Description: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
Joepoppa1
a Weekend Warrior
from Garland, TX USA Date Reviewed: October 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Oak Cliff Natreu Preserve
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Richardson Bike Mart
Strengths:
Looks, Handleing, Comfort, Tires grip and don't let go! they wear great too.
Weaknesses:
CHAIN SUCK IS REDICULOUS!!! chain slap. brakes fade after moderately hard ride. Brakes squealing like banshee after they get damp. Freehub grenaded after 10mo. Lots fo flex outta front fork.
Similar Products Used:
93 Specialized rockhopper, 2002 Trek 8300
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is a fun bike to ride. Doesn't put up much of a fight when I ask it to do something. I wanted a nother Rockhopper, but the prices were a bit high for me when I got this. I was attracted to the beefyness of the frame. I knew that this would be a good place to butild from. My biggest gripe has to be chain suck on this bike! It is a guarantee that it will jump the chainring if you are blasting over a moderately bumpy trail no matter how the front deraileiur is adjusted. it is pain to get un wedged from between the frame and chainring. looked into chain guides, but the bottom pull front deraileiur and clearance of said component to bottom bracket make it almot impossible to use frame mounted devices. Low end running gear shows how low rent it is after a bit. rear dereaileiur is a pain to keep adjusted correctly. the rear freehub grenaded on me in the middle of a climb. (maybe my 200lbs. of badness is too much for it). Suspension is soft too. The forks flex quite a bit and you can feel it when taking fast tight turns. I am definitely upgrading components. I get plenty of looks on it though, it is a mean looking bike. The frame looks like it can take some punishment, and after putting about 450 miles in a year on it, mostly on the trails around Dallas, I am happy with it. I am not blasting it because I know it has lots of potential with some minor upgrades. The gooch saver saddle is pretty comfy on long rides. Did a 25 mile ride and had no numbness or discomfort. First thing to go are the deraileiurs and brakes. after that we will see how the rest of the bike reacts to that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DeadDrifter
a Cross Country Rider
from western Maine Date Reviewed: September 7, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Devil's Vageen
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$380.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Value of frame for the money. Wheelset for the money. Infinately upgradeable. Frame and wheels are STRONG.
Weaknesses:
RST Gila is an immediate, urgent upgrade for everyone considering this bike. Just budget in a new fork when you buy this bike, you will still be getting a bargain.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing as bottom-shelf as this since my first GT Timberline back in the day. My last 2 were a Tomac 6 Shooter and a Giant XTC team, full xtr.
Bike Setup:
This bike is stock except crank brothers acids.
Bottom Line:
Bought this bike to see if I was still into biking after being away for 3 years. I am, and I am now building a Rocky Mountain ETSX with lots of candy, and this bike is on eBay just so I can buy a crankset! It climbs really well despite the weight, and with some extra cash this would really be a nice hardtail. Dirt jumpers really should look into this as an all around frame that won't hurt the wallet. Great bike for beginners or anyone with extra cash for upgrades.
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Submitted by
rodica3
a Downhiller
from westmount Date Reviewed: August 15, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
martinswiss
Strengths:
very light weight
Weaknesses:
shocks suck and they are very easy to break, derailler is very weak and snaps pedals and made of plastic
when you setup the bike like i have its is very dursable and trust worthy to use
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Submitted by
walle
a Weekend Warrior
from state Date Reviewed: August 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
the trail me and my cousin made
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
eriks
Strengths:
thick wheels and nice shifters
Weaknesses:
its not a raleigh m40
Similar Products Used:
trek 820 and raleigh m40
Bike Setup:
stock parts
Bottom Line:
great bike but a little to expensive for me but is a awsome bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
hardrockshumunu
a Weekend Warrior
from minnesota Date Reviewed: August 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
any trail with jumps
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Erik's
Strengths:
durable, high volume tires(compared to the trek 820) nice shifters.
Weaknesses:
pedals hurt if your foot slips off
Similar Products Used:
trek 820, raliegh m40
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Best bike I have used so far. it handles our dirt jumps very nicely, and the berm turns are also much easier with this bike. The large tires aren't the best for roads but work great offroad.
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Submitted by
rayrtv
a Cross Country Rider
from Strongsville Oh USA Date Reviewed: August 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Vultures Knob
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$406.00
Purchased At:
Eddy's
Strengths:
Tough frame
Weaknesses:
derailleurs, derailleur hanger
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Cut 1" off both sides of the handle bars. generic chainstay protector.
Bottom Line:
Less than one week after I bought it the derailleur hanger broke on a street ride on flat ground. So I took it back and they replaced it. Cool I thought, then two days later
on another street the chain just snapped. Again I took it back and they replaced thechain. Since all that happenned the first week I owned the bike I have beaten the crap out of it. I have ridden the hardest trails in ohio and have not had any problems.It does rattle alot especially on downhills but its just annoying. A great bike for beginners with only a liitle paper.
