ATB - All Terrain Bike
The bike for whoever you are, the Hardrock delivers utility and durability without ever missing a beat. Whether rollling across campus to class, heading home from work or out for a night on the town, you gotta be you, right? To do that you need a bike that's tough enough to take what you're dishing out, but quick enough to keep up with your many moods. From the not-somean streets to the back alleys and the toughest trails in your 'hood, every Hardrock delivers utility and durability without ever missing a beat. It's the perfect bike for you...whoever you are.
Submitted by
rickkastle
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento, CA, USA Date Reviewed: August 26, 2009
Favorite Trail:
clementine loop
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
through friend, who
Strengths:
solid, bulletproof frame and componentry
Weaknesses:
n/a
Similar Products Used:
trek 4300 (non disc however), fetish discipline
Bottom Line:
Great hardtail. With the pro disc, it was the best tracking hard tail I have ridden.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Herby
a Downhiller
from Baltimore, MD, USA Date Reviewed: July 9, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Tactical
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Used from a friend
Strengths:
Solid, very light
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
Shimano XT, Avid Mechanical Disc, Judy 100TT
Bottom Line:
I cracked my old frame (Pacific Beta from Toys'R'Us) and needed a replacement frame. Bought it from a friend who had the frame laying around for $150. I have used this bike for over 5 years. I use it for urban assault, DH trails, XC, city riding. Basically, I use it for everything. The hard tail frame is super strong and has taken a beating and keeps true.
Bottom Line: It might not be the fanciest bike around, but it holds with the best of them and keeps on going for years
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
humpjumper
a Weekend Warrior
from Haifa Israel Date Reviewed: June 24, 2009
Favorite Trail:
ofer
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$680.00
Purchased At:
Matzman&Merutz
Strengths:
good overall package brakes drivetrain all work great and made no trouble at all.the tires are also sweet.
Weaknesses:
The suntour fork. before buing this bike iread all these favorable reviews but at the time no one had the 2008 model like mine so no one talked about the crappy forks.its not that they dont work theyre just way too soft for me (180lbs)and bottum out frequently.
Similar Products Used:
none this my first rig
Bike Setup:
all stock except Marz 33tst2 forks (that rock)
Bottom Line:
if your looking for a great overall bike and your under 160 lbsand dont have alot of money to spend this is for you . if your over 160 lbs and have no money then think about replacing the fork because the stock one is a bummer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt
a Weekend Warrior
from traverse city MI Date Reviewed: May 6, 2009
Favorite Trail:
vasa, state hospitial, street around town
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$630.00
Purchased At:
mcclains cylces
Strengths:
strong frame, basically top of the line components for its time, great wheels, ultimatley beefy stem, looks nice.
Weaknesses:
orginal bashguard exploded within the first summer updated to a raceface aluminum one. the front fork can be finicky.
Similar Products Used:
i have rode an evil, jamis dakar (simliar price range, full suspension) thats about it for products simliar at price level. i never rode either of the other bikes for any real amount of time either.
Bike Setup:
basically stock i have added the race face bashguard and to date that is it for upgrades. i have however replaced some parts to date like the front axles (twice now), the bottom bracket (was a default bottom bracket covered by warranty), obviously a few tubes, i broke the shifter on a failed jump attemtp it was relativley cheap though.
Bottom Line:
overall i like the bike it is a beast. i use it for everything i cross country ride, light freeride, some dirt jumps, street/urban, trials (it is a little heavy for this), alleycat races, and as a travel bike and it does all well. it doesnt shine through in one particular spot but is good at just about everything i run it on. i would highly recomend buying an 2006 or older one, NOT the new ones i checked up on their specks and they suck do not buy the new ones. to my knowledge the 2004 to 2007 was the years specalized hot rodded the hardrock and added good compoents and the like to make a worthwhile bike.it does everything i want it to with little manipualtion.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Duvivr6
a Cross Country Rider
from Oklahoma City Date Reviewed: April 22, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Nu-Draper
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Orange Cycle FL
Strengths:
Awesome frame takes everything I throw at it! Mine is the 2003 version I bought new back then still ride it!
Weaknesses:
low end Shimano components but good enough to get you by if your a new rider, RS Judy wasn't the greatest either but not bad at this price range
Bike Setup:
03' HardRock 17" frame, RS Tora 302, XT quick shifters, XT front and rear der., truvativ stylo crank, shimano deore hubs and hydro disk brakes/center lock rotors, easton EA30 Seatpost, bontrager saddle, truvativ XR 90mm Stem, easton monkeylite bar
Bottom Line:
I have been riding this bike for a long time and I enjoy every second of it, have taken pretty big jumps and drops no problem and some pretty bad crashes.
I would advise anyone that is thinking about a hradrock to go for it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
hottroddr
a Weekend Warrior
from tulare,ca. USA Date Reviewed: January 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
one headlight
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
visalia cyclery
Strengths:
very beefy and well constructed for us big guys
Weaknesses:
front and rear derailleurs are annoying always need adjusting.could shift a lot better. cranks are noisy under pressure. fork is a little weak(SR Suntour). avid bb5 w/6 inch rotors are not quite up to the task. me and bike together weigh about 260 lbs,so come down the mountain at 40+ mph,a brake upgrade was definitely in order!
Similar Products Used:
none. this is my first legit rig
Bike Setup:
all stock except brake upgrade to avid juicy 7 w/203mm front rotor and 185 rear. Bike now stops with a single finger!
Bottom Line:
great entry level hardtail for the money. really cant go wrong.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
e Haynes
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, WA. Date Reviewed: November 6, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
used
Strengths:
Tough frame
Weaknesses:
Tires,Judy 100tt,
Bottom Line:
I love this thing. It is'nt the best bike for any one application...But it does do everything pretty damn well! I'm no pro but I am 6'1 and 210lbs. I like jumps and small drops. This thing does hold up. Well worth the 300 I spent!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
reconboy
a Weekend Warrior
from ottawa canada Date Reviewed: October 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
beaver creek
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
T&L
Strengths:
great frame and brakes over all good bike
Weaknesses:
the shocks arn't amazing but they work good
Bike Setup:
stock except new rear disc
Bottom Line:
great overall bike and is perfect for 14 year olds looking to have some fun
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
skotniczny
a Cross Country Rider
from Clarksville TN Date Reviewed: September 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Rotary park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
bikes and more
Strengths:
tough, descent parts, good brakes, looks good, feels good.
Weaknesses:
The fork could be beater, a little heavy, other then that its great bike.
Bike Setup:
Stock other then a new deore rear derailleur, and soon to be new fork.
Bottom Line:
Great bike! this is an awesome entry level mountain bike.
it may be a little heavy to some people but i don't see that as a problem for the price. the bike handles well and changes gears smoothly making it a fun bike to ride. I have ridden this bike over some tough stuff and it has held up very well, the only thing was the fork, its not as smooth as it was in the beginning so ill be upgrading it to a tora. i even plan to start doing races on it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
EZ
a Weekend Warrior
from Ballarat, Australia Date Reviewed: July 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Creswick State Forest
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Strengths:
Nice strong bike. All of the components seem very sturdy. Great breaks.
Weaknesses:
None to speak of. While not the top of the line, the bike more than meets expectations.
Similar Products Used:
Similar bike: my old Specialize Hardrock from 1985!
Bike Setup:
Standard bike. Added pedals for clip on shoes.
Bottom Line:
Great bike for my kind of riding which is just enjoying being out in the bush. I ride around town sometimes, and also go get lost on long rides out in the middle of nowhere. Mostly old logging tracks or narrow animal trails. As I said above, we've had a 20 year old Specialized that I decided to replace. I don't do any special racing or anything, but just wanted a nice, good quality bike to enjoy riding. In some ways, I didn't ant anything too fancy so I wouldn't need to worry about it being stolen or breaking down. If this bike is as good as the last one, we'll be buying another Hardrock in another 25 years!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
boozegob
a Cross Country Rider
from Bloomington, IL, USA Date Reviewed: June 21, 2008
Gears could switch a little smoother, painted lettering is pretty cool but hard to read for those that want to flash that name brand around town, and it was made in Asia :(
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Marlin Disc, Trek 4500, Specialized Comp Disc, and my old department store Mongoose full suspension.
Bike Setup:
2008 21" Silver/Charcoal Specialized Hardrock Pro Disc. Vetta 100 wireless computer, sweet front headlight, and an easily accessible can of pepper spray for those pesky mutts and old lady's (jk).
Bottom Line:
This was my first entry level hard tail purchase and boy was it an adventure, it's funny because I'm not sure if I spent this much time on buying my car or house. Anyway, the lockout front suspension was what sold me on the Hardrock Pro Disc. After test riding the bikes I've listed above, all of their front suspension was entirely too forgiving (even when locked out) for my 220lb body with the exception of the Hardrock Pro. I was leaning heavily towards hydraulic breaks as well (ie, the GF Piranah), however after some heavy duty test riding/breaking and determining I'd NEVER take this on extreme downhill mountain biking that would require hydraulics's, I decided to go with the mechanical disc instead. So far i had to do some minor tweaking on the front Hardrock Pro's brake(turned the knob one click out) b/c it was rubbing slightly from my 1st day abuse, however it has been fine since.
The 21" frame suits my 6'2.5" highly muscular frame perfectly ;) I tried the 19" frame and it seemed very agile, however it looked like I was riding a small bmx bike when I saw my reflection in the store front window. The Hardrock Pro frame's girth is also very solid and attractive. In my opinion there was really no comparison next to the Gary Fisher frame which looked kind of wimpy by the Hardrock. Ok, enough about the superficial stuff, the 21 inch took a lot of pressure off my wrists and the seat has been easy on my precious parts if you know what I mean.
The only real negative I have about the bike so far is that if you're pedaling at a high rate of speed on a straight away and change gears, there's enough jerk to cause your feet to slip on the pedals or even slip off the pedals. However, this is nothing that toe clips, a higher end drive train, or shoes with grips wont resolve.
So far I'm extremely happy with the Specialized Hardrock Pro Disc, and am really glad I was able to scoop up a 2008 model as it look like gas cost are driving bike sales which are expected to increase 2009 bikes by 20%... ouch. Or maybe that was a sales pitch I fell for :P Nevertheless, in retrospect I'd buy this bike again and that makes me happy.
Hope this is as helpful as all of the other reviews on this site were for my decision.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Simon
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne Date Reviewed: May 20, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Woodend
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Sealy's Cycles
Strengths:
tough nut!!! i've been riding this bike almost everyday since september last year. it's tough, durable and a hell of a lot of fun. needs to be upgraded to make it faster in the future, but you should have no problems with it! the fork is the best part about the bike. while only a relatively cheap fork, it works wonders and just keeps on working.
