tires are great for road use (fast) and also great for light offroad use (forest trails, light mud and gravel, etc.) -After tons of pain and punishment it's still altogether -Easy to pedal / Easy to make it go fast (with stock tires) -21 speed has good separation between speeds which helps on last minute gear changes for climbs, and downshifting to go fast on descents. -Seat is surprisingly nice on the rear end -Stock tires look cool and somewhat expensive -While components aren't the greatest (Acera X components), they're put together great, and are durable and last a long time. -STEEL frame!! What it lacks in rigidness it more than makes up for in giving you a smooth ride. -Overall Value
Weaknesses:
-But the seat can kill your special area -Stock tires complain if you go on very tricky terrain -Stock tires, on fast descents, can scare you into braking like a normal human being because of it's skinniness (1.96 inches) and the feel doesn't give you much confidence. However, for thrill seekers with big balls this would be a strength, because it makes going downhill 1000x more fun. -Low-end components (for $260, you'd think it'd come with Alivio) -Paint scratches easily -Stock tires don't wanna go over really big rocks, or other obstacles that are almost a foot tall. You gotta either pop the front wheel over it (the back stock tire eats up anything, no matter what), or go really fast over it.
Bike Setup:
All stock, except for: Specialized Dirt Rods Bar Ends, Bell SuperGel seat cover, Specialized Astro 2.4 Headlight and tailight, 2 water bottle holders, a lock, and a kickstand.
Bottom Line:
Highly reccommended for people just getting into the mountain biking sport, or people that do 1/2 and 1/2 on road biking and offroad biking. After 2 years or so, expect the chain to jump if you pedal backwards too much or by climbing a hill on a high gear, and expect to fix it about twice a year. Also, after about two years, you'll probably have to fix the brake pads from rubbing against the wheels about twice a year also. Other than that it needs no maitenance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Mass. Date Reviewed: July 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
"The Stair Stepper" (self-named)
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$250.00
Strengths:
DURABILITY, Wheels aren't top quality but can go fast on road and run over almost everything off road. Even though it was no suspension, the impact you take from the bike isn't that much, even better than some bikes with low quality suspension.
Weaknesses:
Seat is way too hard, and can hurt the genitals. Paint comes off somewhat easily.
Similar Products Used:
I haven't tried other mountain bikes for a long period of time, only when I test rode other bikes near the bike shop the Hard Rock came out on top.
Bottom Line:
You won't find a better rigid bike for the money. Trust me. It is my first mountain bike, and I put it through so much off road almost every day (I live right next to a state park) and it never let me down or gave up on me, in fact, I still use it. I would ride it over 20 mph over +6 inch rocks (some sharp, others not) and logs and tree roots sticking out of the ground and it refused to go flat or fall. And if you build up some momentum you can ride it through really deep mud (I would know since the time I went in early April and I *thought* the snow was all melted and it was hot enough for the mud from the snow to turn into dirt. This bike's versatality will enable almost anyone with any purpose for the bike to buy it. Don't get me wrong, there are better bikes, but this is the best rigid bike (IMO) in the $0-400 range.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Donovan
a
from Greenville, SC Date Reviewed: March 7, 2001
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$325.00
Strengths:
Price Looks Ride
Weaknesses:
Weight,
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale
Bike Setup:
Bone stock except added a Rokshox Judy XC after the first trip to Slatyfork, WV aka mt. bikers heaven
Bottom Line:
OK so mine is really a '96 model, I couldn't find anything older than '99 to put my review. But I had to at least put in a good word for a great bike. It's been my wife's bike and in retrospect has really been easy to maintain. The altus canti's finally died (spring retainer sprung) but everything else has held up well.
Whenever my cdale was in for repairs (which was often) I'd ride the hardrock. I love the ride of a steel bike! After all this time I've got no doubt that the frame is as safe and sturdy as when brand new. Can't say the same for the cdale, so my next bike will be steel too!