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Submitted by
dnick
a Weekend Warrior
from Memphis, TN Date Reviewed: August 7, 2008
Favorite Trail:
The one I'm on....
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
The Peddler
Strengths:
Super tough frame, rims are still true.
Weaknesses:
Derailuers suck and the fork bites.
Similar Products Used:
I hate to say it, but a Pacific d.s.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for shimano pedals. Waiting on components to break.
Bottom Line:
For the price and the fact that this is an entry level bike, I really cannot complain. Nothing has broke, and I have tried! I ride trails once or twice a week and it keeps my face out of the dirt. I also communte once or twice a week to work, ten miles round trip.
As far as an entry-level bike, no complaints. This is a great starter bike and it holds up very well with standard cleaning and maintance, as I said, nothing has broke and I have put well over 500 miles on it. I have no intention of tricking this bike out, as I think that I would be better served with a d.s. Once I have enough money for a much better bike, I will turn this into a commuter bike.
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Submitted by
sharpbrick
a Racer
from Norwalk, CT, USA Date Reviewed: July 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Indain ledges
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
outdoor sports
Strengths:
this is a great beginner mtn bike the frame is solid and it is very reliable.
Weaknesses:
the fork and the rear shifter
Bike Setup:
stock [NOTE:i do not own this bike any more, i have a giant reign 3 now]
Bottom Line:
this bike is very good for beginner mtn bikers and light trail riders
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Submitted by
crimson_twister
a Weekend Warrior
from Courtice, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: July 12, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
D'Ornellas bike shop
Strengths:
the frame is relatively light for an atb, and has a very comfortable ride
Weaknesses:
the forks, and crank
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
marazocchi dj 4, shimano tourney
Bottom Line:
this is an awesome beginer bike. its really solid and comfortabel. i woulld reccomend this bike for trail riders/ dirt jumpers. its really easy in the air and nimble around tight corners. Change the forks and crank
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Submitted by
bikerdavebrave
a Cross Country Rider
from Utah Date Reviewed: June 26, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Wasatch Crest
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Strengths:
Frame
Weaknesses:
Weight
Similar Products Used:
Lots
Bike Setup:
Stock except new stem, locking grips, computer.
Bottom Line:
Awesome ride, really. I am surprised at how well this bike rides especially for a lower-end bike. On the street with slicks, it rocks. On the mountain with knobbies, it rocks. The components aren't great, but they do their job. Though it is annoying on the trail, I get some gear jumping so a new derailleur set may be in the works. Fork works pretty well. All in all a great bike, I'm glad I chose it.
p.s. I've had the bike for 1.5 years and have ridden 600 miles on it. So I think that's a pretty good time frame to give a solid review.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mars
a Weekend Warrior
from edmonton alberta canada Date Reviewed: May 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
cop
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$750.00
Strengths:
frame is indidstructible
Weaknesses:
the forks they cracked on me had to replace the cranks and pedals they hurt to much. had to replace the treads from skiding (to easy to).
Similar Products Used:
walmart stuff kona scrap???
Bike Setup:
hardrock spec. dirt jumper forks saint cranks kenda k rad treads
Bottom Line:
a great begginer bikecan take any thing you take at it i bought disc breaks a specialized seat off a p something.
if you want a good deal buy the frame and spend the money and get GOOD parts
great urban riding bike
if you plan to just ride it for fun keep it stock
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Submitted by
Dalton
a Weekend Warrior
from Ringgold, GA, USA Date Reviewed: March 28, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
LBS (Local Bike Shop)
Strengths:
Great Frame, Good brakes, comfortable saddle, wheels stayed true, The gearing
Weaknesses:
Fork (RST Gila T6), Crank (Truvativ X-Flow), Seems heavy to me
Stock + Titec Bar Ends, Flipped headset, Michelin Country Rock tires when on the street
Bottom Line:
This is my first real mountain bike. Rode the others listed above as friends bikes. I am 6'0/185 and 19" fits me well.
The first things to go will be the forks and crankset. I will probably also change the bars, but that's because I like flat bars better (from what I have rode).
The chain slap on this bike drove me nuts - so do yourself a favor, and pick up a Lizard Skin or something similar before you hit a trail on it.
The X-Flow crank arms have came loose on me a couple of times, and this is a common problem. I will just have to upgrade whenever funds allow it. This is just a fun bike for now, and this isn't my full time hobby, so not a big deal. Just know the problem exists. As mentioned in other reviews, the forks are the best either. My opinion is - they are almost non-existent. I know it isn't that dramatic, but they are very stiff. The adjustment knobs are useless, I can't tell a difference from full soft to full hard.