Weaknesses:
slightly on the heavier side for a proper race convertable bike
xt cassette, deore cranks, mavic wheels, specialized bodyfit seat, crank brothers pedals, rest is stock, still got the fork-working well after a year.
Bottom Line:
this bike is great for anyone who wants a great bike. it's especially good for kids who want to get into some racing or just want a bike to ride around on. the only downside is that the 2008 hardrock pro disc is no longer of the same standard.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Bowles
a Cross Country Rider
from Cordova, Tn. Date Reviewed: April 27, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Stanky Creek
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
bIKE wORLD
Strengths:
This is an updated review, after five years of owning this bike, it has held up pretty god over all. Best thing as to be the frame super strong and fairly light. the disk brakes have been awsome.
Weaknesses:
the tires were enduro sports and thehad thin side walls, but they lasted four years. the components are marginal. especially th derailers, they always need to be adjusted. and the front fork adjuster knob broke off. And of course the seat really needs to be changed as soon as possible
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
stock other than tires, I am now using Specialized Roll-X tubless.
Bottom Line:
this is a five year old bike now, and the bottom braket needs to be changed partially due to the square tapper being worn out. the brake pads finally need changed. and the front fork is nothing to brag about.
over all this bike as done very well for the past 5 years wit minimal service.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Landon Hoover
a Weekend Warrior
from Fishers, IN, USA Date Reviewed: January 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Town Run
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Motion
Strengths:
Great bike, Strong but light frame, easy turning abilities and great for single tracks. Wasn't sure whether i would like the avid brakes but it turned out excellent even when temps get below 20s...added chain guard and candy crank bro pedals two best investments
Weaknesses:
Horrible tires. first thing i would change other than that its solid
Similar Products Used:
Giant Boulder SE until got hit by a truck in a race
Bottom Line:
this bike will allow you to ride over anything excellent
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay Hieb
a Weekend Warrior
from Rapid City, SD 57703 Date Reviewed: January 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Storm Mountain
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
Two Wheeler Dealer
Strengths:
Great Shocks, Excellent wheels and tires. Disc brakes are a definite plus. Super tough frame.
Weaknesses:
Front derailleur has two gears, speed shifters have three positions. Hard as hell to tune up. Handlebars too low and no adjustment, which is fine for single track, but road biking makes rider put too much weight on their wrists. Plastic guide around front gears cannot be removed and cracks easily. $50.00 a whack to replace. Ouch!
Similar Products Used:
Rock Hopper
Bike Setup:
Easy to remove wheels and adjust seat.
Bottom Line:
This is one tough bike. I have put it through several months of single track hell and then took it on a 108 mile trail without any major mechanical issues. I particularly like to hill climb with this bike. When I first got it I would get frustrated because my back tire would always spin out on a steep climb, but I put less knobby tires on and by doing so increased the tire surface area which turned it into a mountain goat.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hamish Wilkinson
a Weekend Warrior
from L'ton, TAS, AUS Date Reviewed: November 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Brisbane St
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Avanti Plus Launceston
Strengths:
Solid frame Awesome shocks, with Lockout for cruising the streets Chunky tires which are super sticky and hold any tight corner Light frame (not sure on the exact weight)
Weaknesses:
The be honest, I snapped the seat clap on my first ride....it was a manufacturing fault and the guys at Avanti Plus in Launceston replaced the whole seat pole with a better one.
Similar Products Used:
Avanti Ridge Rider
Bottom Line:
This is a sick bike and if you can pick one up on sale its a really great deal. I live in the city and commute to work on my bike sometimes, so being able to lock out the shocks is a big bonus. But on the weekends I like to hit the trail hard and so far the Hard Rock Pro hasn't let me down. The only thing I would suggest is to check the seat clamp before you ride out of the shop.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matthew Bye
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: October 22, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Epping Forest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Edinburgh Bike (EBC)
Strengths:
Hardrock Pro 2007: Hardrock frame bullet proof frame, Marz MZ Race Forks with lock out - which are great for the trail use i put it thru, great smooth gears, great tyres. Good spec for the cash.
Weaknesses:
Hayes Sole brakes have bad reviews. Mine are okay so far but not enough power on the front with the 160mm rotor. I'm planning a 203mm rotor upgrade which should do the trick, otherwise a new front brake system will be in order.
Similar Products Used:
None - this is my 1st 'proper' bike.
Bike Setup:
2007 Stock.
Bottom Line:
For a entry level good quality bike you can't really go wrong. I got my 07 pro for £375 in a sale. But even for the £450 is generally sells for at the moment it's a great option. Looks like the 2008 pro version has lower spec components and forks. Be prepared to upgrade the brakes to give more power and consistancy tho.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Brooklyn New York, USA Date Reviewed: August 26, 2007
2007 Specialized Hardrock Pro Titec Pluto Carbon 7075 Gold Bar 31.mm Titec Hell Bent 6061 Silver Seatpost ODI Rogue Lock-on Grips
Bottom Line:
Well worth the money. I had the 2006 Hardrock Sport before I purchased the 2007 Hardrock Pro and the biggest difference was the weight factor. The 2007 Pro feels lighter. I love the disc brakes and the stock Specialized BG Saddle. The 2007 Hardrock Pro is a lively package that offers a good bang for the buck.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jake
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles,CA Date Reviewed: August 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
SART
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
SuperGo in Santa Monica (2004)
Strengths:
Solid frame and good components (I've had no problems on/off the trail).
Weaknesses:
a little on the heavy side.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Specialized Milano seat I bought a few weeks ago.
Bottom Line:
I've ridden this bike mostly in urban areas and some fireroad trails. While I thought it had "eh" components from what everyone tells me, when I actually took it out on the a single track (SART in Big Bear) it performed flawlessly.
I was riding with guys that had 4,000+$ bikes that were super light and had full suspension. I seriously thought I was in over my head with this bike but after finishing the ride it changed my opinion of it. It was a little bouncy at times but it' is a hard tail. I had no problems from the bike before during or after the ride.
A good bike for the money and I'll have it for a long time but am in the process of spec'n out a full suspension bike but only for my comfort and not to make up for a bad hard tail.
I love the bike.
5 for value 4 for Overall just because of the weight
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dylan
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada Date Reviewed: August 24, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
2005 model
-the frame holds up to everything surprisingly -the brakes work well when adjusted -rims have been good
Weaknesses:
-fork(mz comp) -pedals -cranks/bottom bracket make a lot of noise -front derailleur is annoying
Similar Products Used:
lots of bikes
Bike Setup:
stock except for 2006 Fox Vanilla RLC
Bottom Line:
it's a good all around bike that works for almost everything. i ride a lot of trails, but also a lot of jumps, and the bike has basically held out, even on the local downhill trail with an almost 20 foot gap. Overall it has been good, except for stuff coming out of adjustment, but that happens with everything.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Austin
a Weekend Warrior
from van Date Reviewed: August 6, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
a place
Strengths:
everything but back deralier and chain
Weaknesses:
back deralier chain and back deralier hanger
Similar Products Used:
norco wolverine
Bike Setup:
sram sx5 back deralier shimano deore front deralier marzocchi mz race and hayes sole hydrolic
Bottom Line:
it is a good bike but it is very very breakable my back deralier hanger snapped in half. my back deralier was bent 3 times and i snapped my chain in half. it it a good bike to buy for someone who rides often and does jumps and stuff
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pacho
a Weekend Warrior
from Bogota, Cund, Colombia Date Reviewed: July 1, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Guatavita
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$819.00
Purchased At:
BIKE TECH, Miami
Strengths:
Bulletproof frame, good rims and spokes.
Weaknesses:
Crankset, was a little disappointing is just a Shimano Alivio, too heavy. The Hayes Sole brakes were not what I expected for hydraulic disk brakes, I prefer Avid BB7 mechanical that I upgrade to my older bike. I will upgrade them to Hayes HFX 9 pretty soon. I replaced the platform pedals the day after I received for a shimano PD-M520. Finally Saddle is far from being comfortable.
Similar Products Used:
Hardrock Sport (older bike) Kona Dawg Deluxe, Trek Fuel EX8,
Bike Setup:
Stock but pedals and crankset, upgraded to Shimano Deore LX.
Bottom Line:
This is a strong bike, good frame and wheels, but is a really heavy bike; you feel the weight when you are climbing after 20 miles of trail on any given Sunday afternoon. To decrease the weight, I changed the Crankset, and will upgrade the fork and brakes. We will see if I can manage to keep it this way.
I should invest a little bit more and buy a higher quality bike, but anyway, I trying to upgrade it to a descent bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
x
a Racer
from Arkansas, USA Date Reviewed: June 17, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Price, quality.
Weaknesses:
No real weakness.
Similar Products Used:
Lots
Bike Setup:
2006 Stock
Bottom Line:
Great all around bike. I'll be racing it XC. Gotten 10ft of air on it several times and not even a creak (I don't jump to flat). Gotta make sure you keep the bottem bracket/cranks tight being that its ISIS drive. Overall bike is strong enough if you know how to ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean McCaffrey
a Downhiller
from Corvallis, OR, USA Date Reviewed: May 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Falls City
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Peak Sports
Strengths:
Hydro brakes, good stout frame, lockout on the forks.
Weaknesses:
Poor shifters (the front shifter busted on me within the first month of owning it), weak forks, grips suck.
Similar Products Used:
Iron Horse Sinister DX
Bike Setup:
Stock.
Bottom Line:
Great bike for riding around in the city or on flat trails. If you get into the air on this thing, you're going to ruin it. The frame is solid, but the components are crap if you ever want to get any more air than jumping a curb. Pick out what kind of rider you are and get that bike, don't go the undecided route and get this one that says it can do it all. That's what I did, and it's not working out for me in the slightest.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brett
a Weekend Warrior
from Lewistown, PA, USA Date Reviewed: May 18, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
the Bicycle Shop (state college)
Strengths:
tough bike, looks good, good for decently technical trails and around town use.
Weaknesses:
Seat
Similar Products Used:
P.2, rock hopper, hardtail treks
Bike Setup:
stock 2005 with Salle royal seat and new specialized tires.
Bottom Line:
great bike. its done me well and the only thing I've had problems with was the hanger for the rear derailleur but it was my fault. I've taken it on some pretty rough trails and some pretty big drops and its still kickin'.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Sussex, England Date Reviewed: May 3, 2007
Favorite Trail:
South downs way
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Bakers
Strengths:
Beautiful strong frame for the rider who wants something they can hack up big climbs but bomb down singletrack at high speed.