Oh, and the paint has held up well, considering the age and abuse- read some of the reviews about ti bikes, these guys are always trashing steel frames, saying they will rust, even after five years there's no rust on the hardrock..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from NC Date Reviewed: March 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Happy Tail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$215.00
Purchased At:
Bike Source in Charlotte, NC
Strengths:
Kick ass paint job, very upgradeable, good geometry, good price
Weaknesses:
Weenieman rims, flexy stem, sweet paint job chips easily, 30.4 seatpost size... who makes a seatpost that size? Gripshifts that now come on Walmart bikes
Similar Products Used:
Hardrock GSX, Gt Karakoram, Trek crap, Cannondale M300, many Muffy;s, etc.
Bike Setup:
Tricked out- LX/XT everything- Titec here, Syncros there- A little Onza, a dash of Sram, and eat it all up with a Rock Shox fork- upgrades cost more than the bike- THE PAINTJOB IS WORTH IT!!!
Bottom Line:
I love this bike more than my girlfriend. It rides smooth. Smooth like butter. It looks so good. A guy on a Sugar 3 asked me who put my parts together... A Sugar 3!! Those bikes are sweeet. The ride of this bike is great. I wish I would have just bought a frameset though. It has a lot of worthless junk on it, like Gripshifts, cheesy wheelset, Specialized cranks, etc. Let's put it this way: I talk to my bike, pet it, and occasionally kiss it- with tongue. I just love it. Sure it is not a custom bike or a "north Shore" machine, but it rides cross country like a dream...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from San Antonio, TX, USA Date Reviewed: September 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anything with dirt
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$290.00
Strengths:
Great price. Good frame geometry. Cheapest bike worth upgrading. Durable if not premium components.
Weaknesses:
28 tooth capacity rear derailleur. 24 tooth granny gear on riveted front sprocket. Heavy frame. Cheap rims. Pedals.
Similar Products Used:
Kona blast with Manitou fork. Old Specialized Stumpjumper with polymer fork.
Bike Setup:
Mavic/Synchros front wheel and hub. WTB Moto Raptor 2.4" front tire. Geax Beaumont 2" rear tire.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike on a budget and use it for commuting and weekend mid-life crisis thrashing. The first upgrade I would suggest is to toss the stock tires and get some serious rubber, really makes a difference off road plus the biggest/widest front tire you can find eases the bumps.
The bike is heavy compared to my son's Kona and the old Stumpjumper we found at a pawn shop but the geometry is good and you can still get a good workout.
I broke the pedals on rocks straight off, you're going to need upgrades.
Seven speeds is OK but the climbing ability of the bike is limited by the 24 tooth granny and the 28 tooth rear sprocket.
The biggest upgrade I would suggest is FRONT SUSPENSION. I thought I was going to be hardcore rigid when I took up mountain bikes but my 43 year-old wrists and elbows are taking a pounding. Front suspension also enhances control tremendously on steep downhills-an important safety factor. When jumping curbs on the way to work, a suspended bike makes it much easier to hop the front wheel over curbs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick Abel
a Downhiller
from New Palestine, IN, US Date Reviewed: July 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Down hill
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
I my self love the brakes, i think the way i got them sutup are good, for me they stop and a dime. the frame is good i haven't had one problem with it.
Weaknesses:
The rims are a little weak, the seat is a little hard, but overall is a great bike!
Similar Products Used:
SPECIALIZED RULES !!!!
Bike Setup:
I put a "99" Answer Manitou PRO front suspension , and Answer Pro Taper 2.5 Inc. riser bars on. It Improved it so much!!!
Bottom Line:
This bike is great! A++ for the price, I myself have $650.00 invested into also, If you are going to get this bike i would strongly recomend From suspension get good ones TRUST ME ITS WORTH IT!!!If you do get ones that stand by there name like ROck shox, or answer Manitou, Boomber, white bros, RST, or anything thats good. Also get good handel bars the best ones on the market Pro Taper Answer makes em! Answer is the best way to go in my opinion! I got them on my bike and i love them! and my shox i got on there they are sooo good! But bottem line GET THIS BIKE TO BEGIN OR DO WHAT I DID AND MAKE IT AWESOME! $300.00 IS CHEAP 4 WHAT U CAN DO TO THIS BIKE TAKE IT FROM ME! pLSU ITS A SPECIALIZED!! THE ONLY BRAND I WILL TRUST 4 LIFE BEST EVER!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a
from VA Date Reviewed: July 25, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Good Paint Job
Weaknesses:
The back brake comes out of allignment to easily, the grip shifts jamm and are hard to turn (maybe that's why the called it the "Hard Rock") won't go into lowest gear. Doesn't climb well at all. I'm going to get a Gary Fisher for my next bike.