Weaknesses:
Poor fork, and brakes are not so good.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Terrago disc
Bike Setup:
Standard except
Mavic 717 on deore Raceface deus stem 70mm bad ass black Raceface evolve xc bars Odi yeti lock on grips Shimano clipless pedals Push layback post Carbon headset spacers Hayes nine HFX with goodridge hoses Bontrager select Saddle
Bottom Line:
Sweet bike, especially with a little cash spent on it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mat
a Cross Country Rider
from Flagstaff, AZ Date Reviewed: April 21, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Sports Outdoors
Strengths:
Tough as nails. Sram X-7s provide very responsive shifting. Powerful disc brakes. I took this thing on a few decently technical trail rides before it was stolen. The bike took everything I could dish out to it considering my ability. Cool paint job.
Weaknesses:
The frame is quite heavy, but the bike still rides like a light one. The seat sucks. Replace it if you can. One of the ugliest headsets I've ever seen. Fork could use a lockout. I also shattered a reflector on one of the pedals when I hit a rock, but that's no big deal.
Similar Products Used:
Older Specialized Stumpjumper (I'm guessing a late 80's model, but I'm not sure.)
Bike Setup:
Stock 2006 model.
Bottom Line:
This is a great value bike. I would not recommend it for dirt jumping or downhill, but it rides like a dream on trails. Bashguard prevents pant legs from getting caught up in the chain and sprocket.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Devinci Krendell
a Downhiller
from Bublington Date Reviewed: April 6, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Any flat street
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Bike Koolz
Strengths:
Awesome fork, strong frame, good brakes, good shifters, shimano equipped, specialized
Weaknesses:
Not very upgradeable
Similar Products Used:
Norco Katmandu
Bike Setup:
This
Bottom Line:
This is the best bike I have ever used under 200 dollars. I bought this bike for such a good deal now that I look at it. I love the marzocchi fork. I want to die it to death. I love this bike so much I want to eat it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Cross Country Rider
from Welches, Oregon, USA Date Reviewed: March 13, 2007
Favorite Trail:
The Glade
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Peak Sports
Strengths:
-Decent enough components -Strong frame -Lockout on forks -Strong brakes
Weaknesses:
-Terrible grips...but that's kind of a normal thing. -Fork isn't great, but it's not bad either. I use the bike for agressive urban riding and they're a little soft. I should have gone with the P3, but I didn't want a single-speed to ride to work or occasionally hit the trail. -Brakes are squeaky. The Hayes Sole is pretty good. I've already had to adjust the front brakes and replace pad so...eh...they're marginal of my liking. -Shifters suck!!!! I laid the bike down into a sheetrock wall and the front shifter blew up. I'm going to have to replace it... -Frame geometry isn't exactly great. It's not awesome for urban riding...and it's not great for trail riding. They really did go middle of the road to create this bike...
Similar Products Used:
Iron Horse Sinister DX
Bike Setup:
2007 Bike Stock components
Bottom Line:
Decent enough bike. Not the best thing I could have gotten but there isn't really a bike that fits what I do well. I like the hydro brakes, the lockout on the forks, but everything else isn't exactly my favorite...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Boscia
a
from pittsburgh Pa Date Reviewed: March 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
ALL Arount! WENT TO BC WHISTLER
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Salam Cycles
Strengths:
Got just frame an no problems at all
Weaknesses:
with my parts NONE only have front an rear derailers that came with the bike!! Sometimes it will jump gears but it actually came with a 8gear in rear an i have a 7gear
I love th bike its Black an Blue Flamed!! Dont Like the newer HardRocks!! I Love My Paint Job!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from So. Cal Date Reviewed: October 21, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Whistler
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
brakes, body position, gear ratio, light weight
Weaknesses:
nothing
Similar Products Used:
Kona Dawg, Devinci, Giant Warp, Kona Coiler
Bottom Line:
Handles well on ALL terrain even though it's a hardtail, great climber, lots of traction. Brakes stop in an instant. Puts you in a very comfortable postion that you can uphill and downhill with. This is the hardtail to get. It is a CAN DO ANYTHING bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Devin
a
from Chilly Minnesota Date Reviewed: October 18, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$399.00
Purchased At:
ski hut
Strengths:
super solid frame, sun rims, avids, poly bashguard, mobius stem
Weaknesses:
Marzocchi M3 fork is really weak, the seat folded like a taco doin a four foot drop, little heavy for a hardtail but its heavy for a reason.
Similar Products Used:
none really, rode a friends Hoss Deluxe thats about the only hardtail that i've seen thats designed like this.
Bike Setup:
stock for now: M3 fork, sun singletrack rims, Sram x-7s, avid bb5 breaks, poly bashguard, switch between the platforms and some onZe clip-ins, Plant Trees stickers
Bottom Line:
I got this bike for 300 less than the retail price so thats awesome (helps knowing people at the shop), its a great bike for the $ like everyone says, components needs upgrading. The M3 is really crappy and will be the first thing replaced, other than that it handles the weak freeriding I pretend to do very well and also is just fine for some longer xc trails. Broke college students like me can't afford a nice full suspension, but I am very pleased with this bike none the less, its very versatile for a hardtail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jamie
a Weekend Warrior
from Bloomsburg, PA, USA Date Reviewed: October 11, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Great frame, great brakes, great tires, decent weight, decent platform pedals, dual chainrings with bashguard (more clearance than triple rings), good grips, good shifters and deraileurs
Weaknesses:
fork could be a little better, chain sometimes "sucks" up from under chainring and wedges between granny gear and chainstay, left shifter has a long throw to go from granny to big gear, I didn't care for the seat
Similar Products Used:
P Street and BMX bikes (not very similar), rockhopper (test ride only), dual suspension bikes (not very similar)
Bike Setup:
Stock, except for seat... 17.5" (Med), Marz MZIII, Avid BB5s, 2x9 gears, Enduro Sport Tires, 25psi front, 23 psi rear, plan on cutting about 2" off the seatpost because I'll never use all of it
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. I am 5'9", 155 lbs. This bike fits me like a glove. I mostly ride fun singletrack with small jumps and small drops. I couldn't imagine a better all-around trailbike at this pricepoint (I got an '06 leftover at a discount). I've only been riding it a little over a week, but it puts a bigger smile on my face every time I'm out. I put the seat all the way down for jumping and freeriding (nothing too crazy), up about 1.5" for all-mountain, and up about 3" for long climbs and cross-country terrain. I was a little clumsy getting used to 1 finger on the brake levers and my thumbs were bumping the shifters, so I moved all controls IN on the handlebar about an inch-much better and I can still get 2 fingers on the levers if I want.
My wish list: good all-mountain 5" fork, maybe BB7 and larger rotor up front, I'm gonna see about repositioning the lever on the left shifter so it is easier to up-shift.
Still, it is a fantastic bike, no regrets! 5 out of 5 on value, 4 out of 5 overall because the chain-suck is annoying. Buy this bike if you are looking for a great hardtail for a variety of riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Couillard
a Downhiller
from Duluth, MN, USA Date Reviewed: September 21, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Michigan Tech trails
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Hancock Bike Shop
Strengths:
Super strong frame, DitchWitch wheels, Mobius Stem, Bars, Lightweight for its strength, standover
Weaknesses:
Shimano anything, fork (thought it was good till I broke it today..), pedals, tires, semi mushy brakes
Similar Products Used:
Fisher Mamba
Bike Setup:
Bar ends, bash guard, truvatiz cranks, bulletproof pedals, upgrded pads, new seatpost and spec. seat, newer shimano right brake and shifter
Bottom Line:
As much as I have fixed this bike, I loved it nonetheless. I probably use it a lot harder than it was intended for, which is why I break so many things. Taco'd the 3rd chainring thrice, finally put on a bashguard after fearing I would be mad at the loss of gearing, then realized I didn't need the third chainring, even though I do ride street occasionally. Pedals andcranks are uber weak, replace them asap. I wanted the 05 model, because it was cheaper and looked cooler. If only they would have put the 06 sram components on in 05, because I havehad trouble with everything that bears the name shimano on this bike. Makes a great all around bike, I ride everything from XC, 4X, Dirt Jumping, and moderate downhilling. I thought the 120 mil marzocchi fork was a work of art until today, when I snapped the crossmember on a relatively mild jump (2 feet of air x 8 ft distance). This is an excellent bike for all around riding if you are willing to upgrade parts here and there, and I attribute its shortcomings to my "h-core" riding style.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scotty j
a Weekend Warrior
from pepperell Date Reviewed: September 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:
FOMBA
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
goodales
Strengths:
super solid frame, good wheels, brakes are good, good front fork
Weaknesses:
front derailer, it bent like a pretzel in 1 month
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
great bike. i have only had 1 problem with it. everything else stands up very good. i gave it a beating on some pretty hairy downhill trails and it stood up to it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JASON RYCE
a Weekend Warrior
from PITTSBURGH, PA 15202 Date Reviewed: August 21, 2006
Favorite Trail:
NORTH PARK
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
GATTO WEXFORD
Strengths:
A great bike for the price. It has taken the abuse I have dished out so far. Marzocchi MZ3 fork, Avid disc brakes, and BG saddle are sweet. Rims are able to take a pounding.
Weaknesses:
This bike is a little heavier than I'd like, but I have not upgraded any components. If you do any riding on the road then you are going to notice the 2.3 tires.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 3900, 4500, Iron Horse Warrior SE Trail
Bike Setup:
Standard factory setup except for shimano spd 324 mountain pedals.
Bottom Line:
Specialized is always going to give you a sturdy quality product. You will be willing to live with the small weight penalty because of the other advantages this bike offers. I had a hard time deciding between a medium (17") and large (19"). I am 6 foot and have a 32" inseam, so I was right in between. I chose the medium and I am soooo glad. So if you are in between go smaller. I have only been riding this bike about a month but I have done things on this bike that would have turned my trek 3900 into a mass of twisted metal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Bowles
a Weekend Warrior
from Cordova,tn usa Date Reviewed: August 15, 2006
Favorite Trail:
stanky creek
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
bike world
Strengths:
great entry level bike. takes alot of abuse. comes with disks for fairly cheap.
Weaknesses:
after three years the cranks are starting to make noise. and the fos shox judy fork isnt very adjustable.
Bike Setup:
stock except for the pedals, i am using crank brothers candies
Bottom Line:
good tough bike. i have been riding for about three years now. and had my first tune up at te shop and everything was in very good condition. it onky needed minor tweeking with the front derailure and hubs.. I will keep the bike and just up grade components as needed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kev
a
from Vancouver, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: August 12, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$613.00
Purchased At:
Dizzy Cycles, North Vancouver
Strengths:
- Great brakes (Avid BB5) - Solid frame
Weaknesses:
- Truvativ PowerSpline BB makes creaking sound - Shimano Deore rear derailleur doesn't shift precisely; chain slipping gears (probably needs adjustment after breaking-in period) - Manufacture flaw in the Specialized Mobius stem; the bottom face isn't square to the steerer, so the entire stack of spacers and headset rings are squeezed on one side (like the Tower of Pisa!)
Similar Products Used:
None really
Bike Setup:
- Stock 2005 Hardrock Pro - Specialized Crossroads tires for paved roads
Bottom Line:
Got the '05 close to the end of the '06 model year, so I think I got a pretty good deal.
Comparing it to the '07 (which started to appear just one month after I got the '05!) I think the '05 set-up performs better all-around. Many say that the BB5s even out-perform the low-end hydraulics which come with the '07. Get the '06 while you can!
This bike was intended for light to medium trails only. It performs extremely well. I wouldn't rate the fork crappy - although it is the bottom of the Marzocchi line, it does its intended job well.
Excellent "starter" bike. If you want to do advanced stuff you can easily upgrade parts. The frame should hold up well for quite a long time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Damien Macdonald
a Cross Country Rider
from Weston, Somerset, England Date Reviewed: August 4, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Burrington combe
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$718.00
Purchased At:
Somerset cycles
Strengths:
Great strong frame , very strong Alex rims
Weaknesses:
Parts are pretty budget and ive upgraded most of them now and forks pretty budget too and broke mine in bout 6 months
Bike Setup:
FSA orbit 2 headset, bikehut hydraulic brakes (suprisingly good an even better value) deore LX rear mech, specialized BG 2 saddle, shimano XT shifters, Rockshox recon 351 U-turn forks, Specialized enduro 2.0 front tire and specialized resolution pro rear tire
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the money overall your payin for the frame more than anythin else theyve mae an awesome frame so strong an suprisingly light an gr8 looks but the other parts are pretty budget so if u want a really good strong bike that u can play around with get this its gr8!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada Date Reviewed: August 3, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
2005 Hardrock Pro Disc kinda cheap only 900 canadian $$ very strong frame and ditwitch rims(i cased on some big jumps really bad like 3 times today and they didnt warp at all) brakes once they're adjusted tires, shifters, rear derailleur
Weaknesses:
front derailleur is bad and screws up all the time cranks/bb are pretty poor, and they make alot of weird noises(and on the truvativ site blaze in in the "comfort" section not mtb) stupid stem and bar
Similar Products Used:
kona stuff norco bigfoot giant stp hardrock comp kona blast norco havoc(not similar at all really)
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
this is a great bike for anything you do i do big drops and jumps alot more than xc, and it holds up fine (except the crank) even with everything stock if you do a variety of different riding than this bike is for you, and i think the '06 model should be just as good
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tommy Lan
a Weekend Warrior
from Langley, B.C. , Canada Date Reviewed: July 26, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$519.00
Purchased At:
Soprts West
Strengths:
frame is pretty light ,strong and nice looking!!
Weaknesses:
the tires and inner tubes....because they all made in China, quality not good and easy to brake !!
Similar Products Used:
P.2
Bike Setup:
XT rear Der, Deore Front Der, Deore Hydraulic with 8" rotors,Deore Shifters, Specialized Roller tires 2.3, LX Cassettes 9 speeds, Hussefelt Riserbar , Hussefelt stem, LX chain, Single Track Wheels with Deore hub, Holzfeller Pedals, Specialized S-Work saddle, and Manitou Kingpins 170mm forks.
Bottom Line:
Even most people say this is a XC bike, but the Frame looks just like P bike so try to make it like a jumping or freeride bike...but anyways, Specialized is good brand, they make good bikes and u can trust!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tommy Lan
a Weekend Warrior
from Langley, B.C. , Canada Date Reviewed: July 26, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$519.00
Purchased At:
Soprts West
Strengths:
frame is pretty light ,strong and nice looking!!
Weaknesses:
the tires and inner tubes....because they all made in China so easy to brake !!
Similar Products Used:
P.2
Bike Setup:
XT rear Der, Deore Front Der, Deore Hydraulic with 8" rotors,Deore Shifters, Specialized Roller tires 2.3, LX Cassettes 9 speeds, Hussefelt Riserbar , Hussefelt stem, LX chain, Single Track Wheels with Deore hub, Holzfeller Pedals, Specialized S-Work saddle, and Manitou Kingpins 170mm forks.
Bottom Line:
Even most people say this is a XC bike, but the Frame looks just like P bike so try to make it like a jumping or freeride bike...but anyways, Specialized is good brand, they make good bikes and u can trust!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick
a Downhiller
from South Central Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: July 9, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Dirt Jumps
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
McPhails
Strengths:
LIGHT FRAME!!!! Super Light!! Fairly sturdy, failry decent parts, overall. Great beginner bike!
Weaknesses:
Crappy disc brakes. Not quite worth extra ca$h for them. Broke pedals first week - replaced. On third pair of crank arms. Rims bend easily. Dented frame. Bent fork. Lots of problems, but bike still rides and performs.
Bottom Line:
ALTHOUGH RIDING THIS BIKE WAY TO HARD, IT PRETTY MUCH STOOD UP TO IT AND FOR THAT I LOVE IT AND RECCOMEND IT!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Elno Lewis
a Weekend Warrior
from Ann Arbor Date Reviewed: June 26, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Poto
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$425.00
Purchased At:
Two Wheel Tango
Strengths:
Strength & beauty--takes abuse fairly well. Fell off my car at 70 mph. Gave it some character. I've put about 700 miles on it--some hard trails, and only had to carry it once.
Weaknesses:
Brakes squeal--could be tighter. Broke derailler hanger. On my thrid chain--second two were good ones...
Similar Products Used:
Diamondback
Bike Setup:
Thudbuster seat suspension, toe clips
Bottom Line:
I'm happy with it. It could shift a little better under strain, but I ain't hurt myself on a slip yet-knock on wood. Rear derailler hanger snapped and took a chain with it--I had already upgraded the chain. Sucked. Put the Thudbuster on just for anti-spine-shock benefits--like that, too. I ride a bunch of street and dirt. One thing, the cables on the front down tube cross--and can catch some weeds and come out of the stays. Happened once. I don't know if I am hard on brakes, or that the brakes got weak fast--within 700 miles. All in all, I feel good about the bike. It does what I need it to do.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jesse Healy
a
from Rochester, New York Date Reviewed: June 21, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Humpty Dumpty and GM DJ's
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Park Ave (The Evil Empire)
Strengths:
Pretty solid frame, rims, fork.
Weaknesses:
Tires, brakes, deraiullers
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Front Tire- Continental Desil 2.5 Rear Tire- Continental Gravity 2.3
Bottom Line:
Much solider frame than expected. I do alot of DJ and dropping on this bike and have not had any problems yet. Tire upgrade was a need. I wouldn't reccomend it for DJ'ing as I have done becaues its not made for that. Im getting two replacement bikes soon. One freebie Cannondale Prophet 4000 and a real DJ bike, a Jamis Komodo.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a Downhiller
from Concord CA usa Date Reviewed: June 15, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Encina Bikes
Strengths:
Brakes
Weaknesses:
derailler seet
Bike Setup:
cross counrty manitou axel platinums wtb tires new rotors
Bottom Line:
this is definenaly not a jumping bike. The deralier suks. bends and breaks too many tmes. good cross country bikes though
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris
a
from somewhere near the south of england Date Reviewed: June 15, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
internet
Strengths:
forks (ish), wheels, amzing hardcore frame
Weaknesses:
crap brakes, cranks snapped 4 times in half a year, now up graded
Similar Products Used:
24/7 trailstar, santa cruz chameleon
Bike Setup:
manitou breakouts 150mm travel!!!, halo SAS 24" wiv choir boys, hope mono m4s, shimano saint crankset, single speed
Bottom Line:
this is the best setup you can find for this frame!!! and i own it!!!! you wont get better and i love it!!! my advice lose the cranks straight away and look after the brakes and you'll be fine!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Hampshire Date Reviewed: June 9, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$890.00
Purchased At:
H@lfords (Cycle2Work scheme)
Strengths:
Solid frame - good fit for me - good brakes - good handling options for 2 or 3 front ring setup.
Weaknesses:
had it 12 days when rear mech hanger snapped while riding on easy country road (tarmac) - chain "special-pin" popped & bent link plates. When checking the busted portion it looks like a casting flaw as surface of hanger was not smooth.
Similar Products Used:
reviewed Giant XTC/SE, Kona Blast & GT Avalanche
Bike Setup:
Stock 19-inch frame - not had it long enough to want to replace parts
Bottom Line:
Bought this to replace an old (cheap) steel framed MTB - my first experience with front shocks - apart from the service from H@lfords (a necessary evil as I bought it on the Cycle2Work tax efficient purchase scheme) I was quite happy - its now back at the store while they try to source a replacement hanger ! Would be interested to know if anybody else has had a hanger snap without any preceding impact.
Would have recomended this but currently reserving judgement
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
asd
a
from asd Date Reviewed: June 1, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$900.00
Strengths:
900 canadian goodish fork
Weaknesses:
derailleurs other stuff
Bottom Line:
first of allll i dont know where all these other reviewers got it for like 400 bucks cuz it was 900 canadian everywhere and yea pfffffffff
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
stephen meredith
a Weekend Warrior
from Cardiff Date Reviewed: April 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
cwmcarn
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Wheelies Direct
Strengths:
Good frame, Brilliant brakes for the moey the bike costs.
Weaknesses:
Marzocchi MZIII, fine on the down hill but suck up your pedaling on the climbs.
Similar Products Used:
GT Avalanche 1.0
Bike Setup:
SRAM X-7 shifters and rear derailer. Hayes Sole Hydraulic disc brakes. SRAM X-Gen Front derailer. Marzocchi MZIII forks. Standard specialized pedals and stem. Specialised saddle with grips. Travatiz Blaze crank set.
Bottom Line:
Good spec on the bike but the forks are the biggest let down. If you buy this bike upgrade the forks and stem asap. The bike handles well and the braking is excellent. An excellent budget bike!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from BC Canada Date Reviewed: April 22, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Dewdrop
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$989.00
Purchased At:
Spoke
Strengths:
Sram X7 drivetrain, sun singletrack rims, truvativ ps crank, avid bb5 disk brakes, and the frame
Weaknesses:
The fork sucks and so does the seat, some specialized parts like the handlebar or seatpost could stay or go
Similar Products Used:
Giant Iguana, Diamondback V6, Trek 4300
Bike Setup:
Stock except for shimano platform clipless pedals
Bottom Line:
This bike is super tough. The x7 drivetrain is better than any other bike at $1000 canadian. The weight is decent for how tough the bike is built. The fork sucks, but so do most stock forks on $1000 bikes. The seat is like a rock even with a good pair of shorts. Some minor changes and this will be a good lightweight xc/freeride bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Downhiller
from Pittsburgh, PA, USA Date Reviewed: March 14, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Hartwood Acres & surrounding areas
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Gatto
Strengths:
This bike can handle most of the trails that I throw at it, the stock fork handles smaller bumps well, and the brakes work great
Weaknesses:
The rims are weak, I bent mine beyond repair on just the third ride, hitting a rock on the trail. Also, the cranks break easily. I was doing drops no more than 4 feet one day, the crank bent (I only wiegh about 180lbs) and broke off on my ride home.