Bottom Line:
The bike is a good bike if you are just starting out and just plan to ride on the road and not spend alot of money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary Ropius
a Weekend Warrior
from Tulsa, OK...USA! Date Reviewed: July 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
dirt and other stuff
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
A good climber. The bike seems pretty light to me. Good value.
Weaknesses:
Stock pedals are awful. Gears slip. I could have done without the grip shifters. Just try to shift when your hands are sweaty or have sunscreen on them. I don't know about the other frame sizes, but the 17" seems to shift a lot of weight to the front of the bike with the stock setup, but that may be my imagination due to my transition from 20" BMX.
Similar Products Used:
None. Only BMX
Bike Setup:
Completely stock. Right off the sales rack.
Bottom Line:
I would buy another model with the "rapid fire" type shifter. Possibly w/ front suspension. But if you do buy this bike like I did, plan on upgrades to the pedals. I suggest 180mm cranks and set the seat back a little. If you bought an upgraded model you should still consider these mods.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Burnett
a Weekend Warrior
from Tulsa , OK Date Reviewed: June 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Maroon Bells
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Dependability, inexpensive, good first bike
Weaknesses:
front derailer slips, back brakes squeak, grips wear out, pedals are atrocious
Similar Products Used:
none
Bottom Line:
This was my first bike. It got me up a 14,000 ft. peak in Colorado (Mt. Evans) and it has 2000 miles on it. I have used it mostly on paved roads and dirt because rocks and stumps kill without shocks. Recommend it for city use and for light off-roading.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
FlMtnBkr
a Weekend Warrior
from South Florida Date Reviewed: June 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Markham Park
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Outstanding bag-for-the-buck!
Weaknesses:
rigid fork, uncomfortable on long road rides.
Bike Setup:
stock HardRock Sport hardtail/rigid fork.
Bottom Line:
I've had my HardRock Sport since 1996 and have put this thing through absolute H-E-L-L. I can't kill this thing! This bike introduced me to off-road biking. Aside from the occasional flat, a rear deurailer that went bust after almost three years, and a new set of brake pads after four years, this thing has never let me down. I can honestly attest that it is well worth the $300 or so I spent for it and then some.
If you are new to off-road biking, need a tough bike that can take a good beating, and on a tight budget, buy one. You wont be sorry. It's not the most advanced bike, but it will take anything you have to dish out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
V Myy
a Cross Country Rider
from Estonia Date Reviewed: May 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
singeltracks on my naberhood.
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Its Cheap, strong frame, good geometry, fast in singletracks.
Weaknesses:
Weinmann 519 rims, seat mounts,
Bike Setup:
Factory set up, Upgrade Wellgo clipless pedals, and Ritcey 10 degreeds stem.
Bottom Line:
Its very good bike for the money for beginners and travellers. But, for hardcore you need much stronger bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shaun Foster
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 14, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Low cost. Good workmanship. Very low learning curve. The seats hard enough to be used as a weapon when you're jumped while riding.
Weaknesses:
Almost every review here complains about the seat..
I figured it was just me when on the second day of owning the bike I went back to the shop and asked to buy a new seat and was told to come back in a week. The things amazing how hard and uncomfortable it is!
Bike Setup:
Hardrock frame, stock, etc etc. Added specailized water bottle mount & bottle, and Garmin GPS12cx with handlebar mount.
Bottom Line:
I paid in the area of $260 for it a week ago, and not once have I felt that maybe I made the wrong choice. After seven years off the saddle, I figured its time to ride again, and this bike is treating me right while I learn to ride again, but it clearly has the capacity to push the line, so I don't expect to grow out of it anytime soon.
I'm a tinkerer at heart so i'm thinking of adding to it, currently looking for a V brake setup but the standard U brakes haven't let me down yet, from riding on dirt trails to street riding in heavy rain.