This bike is a good deal for the price tag, and if you are a poor college student like I am, and can afford repairs every 15 or so rides, then get it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fernando
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas Date Reviewed: February 15, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
RBM
Strengths:
This an extremely good mtb bike, I really like the disc brakes, you need to adjust them to keep them from rubbing but they work well. I have done 8 foot drops and the frame has taken it over and over again. I love the paint job.
Weaknesses:
The front and rear shimano derailleurs suck, they need to be adjusted but even then you have a bit of a time lapse from the time you want to shift to the time it does shift. I will upgrade in the future. Also the front suspension is not that great, if you can, upgrade but not necessary. Oh the seat is not that comfortable but if you have a real good pair of shorts, you'll forget about it.
Similar Products Used:
I'm sure there are tons of similar bikes.
Bike Setup:
Switched the pedals from the platforms it had on it to Shimano PD-M540s, everything else is stock but will upgrade derailleurs in the future aswell as the front suspension.
Bottom Line:
An extremely good bike for those who are into mtb for fun and recreation, not for competitive or extreme bike riders. I got it because I do alot of urban riding during the week and even more bike riding on trails on the weekend, so this was a good all around mtb for the price. It goes well over curbs, tree trunks, etc. I got mine for 500 because I wanted the 2006 and they only had a 2005 big savings! It is very light even with the disc brakes and front suspension. I am happy with the bike its just does damn shimano derailleurs I hate on it, an easy fix. i give four chillis for value because I got it so cheap and 4 chillis for overall because the derailleurs need to be changed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Lincoln Ne Date Reviewed: January 23, 2006
The 2005 HardRock Pro disc is the best bang for the buck I have seen yet.. Great all around bike for any type of riding you throw at it.. I feel the '05 has a better set up than the new '06, so went with it.. Was clearance priced also, so could not go wrong.. and Specialized rules anyway..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nico stringari
a Downhiller
from California Date Reviewed: November 25, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Water Towers
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Another Bike Shop
Strengths:
this bike was great at the begining i loved the brakes rock the forks were good and everything else was good fo rthe amount of money i paid.
Weaknesses:
Well i recently started to do Big Big Big BIG Jumps and well my fork bent in half, BUY A NEW FORK, i now have a sherman flick 90/130mm it is perfect also upgrade the wheelset if you do what i do they are gooing to snap
Similar Products Used:
specialized demo 8 (no simalarity) santa cruz jackal(i race that bike)
Bike Setup:
new fork manitou sherman flick 90/130mm,saint bash guard, Sun Rynolite wheel set and saint derrailur
Bottom Line:
great bike!!! i think a good i dea for beginner bike. get new fork,derelliur,wheels thats around 400$ its worth it
if you are begining to ride or want a bike that you can hit doubles or smaller jumps or even intense trails without buying a 4000$ bike get one of theese they are sweet. and im only 13 but i am getting sponsered because of this bike!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dylan
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: November 7, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Strengths:
just updating my last review-05 hardrock pro disc
the shocks are really good, but i would recomend tightening them up if your bigger, because they're loose for me and i'm only 85 punds. brakes are excellent once they get adjusted right, and the rims and tires are really good
Weaknesses:
deraileurs are kinda noisy and sometimes shift themselves(going to upgrade soon), the grips are terrible, and the pedals get a bit slippery when they're wet
Similar Products Used:
tried out kona blast, norco somethingthat wasnt very good, garry fisher(one that was similar in price), and some crap GT bike
Bike Setup:
stock, hopefully upgrading the deraileurs soon though
Bottom Line:
i think its a really good, and really cool bike. it seems to do well on all the trails i take it on, and it can take some jumps and drops aswell. i wouldnt recomend doing anything bigger than about 8 feet though. its a great bike for the price 900 CAN $, and the paint is awsome if you get the blue flame(for 05s). if you like riding trails, and doing a few jumps every once and awhile, you should buy it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryce Fox
a Weekend Warrior
from Flagstaff, AZ Date Reviewed: October 25, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Any in Flag/Sedona
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$767.00
Purchased At:
Absolute Bikes
Strengths:
This is for the '06.
The frame is strong and well welded. It is strong enough to handle my 185 lbs jumping and dropping every chance I get. The components are nice for the price. Love the paint job. Good feel to the bike. Brakes are strong for mechanicals.
Weaknesses:
Chain, (Broke on my first ride, but that happens). Tires wear fast if used on pavement at all. Fork is not strong enough for what i do. The rear brake cable is on the top of the top tube, (stupid location, I think). Brakes take some adjusting to get perfect.
Similar Products Used:
Demo'd a couple kona's and had a wal-mart bike for a while. Nothing really compares.
This is my first real mountain bike, (had cheapo wal-mart bikes before). I am really glad that i decided to get a specialized. The bike is great, there is literally no comparison betwwen it and the wal-mart bikes i used to ride. The components, while not light, are not excessivley heavy either. The feel of the bike is very sturdy. The cornering is very steady and the bike puts you in the cockpit perfectly. I use thisbike for what it was intended for 90% of the time, while the other 10%, i like to take jumps and small drops. The 19" frame holds my 6'3" 185 lbs very well and takes a lot of abuse. I know that it wasn't designed to, but i will be upgradung it soon. I plan to upgrade a few components, (fork to Fox vanilla, brakes to 7" rotors, bar and seat post to carbon fiber, and eventually the wheel set to something slightly stronger and the tires to something grippier), to make this bike a true all-mountain bike. Bottom line: if you are just getting into the sport or if you have been absent for a few years, get this bike! you will not regret the decision, (well maybe after you realize you really wanted a full suspension ;) ). The extra money you will spend on the pro model really makes a difference. I prefer SRAM to Shimano, so this bike was a perfect choice for me. The Avid mechanical brakes work very well and the drivetrain has a good selection of gears, (even with a bash guard instead of a third chainring). The quality of the bike is outstanding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
billy
a Weekend Warrior
from arroyo grande ca,93420 Date Reviewed: October 18, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
local shop
Strengths:
built like a brick house
Weaknesses:
noisy crank!?!
Similar Products Used:
canondale f2000
Bike Setup:
stock for now
Bottom Line:
over all i'm pleased, just not excited about that noisy crank. i'll post another review in the future.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Austin
a Downhiller
from sunnyvale, CA Date Reviewed: October 6, 2005
Favorite Trail:
braille
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$525.00
Purchased At:
the off ramp
Strengths:
smooth shifters, good paint, good tires
Weaknesses:
POS shocks
Similar Products Used:
kona scrap
Bike Setup:
05' shermon flick pluses, 8in avid brake in front, e. thirteen bashgard
Bottom Line:
this is the bike of choice for the beginner looking to just get out there and start riding. Highly upgradeable (i reccemond the shocks first), and easy to maintain. extremely good value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Racer
from Centerview Date Reviewed: October 5, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Town
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Freeride Bike and Skate
Strengths:
Everything but the fork
Weaknesses:
The Marzocchi MZIII
Similar Products Used:
nothing similar, 98 Specialized FSR Elite, 2003 Specialized Enduro Pro
Bike Setup:
Stock less the Juicy 5, 160 on the front
Bottom Line:
Not a bad bike for the money. I am used to a lot more bike and a completely different riding style. I picked this bike up to go do some urbaning in town. This bike is super easy to throw around and it handles 4 and 5 foot drops like nothing. The setup is all SRAM for the 06, and I think it's the best thing Specialized could have done for the Hardrock series!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Billy Czaja
a Weekend Warrior
from Amston Date Reviewed: September 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Grayville
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$600.00
Strengths:
the blu flame is awsome pretty good for the price the front fork is pretty good
Weaknesses:
when i got the bike i rode it for a month or so and was getting mad at the frame around the crank was making a lot of noise. i brought it to the shop and they said that it was a messed up welding and that htey were going to replace the frame. a month or so later the got a new frame and it was the wrong one. they said it was the only one they could get. finally i called the specialized company and asked why i wasn't getting the right frame. for a couple of months it was a few on off conversations and finally i got the right frame. the disk brakes make a CRAZILY LOUD screeching noise and the bike shop SAYS ITS NORMAL, but i dought it
Bike Setup:
TIME clipless pedals
Bottom Line:
overall its a good bike if you are doing some trail and some path. its almost as good as you can get for a hardtail. the paint is sweet!! thats the main reason i got it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paolo
a Weekend Warrior
from London Date Reviewed: August 28, 2005
Favorite Trail:
North Shore
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Evans Cycles
Strengths:
It is a strong and firm bike. Sufficeiently light.Forks travel smoothly. Looks good. Tyres are amazing i have not had a puncture after a year of using it frequently every day for riding to school and weeekends for freeride.
Weaknesses:
Seat is fairly uncomfortable i recommend changing it. When changing gears the chain does not always stay on the correct gear (just a matter of adjusting it). Forks are decent but cannot hold big airs.
Marzocchi Drop Off Forks (130mm), Mudguard on rear tyre,DMR chain stay protector, DMR handle grips.
Bottom Line:
Good bike for constant and not too abusive use. It is a tough frame and fairly light. Good and durbable tyres. Best value bike. Good components that are cheap to replace.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Elno Lewis
a Weekend Warrior
from Ann Arbor, MI Date Reviewed: August 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Island Lake
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$425.00
Purchased At:
Two Wheel Tango
Strengths:
Reliable. Hasn't broke yet and I am fairly abusive. Neighbor is a bike mechanic and he adjusted cables after the first 100 miles. Have about 200 miles on it now. I do a lot of street riding, as well. Ride is pretty plush.
Weaknesses:
Cranks make a lot of noise. Derailers, esp. the front, grinds a lot especially when the juice is on. Scares me going up hill sometimes, but haven't blown out my nads yet on the crossbar.
Similar Products Used:
I had a Hardrock Sport for a month which I gave to my son after he wore out the Diamondback I gave him. Loved the Sport so much I went out and got the Pro--no bike shop in town could match up against it price-wise or component wise.
Bike Setup:
I put a Thudbuster on it and am not sure what I think about that yet. Its nice in the city and i am sure the long term impact on my spine will be positive. Other than that and my little red, plastic horn--its stock. Finally got the seat where I need it and hands haven't been numb since.
Bottom Line:
Love the bike. Running out of excuses for missing work. Might just have to tell the boss the truth--I LOVE MY MOUNTAIN BIKE! If your not a racer or some gram shaving geek, or like me, hate to shop, get this bike. I bought the first one without even test riding it--I have great faith in my karma--and my yin and yang intersected once again. Ain't gonna buy a Specialized T-Shirt or anything, but the bike is tight as snake p----! Peace out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd Shrauner
a Cross Country Rider
from Yuma, Arizona Date Reviewed: August 13, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Memorial hill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Mr. B's bicycles
Strengths:
Great looks, I've gotten alot of comments on the flame paint. Strong frame - at 250 lbs, I have NO doubt the frame will hold up to some serious thrashing, the frame welds are great. Great rear deraileur, smooth and quick. Pretty serious stem, great forks, STRONG rims - ive made one adjustment on two spokes to keep them true.
Weaknesses:
Ive had a few problems with the front deraileur being finiky, some noise out of the crankset - which was not torqued when I got it. tires wore too fast, replaced under 400 miles, the seat was pretty uncomfortable - went to a cloud 9, taller riders will need a longer seat post. The brakes are ok, not exactly awe inspiring, but they work with tweakin
Similar Products Used:
Giant, tried out a few others
Bike Setup:
still pretty much stock, cloud 9 seat, WTB Mutano Raptor tires.
Bottom Line:
Great intermediate bike, I got this bike for training, so I wanted something tough. I got it. A little on the heavy side, but so am I. If you want strength, you pay a weight penalty, but it's not bad. Change a few things to suit your individual needs/taste, and you have an epic bike. And they expect you to get a seat that fits your butt, so that's no big deal. If you NEED great brakes, swap the calipers and disks for the AVID 203mm BB7's if you want to keep it cheap. I think this is one of the greatest value bikes made, and therefore some of the components were a little lacking. Upgrade the components you don't like, and viola, you've got an epic ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Keith
a Weekend Warrior
from Centennial, CO, USA Date Reviewed: August 9, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Waterton Canyon - Colorado Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$580.00
Purchased At:
Issaquah Ski & Cycle
Strengths:
Fun to ride! Good price, solid frame and wheels, brakes are decent, overall excellent value.
Weaknesses:
Will eventually change out shocks, tires, and saddle, but they work just fine for now.
A little about me and my riding. I'm 6'2" and 220 lbs. I like to ride moderately technical single-track. I used to ride Tiger Mountain in Washington, but moved to Colorado before getting a chance to hit Tiger Mountain with this bike. I have ridden this bike on a loop in Waterton Canyon (Colorado) that includes a small piece of the Colorado Trail - that's where I found some good single-track action.
I found that the seating position on my Hardrock Pro made technical climbs a bit challenging, but still manageable. In the mild whoops and twisties, however, the controllability of this bike begs me to see how fast I can go. Technical descents were also an absolute blast. As with any hardtail, too much speed in rough rocks and roots can get you in some trouble, but at almost 40 years-old, keeping it a little slower in those areas is probably a good idea.
All in all, this has been a great bike for the money! I would recommend this bike to any weekend warrior who wants to do anything from urban assault missions to some technical single-track.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan D
a Cross Country Rider
from BC, Canada Date Reviewed: July 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:
FAST
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$550.00
Strengths:
Good frame, good shocks, good brakes, really good looking bike.
Weaknesses:
Very uncomfortable seat, crankset is junk it falls off easily
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is great bike if your not going insane with it, just needs a few minor touch ups. (seat, pedals, crankset) everything else is fine!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jesse Healy
a
from Rochester, NY Date Reviewed: July 24, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$610.00
Purchased At:
Park Ave Bikes
Strengths:
Great fork and frame. Grips and seat are very comfortable.
Weaknesses:
Deraiulers and Chain. In the three months that I have owned the product I have had 3 chain and deraiuler problems. I have had it in the shop for about 3 weeks of my owning time (Not making me happy because i love riding). The disc brakes will ocassionally squeak and make other noises of that sort but once the axle is tightened there isnt any problems.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
It is a great product for someone who isn't going to use it up to its abilities. But it wont take much more than riding on the road. I jump the bike on some of the trails around my house but the problams don't take effect untill it gets back home.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mountain Biker
a Weekend Warrior
from Winnipeg Date Reviewed: July 12, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Devils Dip
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$525.00
Purchased At:
Gords
Strengths:
Nice strong Frame with nice beefy tires and decent brakes with excellent forks, great shifting and good handle bars with good grips.
Weaknesses:
The seats not to comfy but its not bad.
Similar Products Used:
Norco Wolverine
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi Comp Forks with 100 mm of travel, Kenda Tires 26" by 2.2".
Bottom Line:
Its a great for drop offs anywhere between 1-8 feet. Its got great comfy shocks which really absord the hit so overall its a great for even for its great price. This bike is great for anywon who wants to just go out and have a fun time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Holt, Mi, USA Date Reviewed: July 4, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Burchfield Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$569.00
Purchased At:
Central Park Bikes
Strengths:
Strong frame, smooth shifting, good braking, great wheel and tire combination, great price!!!
Weaknesses:
Braking isn't suppurb, there is a little rub on the front between the rotor and pads, but with some adjustment it goes away. Also the front derailluer is a waste, replace it with at least a LX or XT or Sram. Also seat is extremely uncomfortable and the grips are losely. These are all small replacements.
Similar Products Used:
Giant, Trek, Gary Fisher
Bike Setup:
WTB Rocket saddle, Race Good & Evil grips, LX front derailluer, Blackspire Big Ring Bash Guard
Bottom Line:
This is a great solid bike, very strong frame and strong wheels. I have been riding this bike for a little over a year and have had no problems. The components that I replaced were ones that were personal choices for me. I ride mostly aggressive xc, some strunts and jumps. I have also dropped this bike off 2 - 4ft drops with no problems what so ever. Bottom line this is a great bike at a wonderful price. I totally love it and would recommend it to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rick
a Weekend Warrior
from pittsburgh, pa Date Reviewed: May 30, 2005
Favorite Trail:
moraine st. park (butler, pa), pagan (brookfield, oh)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$510.00
Purchased At:
wamsley's (morgantown wv)
Strengths:
(2004 model)nice light, beefy frame, decent components, great flex (not to stiff, not to noodle) killer paint scheme, great price, equally responsive in the woods and on the road.
Weaknesses:
bottom bracket is jive, junky chain that has a bit too much chain slap.
Similar Products Used:
gary fisher kai tai, cannondale f400, and merlin metals set-up.
Bike Setup:
upgraded to ritchey bars, stem, head set, and seat post. also went with a serious nickle plated chain, new shimano bottom bracket and front dr.
Bottom Line:
i've only had this ride for about three weeks now so far it has been awesome. it looks great, handles perfectly, and is nice and beefy but still light weight. i did upgrade the bb, front dr, seatpost, stem, headset, bars (mostly ritchey wcs and pro), pedals, and some other stuff too, but i have always preferred to trick a bike out to my specifications. this is not to say that there is anything wrong with the stock components, but i do suggest swapping out some things to cut out a pound or so. other than that, i would say if you are looking for a nice, quality bike at a decent price, try and find this 04 model. you will not be unhappy, at all!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dylan
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: May 28, 2005
Favorite Trail:
anything fast or fun
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$900.00
Strengths:
the fork seems really good, and I really like the brakes, they work very well.
Weaknesses:
nothing
Similar Products Used:
i tested the comp version, kona blast and fire mountain, and some kind of Norco that I can't remember
Bike Setup:
stock setup
Bottom Line:
it seems like a really good bike for the price, and I think anyone could use it
(900 Can $)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from Georgia Date Reviewed: May 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
middle of nowhere...
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$460.00
Purchased At:
Kinnucans
Strengths:
Price, brakes work really well and are easily adjustable with no tools, durability of the front cogs...I slammed a rock pretty hard yesterday and no damage. Good solid brake handles and shifters work well after stretching the lines out.
Weaknesses:
The shocks are a little weak...but adjustable. I haven't run it through the whole works yet, as I just purchased it and I'm just getting back into singletrack for fitness and thrills.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing else really, wal-mart/k-mart bikes (can't hold up to what I put them through)
Bike Setup:
stock setup, as seen on Specialized website
Bottom Line:
I feel I got a good deal out of it...it was on sale for $430 and I knew since riding in Vancouver BC that I wanted front suspension and disc brakes, which I got with this bike. It is a 2005 by the way. I feel it is a good buy for someone getting back into biking for both singletrack and urban terrain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
criminal505
a Weekend Warrior
from Albuquerque, New Mexico Date Reviewed: May 13, 2005
Favorite Trail:
anything that goes down and gets the tires off the ground
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
This review is for the '05, not the '04. The bike is an affordable compromise bike if you don't have the $$ for a FR/DH dream ride. This bike provides a quality foundation to add-on the good stuff. I bought this to replace my '05 Rockhopper that was quickly stolen from me; I'm still butt-hurt. Although, my hardrock has been perfect for everything. I knock the s**t out of it urban and FR. I haven't broken it yet.
Weaknesses:
The purchase price didn't include summary execution of the snake who stole my rockhopper. The bike is a little on the heavy side. Why didn't specialized put "real" studded platform pedals on the bike?? Come on, the fake ones that come with the bike are cheap. Also, the paper-thin innertubes are a joke here in New Mexico.
Great bike for the $$. spend some more money on parts and it will become your perfect bike. Once I recover from all the money I spent on body armor, I will get the right pedals. this bike is made to be ridden with platform pedals. I have some great clipless pedals, but this is not the bike for them. This bike requires Azonic A-frames or Xtension pedals (shinburgers if you got the scratch). It is a good XC bike, but it is an outstanding urban/FR/sort of poor-guy downhill bike. The more I jump and drop I hope I didn't make a mistake buying the marathon S instead of a dirtjumper or jr.T
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mario
a Weekend Warrior
from K-Bay, HI Date Reviewed: May 12, 2005
Favorite Trail:
maunawili trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$620.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Pretty Durable. Brakes are decent.
Weaknesses:
Not a big fan of the fork. Gears don't always want to stay put, even after constantly adjusting them.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rockhopper
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Good bike for the money. If you like mountain biking and want a quality entry level bike...This is it. This bike made me want to mountain bike way more. Now I need something with a full suspension!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zack
a Cross Country Rider
from Newbury Park, California Date Reviewed: May 4, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Rosewood
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$580.00
Purchased At:
Bill's Bike Shop
Strengths:
Strong overall. Everything has been holding up just fine. Whenever something does get out of wack an overnight tune will do the job. Pedals great.