I plan to add a front shock, but for street riding or light trail stuff, it'd really be an overkill.
Buy a new seat when you buy the bike. TRUST ME! If you don't, you'll say to yourself a week later "Why didn't I listen to Shaun?"
Bottom line: This is a beginning bike. But if you're a beginner, or currently own a Huffy or some bike you got form Target (ack), Buy it. Easy to use, easy to maintain, very forgiving when you make mistakes when riding.
They're cheap enough that even if you do outgrow it in short time, you can upgrade to a front shock and shock based seatpost, and then you'll have something which can easily handle what you throw at it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank DuCett
a Cross Country Rider
from Arlington, Texas Date Reviewed: May 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
CHSP
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Price, Paintjob
Weaknesses:
Rims, made in Red China, these people are and the wrong end of the rifle barrel.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Best road bike I have ever had, not for the speed, but it is not likely to break down. Why don't more tourists use bikes like this ? If speed is an issue, take a plane. Slow down and smell the bluebonnets.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick Andrews
a Weekend Warrior
from Quincy, MA Date Reviewed: April 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Fall River - Freetown SF
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Outstanding value, strong frame, above average componenets given the price
Weaknesses:
Rear breaks fall out of alignment easily, rub the rear tire; a little bit on the heavy side...
Bike Setup:
Stock with the addition of Rock Shox Indy XC, bar ends
Bottom Line:
This bike is a great value - I have had it for about a year and have ridden it a great deal on road and off. Handles well off road, though can be a little tough on climbs. Very comforatble bike that is great for beginners or street riders looking for an inexpensive, durable bike. I would definitely recommend adding a front suspension fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Hueber
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, Indaiana Date Reviewed: March 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
I have met a trail I didn't like!
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
This bike is a great but for the money. It has a strong frame.
Weaknesses:
It is a little on the heavy side, but that is to be expected from a $270 bike.
Similar Products Used:
I have also had a cannondale F700, gary fisher ziggurat, trek 700
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike. I use it for my off season riding, like in the winter. I use my F700 for races and real big rides. I got this bike about a year ago and it hasn't disapointed me yet. The only thing that is happend is I tacoed the front rim when I was doing something that that bike is definetly not meant for.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
VINCENT ROSALES ROSALES
a Weekend Warrior
from SAN DIEGO, CA. U.S.A. Date Reviewed: February 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
GOING HOME
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
LOOKS EXPENSIVE, NOT TOO HEAVY, MY WIFE PICKED IT SO I HAVE TO LIKE IT.
Weaknesses:
I NEED A NEW SEAT, "MY ASS IS SORE AND RED"!`
Similar Products Used:
NONE
Bike Setup:
NONE
Bottom Line:
IS YOU ALL NEED TO CHANGE THE SEAT TO ALL ONE STYLE,"SOFT". OTHER THAN THAT I AM, I MEAN WE ARE SATISFIED WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF IT SO FAR. LOOKING FORWARD TO ADDING ACCESSORIES.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Agent Z
a Downhiller
from Norcal Date Reviewed: February 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mammoth Bullet
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Price (Costs less than the cranks I have on my other bikes) Pretty Durable Works
Weaknesses:
Some of the components on my '95 were crappy, like the cranks. (Even for a 270 dollar bike)
Similar Products Used:
Nothing similar, I now have a M2 Stumpjumper, GT STS 1 DS set up for Mild DH/Slalom, a Specialized Hemi BMX, and am soon getting a Santa Cruz Super 8 for the real DH courses.
Bike Setup:
I broke the crank back in '95, so I replaced it with an Alivio. (This bike is NOT designed for stair riding/4 foot dropoffs onto concrete) Also got a quadra 5 fork when that was considered "plush." Rest is stock. (acera components)
Bottom Line:
This is the bike I started with from my humble beginnings back in '95. It worked pretty well back then. It's an ok mountain bike that can be used for riding at moderate speeds. If you're new to the sport and haven't gotten a decent bike, buy one of these or a rockhopper and try it out. If you like it, you can move onto something better.