Good bike for all around riding and gor trails. Can be upgraded pretty easily, so if thats what you want to do then I encourage it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tim orlowski
a Weekend Warrior
from new orleans,lousiana ,usa Date Reviewed: March 31, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
bayou bicycles
Strengths:
awesome frame,super strong,nice and light. wheelset,good rims!!!!!nice brakes ,perfect!!
Weaknesses:
well the fork ,but what do you expect for 700 $? maybe also the disc brake rotors ,allready bend one ,but it was a pretty hard crash so i call it more or less normal.
Similar Products Used:
after a lot of research i didnt have to!!!
Bike Setup:
original setup with a dirt jumper 3
Bottom Line:
i m rewiewing the 2005 ard rock pro here,not 2004!! great bike for everything.you gonna love this frame,the best hardtail frame for this price available.strong brakes ,nice quality parts. no complains ,but the fork is rather weak.it takes xc and trail riding actually pretty well ,but once u start doing things this fork aint made for,like drops u will feel that this thing is gonna snap sooner or later.but here is what u do ,buy the bike ,take the fork off right away so u can sell it as new on ebay.i got 140$ for the mz comp,and for 30 $ more u can pick up a 2004 dj3 on ebay ,so u will have a great heavy duty fork on a heavy duty bike for almost no expense. if you are looking for the perfect bike that can handle dirt jumping ,xc ,downhill and even some freeride and u on a bugget ,buy this great bike!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Fayetteville, AR Date Reviewed: March 13, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Devil's Den - Fossil Flats
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$510.00
Purchased At:
Highroller Cyclery
Strengths:
Good solid platform to get back into mountain biking. Disc brakes will stop you on a dime under any conditions. Shifting is precise and smooth. Components are great compared to the WalMart POC bikes i've been riding.
Weaknesses:
Bottom bracket seems a little weak to me. I've ridden the Lake Fayetteville trail only 7 times and had to have it regreased (or something) at the LBS.
Similar Products Used:
WalMart POCs (Next, Huffy, Etc)
Bike Setup:
Stock, have SPDs but haven't put them on yet (waiting on shoes).
Bottom Line:
This is my "getting back into biking" bike. I love it. I spent a lot of time on the cheaper WalMart bikes when i was growing up. I covered a lot of miles on those bikes, but they are virtually disposable. This bike is quality. Top notch components for the price. The Hardrock, in my opinion, is a great platform for upgrading and getting back into the sport. Its definitely the best bike i've ever owned.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Sterling Heights MI Date Reviewed: February 27, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$640.00
Purchased At:
Frasier Cycle and Fitness
Strengths:
awesome bang for the buck, strong, tough frame. Handles loose gravel and most resonable downhills very well. Would recomend for weekend riding.
Weaknesses:
Weak tubes, replaced both within 3 months of purchase. Rear hanger busted on an endo, also upgraded front dehralier with XT. The rear disc dosent lock up easily, wich i would like it to for sliding through turns faster.
Bike Setup:
marzocchi comp fork, shimano LX, mech. disc's
Bottom Line:
Good bike for money, wouldn't recommend for heavy riding, components are to weak for heavy use, other wise, awesome frame and fork for the buck.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
klaas
a Weekend Warrior
from ont Date Reviewed: February 23, 2005
Favorite Trail:
minnising- algonquin
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
tommy whites
Strengths:
really shopped around- the price is a steal, the brakes have impeccable power and are super reliable
Weaknesses:
bb was creaking after a month of spring riding in mud and dampness- was fixed and never heard again, broke rear hanger and had trouble locating a new one-specialzed new type?
Similar Products Used:
norco bigfoot,sasquatch
Bike Setup:
stock,cut down seat post
Bottom Line:
perfect bike for all conditions - similar frame to RM slayer but a helluva lot cheaper - i beat the crap out of this bike and it never lets me down!!!:) I take out on 20 km trips and keep up just fine with my xc buddys.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tiago Fireblade
a Downhiller
from Caneças Date Reviewed: February 17, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Caneças/Belas
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
It is an excellent bike, for who he/she/it begins it cannot exist better, an excellent bike of initiation to Freeride, and an excellent bike of All Mountain. I advise lively.
Bottom Line:
It is an excellent bike, for who he/she/it begins it cannot exist better, an excellent bike of initiation to Freeride, and an excellent bike of All Mountain. I advise lively.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Forbus
a Weekend Warrior
from Chesapeake VA USA Date Reviewed: February 16, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Old Dominion University
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Conte's Bicycle and Fitness
Strengths:
Superb bike. I have broken most of the components on it, b/c I am that good. The only thing that is still stock is the rims(Not for much longer). The frame is awsome.
Weaknesses:
Rear Derailuer, front derailuer(with stock crankset.) Could be lighter.
Similar Products Used:
Hardrock Comp, P2, Trek Bruiser, some Sinister frames.
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi DJ III, Race Face Evolve DH w/BG, FSA Riser bar and Headset, Thomson Stem and Seatpost, Specialized BMX seat, Sunringle Zuzu Pedals
Bottom Line:
This is without question the most versatile frame ever. I have used it freeriding, cross-country, downhill, and in a skate park. I originally had a Comp. That fell off the car at 70 and was then hit by a Uhaul truck. The frame and fork survived. Just goes to show that Specialized and Marzocchi are the best out there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erik Solymar
a Downhiller
from Ottawa,ONT,Canada Date Reviewed: February 2, 2005
Favorite Trail:
anything fast
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
T&L
Strengths:
The fork when set on stiffest preload setting is bombproof. The rims are great and strong. Brakes are good (once set up). I like the rise in the bars, and the short stem. The colour is amazing. Front derailler hasn't even needed adjustment yet.
Weaknesses:
could be lighter. derailler hanger is crap, broken 2. Cheep tubes.Front derailler is crap. other than that pretty good
Similar Products Used:
Hardrock Comp, Norco bigfoot
Bike Setup:
Stock except for derailler hangers, lizard skins, new 2.5" specialized roller pro front tire (a must get for this bike!!), DH tubes
Bottom Line:
Great bike for begginer and expert cross country to light freeriders a-like after sutable upgrades are added. Haven't broken anything but hangers and a couple of flats. Got bike from warranty for free because Specialized took 6 weeks to send Comp frame back and it was a Hardrock Single-Speed(SS) frame that was the wrong size, so they gave me a Pro for free. I dunno, pretty good deal?lol.
I'm upgrading the frame to a dual suspension and the fork to a Sherman Flick (6") so I can go bigger, but this frame has handled just about everything until now. GET THIS BIKE!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Barrett Geist
a Weekend Warrior
from Conway, AR Date Reviewed: January 30, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Anything
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
Arkansas Cycling and Fitness
Strengths:
Heavy duty frame, wheels, tires, disc brakes, fork
Weaknesses:
front derailluer
Similar Products Used:
test rode a couple giants, konas, cannondales, and treks
Bike Setup:
Stock Hardrock Pro Disc
Bottom Line:
Sweet bike. it's like night and day against the treks and giants. with a couple of simple upgrades (front DR), this bike will be able to do anything; perfect platform. this bike feels like it could get hit by a semi and still ride smooth. feels a bit heavy, bc of the oversized frams. but i've taken it on some pretty rocky stuff and taken a couple spills and it keeps on tickin. If you want a REAL mtn bike that can do what you want to do, this is it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Indianapolis, Indiana USA Date Reviewed: December 28, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Matthews bicycles
Strengths:
Has taken all the abuse I can dish out and has asked for more. I'm a big guy (6'2" 225#)and hard on stuff but have not had any real problems yet. The flamed blank and grey paint looks tough, I get compliments on the bike all the time. The brakes work great even when wet without much noise.
Weaknesses:
A bit on the heavy side. Broke the chain (WTF???) within the first two hours, must have been a manufacturing defect. Also broke the seat clamp and seat, that was my fault though. The rear brake seems to need adjusted every time the rear wheel comes off, I think that is just the nature of the beast and not really a big issue.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rockhopper
Bottom Line:
This was my first mountain bike, and I would have to say that I have been very happy with it. I have put 800 plus miles on it in the last six months with no problems save the chain breaking right off the bat. A good value in my opinion. This is an all around good bike, what more can I say?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jake
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Clarita, CA Date Reviewed: December 24, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Haskell
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
Performance Cycles
Strengths:
strong frame, good enough componants, the price!
Weaknesses:
The front derailer, and cheap tubes (i got 2 flats the first 10 minutes i went riding)
Similar Products Used:
N/A
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Overall i really like this bike, its a great bike for the price, good for a first bike :D
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luke
a Weekend Warrior
from Connecticut Date Reviewed: November 29, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$560.00
Purchased At:
Outdoor Sports Center
Strengths:
Disregard all reviews saying that this bike is heavy, its really light compared to other hardtails and extremely light compard to my friends' full suspension bikes, the
Weaknesses:
The stock fork and cranks are weak, the bottom bracket snapped twice on me actually. {I replaced the fork for fear of impalement on handle bars} If you replace these two parts you should be fine. I recomend a cheap Marzochhi Bomber or Dirt Jumper, as far as cranks go anything better than those crappy Five Ds.
Similar Products Used:
2 bmx bikes, ridden most of my friends' Konas around the house once or twice.
Bike Setup:
Stock accept for 05' FSA cranks, 05' Marzocchi DJ3, and a rear Nokian NBX 2.5{which runs a little big for the frame}
Bottom Line:
You're not going to get an outstanding bike thats built for abuse for only 560 dollars, so I recommend spending a few extra bucks on this bike and replace some stock parts. After that your going to have a bike that can freeride, dirt jump and whithstand you cruellest urban assault lines.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris M
a Weekend Warrior
from Mission Viejo Date Reviewed: November 22, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Whiting Ranch
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
Rock N' Road - MV store
Strengths:
Tough bike. I'm a 6' 200 lb. rider. I don't have to perform much maintenance on it and it hasn't had any major problems. I get compliments on the looks all the time. It likes to be airbourne and I feel more comfortable in the air on it than on my BMX in the old days.
Weaknesses:
Creaking noise from pedals, cranks, or bottom bracket when weight is applied. I agree with other reviews that the front derailer fails to shift properly, especially under load when it's usually needed most. Stem is a bit overkill. I changed it out for something lighter.
Similar Products Used:
Old BMXer. No other mountain bikes tried.
Bike Setup:
stock except for stem.