300 bucks is a bargain for a bike. (yes, huffy's go for 120, but those are sh1t.) The cranks on my STS right now retail for 300. (profile chromo)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Robertson
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, Texas Date Reviewed: January 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Ho Chi Minh
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
It beats the Heck outa my old Huffy. Light, smooth, looks kewl.
Weaknesses:
Lame Rock shox Jett's came with the bike. they are already feeling stiff and sticky.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Wienman 518's, Shimano Acera, the rest is specialized, grip shift. 21 inch frame
Bottom Line:
I think I got screwed on the price. Paid $379.00 at a local shop. I've been street rifding my old tank for years and finally decided to get a new bike. So, bottom line, I love it. I'm getting a set of Manitou SX R's soon and a new seat. It's hard as stone. Other than that, the bike Rocks!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
frank
a Weekend Warrior
from davis Date Reviewed: September 1, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Bike Setup:
stock with toe clips and bodygeo seat
Bottom Line:
Excellent bike for the price
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Long Island Date Reviewed: August 24, 1999
Favorite Trail:
whatever
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Nice and light, great looks, strong
Weaknesses:
Hard on your ass seat
Similar Products Used:
GT Outpost Trek 820
Bike Setup:
stock except the Manitou SX-LE I ordered, oh and a Specialized Body Geometry seat
Bottom Line:
For a Beginner mtb'r like myself I found this bike to be an incredible deal ($260). Took on some trails and its nice. Change that seat though and get a front fork if you want to go into the rougher stuff (i have found that I like to thrash around on the trails, its fun.)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Prashanth
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: August 20, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Looks great. good value for the money. Black cherry paint model is even better looking. Components seem good. Solid components (seems like).
Weaknesses:
Seat is hard and narrow. Not very comfortable, but I dont know if other Mt bikes are any better.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 630.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for the money.. If you're not serious into offroad riding this will do.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from NY Date Reviewed: July 8, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Awsome value Good looking Strong It's a Specialized!
Weaknesses:
Brakes could be a higher quality.
Bottom Line:
This bike has a tremendous value for it's price and is great for the beginner mountain biker. An upgrade to shocks makes it a SWEET bike! Specialized rocks!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chrstopher Vasques
a Weekend Warrior
from Cary, NC Date Reviewed: July 5, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Lake Crabtree
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Excellent Bike for the money. Solid component mix. Easily upgraded.
Weaknesses:
Poor rim seam causes the brakes to grab.
Similar Products Used:
Most other bikes in this price range.
Bike Setup:
Upgraded to a Rockshox Jett XC.
Bottom Line:
The best rigid bike value in this price range. I recommend springing for a front suspension bike if you're planning on doing any off road at all.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Victor
a Weekend Warrior
from Elmhurst, IL Date Reviewed: June 5, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Prarie Path
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Solid bike for the cash. Good components.
Weaknesses:
Poor alignment on wheel seams. Pulsates when braking.
Bottom Line:
Good value. I would buy it again.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
danny
a Weekend Warrior
from chicago, illinois Date Reviewed: April 26, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
overall solid value for the money, no doubt. looks sharp in black cherry.
Weaknesses:
hardrock may describe the seat! i rode it for 50 miles on its maiden voyage and my butt killed me!
Bottom Line:
A great bike for beginning mountain bikers. Also great for city and pavement riding (but not extended rides).
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a weekend warrior
from Iowa City, IA Date Reviewed: March 8, 1999
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for me, as I'm just starting to commute and ride trails again after a 4-year lapse. For $300, it can't be beat. I'll probably put a RockShox Jett of some sort on it pretty soon to match the HardRock FS stock. Good Alivio componentry, shifts well, looks cool. Unfortunately the Weinmann 519 rims suck- my front brake keeps catching on the poorly aligned seam.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay
a weekend warrior
from Berlin,Ct 06037 Date Reviewed: December 20, 1998
Bottom Line:
I recently baught this bike in a 21 frame. Nice bike for a starting off mountain biker.I think it is a great deal at $300 brand new,but after searching the net i found i can buy a bike for cheaper used. Exactly what i did,i baught a mongoose frame.Overall the hard rock was never a problem to me.If your looking for a brand new bike on a low budget the hard rock would be for you.(there are about 5 different sizes)
$ 289.99
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