Bottom Line:
Can't beat the deal. It hooked me on mountain biking FAST and now I want a full suspension bike. I had a bad wipeout that sent me to the hospital. I was relieved to see I only had to put the chain back on because I was in serious pain and needed to get moving. In retrospect, my speed, the steepness of the hill, and the back end hop of the hardtail combined to take me out. That's the main reason I want a full suspension now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a
from CT Date Reviewed: November 18, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
bike center
Strengths:
Strong frame cool looks smooth riding
Weaknesses:
BB broke the first week i had it
Bike Setup:
2004 Hardrock
Bottom Line:
Great bike
only thing that keeps me off the couch
Im trying to get 50 words so that this review will be submitted so 40 ten nine eight seven six five four three two one BLAST OFF!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin N
a Weekend Warrior
from Winkler,Manitoba,Canada Date Reviewed: November 16, 2004
Favorite Trail:
A-Line
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$599.00
Purchased At:
Alter ego sports
Strengths:
The hardrock pro jumps very well and also handles taking 3 to 4 foot drops. The tires on the bike (Spesialized Enduro 2.2) have lots of grip on lose dirt and handle corners very well.
Weaknesses:
One thing that I don't like about this bike is the fork (Marzocchi MZ comp) because it gets lots of play in it after about 4 months of use.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock exept for Lizard skins chain stay guard and a Blackspire bash guard
Bottom Line:
This bike is great compared to my ccm riot.I would recemend this bike to some one that likes to do some urban riding,XC,dirtjumping, and trail riding. If you get the bike put a lizard skins chain stay protector on because otherwise the chain is loud when you do drops or jumps.I think some one that would whant a light xc bike should not buy this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erik Solymar
a Downhiller
from Ottawa, ONT Date Reviewed: October 2, 2004
Favorite Trail:
beaverbrook
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
T&L
Strengths:
great looking bike, awesome sun ditch/witch freeride rims, brakes are awesome, fork is perfect for a heavy rider, I'm 6'0, 155 pounds and I've landed hard on this fork cause I landed on the front tire, didn't even get full 4 inches. good cranks.deraillers shift well. good rise in bars. awesome pedals.
Weaknesses:
nothing yet, could be lighter
Similar Products Used:
Hardrock comp
Bike Setup:
stock except new specialized roller pro dh 2.5 inch front tire, dh tubes to reduce flats and chainstay guard.
Bottom Line:
I had a 2004 Hardrock comp and I busted the dropout in half where the derailler hanger attaches, and it took specialized 6 weeks to send a new frame, and when it got here it was the wrong one, so the shop said I could just have an unbuilt hardrock pro they had sitting in their basement. This is a great bike, especially for a 14 year old who likes a bit of everything (hucking and north-shore will wait till I get my dh rig next year). Great all round bike, and as soon as you get it buy a specialized roller pro (2.5inch.) front tire for it, that thing is great. An ok ride for xc, but great for trails and urban. begginer to expert trail riders should buy this bike, and begginer to intermediet xc riders should as well, but this bike is a great bike for 14 year olds.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rock
a Weekend Warrior
from New Brunswick, Canada Date Reviewed: September 29, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$640.00
Purchased At:
Bungay's Bike Shop
Strengths:
The frame is nice and light. Marzorcchie Mz-Comp Fork. Disc brakes, Pedals, Rims, Rear Der. Overall Bike components.
Weaknesses:
Truvativ 5D Crank. Had it for a couple of months and did some jumps and drops a little and it started to squeak and tic even after putting alot of grease. Seat rip but that was the left crank arm fell off and i crashed.
Similar Products Used:
Norco Bigfoot.
Bike Setup:
Original Bike Setup. Except Truvativ Hussefelt Crank and Giga DH BB, Lizard Skin Chain Stay protector, Panaracer Tires and DH Tubes. Want to change the front Der.
Bottom Line:
I Love this Bike Compared to my old one. Great Bike Components and Frame Quality Overall. Good Bike for Price if you don't mind upgrading a couple of things. Really good Mazorcchie Fork. Do alot of different riding styles a little DH, XC but mostly Freeride. Don't do trials. Bike Performs good for all those styles.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ED ABalateo
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento Date Reviewed: September 28, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Stevens Creek Trail-San Jose
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$610.00
Purchased At:
City Bike
Strengths:
Brakes, Frt Fork, frame and paint. Beautifully looking bike.
Weaknesses:
Frt Der, pedals cheap/heavy, frame on the heavy side. Chain slap.
Similar Products Used:
Harvo V-1, Jamis, old specialized Hardrock
Bike Setup:
Stock 15"
Bottom Line:
A good novice-intermediate bike. Not suitable for hard-long-fast rough single track. Front Der-diffcult poorest feature: drops out, sucks chain and missed shifts. 100mm front shock works great even at the lowest setting-smooth. (no durability problems noted) Avid type disc with Shamano logos provide smooth excellent stopping power. Heavy chain slap on hgher gears while cruising on rough ground. Planhned Upgrades: pedals,frt der to XT, tires to maxis, frt grips.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a
from Lawrenceburg, ky, usa Date Reviewed: September 17, 2004
Favorite Trail:
capitol view Frankfort KY
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$488.00
Purchased At:
Pedal the planet ,lexington Ky
Strengths:
Supper strong bike. Great componets. Great price. Disc brakes work great.
Weaknesses:
Seat squeaks. Pedals suck. Heavy 32.7 pounds
Similar Products Used:
Giant riner . Giant yukon . Trek 4500
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I am a big guy 6'1 234 pounds. This bike holds up great. I had an older cannondale before this bike. The shoks are great 100mm of travel I can get up hills that I couldnt get up before. The brakes are great. no problems as of yet. I mostly ride single track with some small jumps but no big drops. Would recomend replacing the pedals and the seat it squeks allot and is annoying email me if you have questions. Ive looked at them all. best bang for the buck for 500$
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh Bell
a Downhiller
from Columbus OH Date Reviewed: September 10, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$640.00
Purchased At:
Bike Source
Strengths:
Strong frame, wheelset, cranks.
Weaknesses:
the pedals, hard to adjust the brakes
Similar Products Used:
trek 4500, spec. p.2, hardrock sport, kona stuff
Bike Setup:
stock, i hope to get Azonic Xtension Pedals soon. i also had to take out the cheap inner tubes it came with, to $30 DH's
Bottom Line:
great bike for beginners. the frame will last for a very long time. i have taken it off of 1-3 foot drops with no problems. the brakes do need a little adjusting, but if you buy it at a bike shop they should take care of it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from yorktown heights ny usa Date Reviewed: September 2, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$620.00
Strengths:
great fork and great for the price
Weaknesses:
bent the left crank and the pedals arent that great
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
great bike for the price, disc brakes are decent, soon upgrading the pedals and grips and replacing crank with idk what yet,and the derailers could be a bit better but they're not horrible. great bike for the price if you dont mind spending some money for upgrades.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fred
a Cross Country Rider
from Waitsburg Date Reviewed: August 2, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Southfork
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$589.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Barn in Walla Walla
Strengths:
Overall quality is great... great components at the entry level price, disc brakes work great. Best bang for the buck! Believe me, I shopped around.
Weaknesses:
Other than the pedals and squeaky brakes I have noticed no real weaknesses.
Similar Products Used:
Several - Trek 4500, 4900, 6700 Specialized - Rockhopper comp and pro disc. Giant, whatever... was not too impressed.
Bike Setup:
Basically stock - swapped into better pedals with straps (have new clipless pedals and shoes coming from Performance).
Bottom Line:
I rode alot of bikes and was ready to spend up to $1000.00 on a new Mtn Bike. Of all the bikes I rode, this one felt the best and looking at the components... well, only a few minor upgrades will be necessary. Had some problems with front der, but my dealer is awesome and after a couple of adjustments it is working great. Took her up the Southfork, great single/double track trail with enough stuff to satisfy any rider. She performed fantastic for my style of aggressive, fast riding, but keeping her on the ground (no big drops or jumps). Climbed very well and the larger tires really make a difference in the loose stuff. So far so good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will Johnson
a Cross Country Rider
from Jeffersonville, VT Date Reviewed: July 30, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$579.00
Purchased At:
SKIRACK
Strengths:
frame is very nice. for the money it is a great buy. not at all heavy (compared to my old junker). brakes are nice. I LOVE THE SHOCK(its my first).
Weaknesses:
the derailleurs are not my fav but i can live with them. the grips tore up my hands, but it is my first new bike in a while.
Bike Setup:
stock ecpt for ritchy grips i may upgrade derailleurs to xt
Bottom Line:
if your looking for a good bike and not looking to break the bank, this one is for you. make sure u ride it some before you make any decision on the bike. SHES MY BABY. ITS A GREAT BIKE.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a
from Winnipeg, MB, Canada Date Reviewed: July 26, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$799.00
Purchased At:
Alterego
Strengths:
Good entry level product
Weaknesses:
Cranks and pedals (broke and replaced with Race Evolve Dwnhill with DK Iron Cross pedals), Freehub has borken once in first month and the replacement is also about to go.
Similar Products Used:
Some Norcos and konas
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Raceface Evolve Dwnhill cranks with bash and DK Iron Cross pedals. Many changes to come soon, then I'm swithcing up to a P3 frame
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the job, although the cranks are the softest things I ever felt, I could flex them by grabbing them pretty easy. Bottom bracket creaks from third day on, even after being heavily greased (it did get quieter but made a whinning, I switched to raceface freeride ISIS when I upgraded the cranks). The discs are alright although I have already bent both rotors.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Evan
a
from Belligham, WA, USA Date Reviewed: July 17, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Bob's
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$525.00
Purchased At:
Fairhaven Bike & Mountain Sports
Strengths:
-Sturdy frame -not too heavy
Weaknesses:
-front fork -rear derallieur bends really easily -the seat broke, but that's my fault. And a word of advice, ALWAYS make sure your bike rack is properly attached. Otherwise it falls off and the seat is not built to handle that type of an impact. -brakes rub too much
Similar Products Used:
test rode, kona stinky, specialized big hit comp.
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Nice bike for your money and a good beginner bike. i have no problem riding up hills either.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Kujawski
a Weekend Warrior
from Franklin, MA Date Reviewed: July 8, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$560.00
Purchased At:
Back Bay Bikes
Strengths:
The frame is sturdy. The components are comparable to other bike brands. No complaints about the fork.
Weaknesses:
Front deraileur and pedals only major weaknesses. Front Der. was shot after my first weekend of riding. Pedals are wearing thin as we speak. Pretty heavy for lighter riders. I've had problems with climbs, too (might be technique, not bike).
Similar Products Used:
This is the first bike with this style frame that I have owned. Owned trek and gary fisher XC bikes.
Bike Setup:
Easton monkey bar. Race face (good/evil) grips. Salsa Skewers. Panaracer front, Jones rear tire. Will replace front deraileur soon.
Bottom Line:
This bike is well worth the money, especially for those who are new to the sport or weekend warriors. Parts are good overall. And I do agree with another post- it is easy to replace parts on the bike. I ride mainly down hill and XC and could not be happier with the perform.
$ 610.00
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