I have never had to re-tune the wheels, the Specialized BG saddle is very nice (all my friends with the other brands envy it), and the V-Brakes perform just fine for me. I will eventually upgrade to disc when my MTB skill level increases, but for now, they are fine.
Also as I mentioned, the gearing is great on this bike from the factory. It is very low. I normally ride in the middle chain ring (front) where as those I ride with are on their 3rd to keep up with me (same pedal strokes). Yet, when you drop to the bottom ring, it is super easy to pull. Very nice tooth ratio.
I would recommend this bike to anyone starting out in a heartbeat. I look forward to building on to this bike - because I know it is solid underneath me. If you are looking for high end components out of the box and not wanting to upgrade or grow with the bike, you might want to step up to the next price range - there's nothing in this one for you I don't think.
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Submitted by
Jon
a Weekend Warrior
from Stony Plain, AB, Canada Date Reviewed: March 26, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$399.00
Strengths:
- sturdy frame - great bike for the price
Weaknesses:
-
Similar Products Used:
92 Specialized Stumpjumper
Bottom Line:
I'm having a blast on this bike, and I don't think you can beat it for the price. I bought my 92 Stumpjumper in 92 for about $1500. The Hardrock is way nicer than my old Stumpjumper. The Hardrock Sport seems well suited to a variety of uses, including trail riding, going to the store to pick up groceries, and taking the kids out in the bike trailer. I'm looking forward to hitting the trails after the rest of the snow melts.
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Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from MQT, Michigan, USA Date Reviewed: March 5, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$340.00
Purchased At:
Lakeshore Bike
Strengths:
-solid frame -cheap -great starter bike
Weaknesses:
Here's a list of replaced components and the reason for replacement
-wheelset (bent out of shape) -fork (snapped in half) -cranks (bent) -bottom bracket (loose, made clicking noise) -grips (worn smooth) -sprocket (yearly maintenance) -chain (yearly maintenance) -tires (cheep tires, worn down quickly) -derailleurs (front x2, rear x3) -hanger x4 (somehow it would get bent) -cables (completely frayed and stretched) -shifters (teeth wouldn't catch, so they stopped shifting) -seat (part fell off of the bottom of the padding)
All of this was most likely because of age, but really, how do you break a seat? And that happened the second year I had the bike. Oh well, its a great bike, but you get what you pay for. If you're really into biking, then this isn't the bike for you.
Similar Products Used:
giant, Cannondale, Trek, walmart bikes
Bike Setup:
stock (except every replaced component)
Bottom Line:
good beginner's bike.
not for any hardcore bikers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John R.
a Cross Country Rider
from salinas,C.A., U.S. Date Reviewed: February 12, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$265.00
Purchased At:
bobcat bicycles
Strengths:
cheap, upgradable, sturdy, appealing
Weaknesses:
derailer is slow in changing and sometimes doesnt switch. fork is stiff.. i recomend you buy a new fork. check out the manitou nixon elite. i just bought that and its a dream... its a bit heavy for a xc bike
Similar Products Used:
HA!!!! toys r' us bike...not recomended!
Bike Setup:
hardrock sport with new black mavic rims, avid disc brakes and manitou nixon elite fork.
Bottom Line:
this bike is very standard with low quality derailers and fork. i have not changed the derailers although sometimes they can be a pain in the ass they still work just fine. the grips are very nice and the frame is very sturdy. its pretty heavy for an xc bike. this bike is great to start out on and you can easily upgrade it. ive had it for 3 years and havent had it break on me once.its sturdy, reliable, upgradable, and most of all cheap..
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Submitted by
Cameron Jones
a Downhiller
from Syracuse, UT. 84075 Date Reviewed: February 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine, Moab, UT
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Bingham Cycles
Strengths:
Durable, strong, takes a beating, price is great if you're a beginner or just trail riding.
Weaknesses:
If you like to fly down hills fast like I do, you get a lot of rattling. Fork supension is kind of stiff.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Medium black Hardrock. componants...?
Bottom Line:
Its a great bike for the price. I've had it for about 3 yrs now and I just bought a full suspension Cannondale Prophet because I go down to Moab a couple times a year and we always ride Cocapelli and Porcupine which are very technical, bumpy, difficult downhill (for the most part) and my hard tail wasn't doing it for me. We go fast and the whole time it was rattling but did fine. I really like it for train riding but would definately do a full suspension over the hard tail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stephen Collins
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbia, South Carolina Date Reviewed: February 7, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Outspokin
Strengths:
Nearly indestructible. In a year of riding 3 or 4 times a week, I've had one flat tire. No other components have been a problem, and I flat out love to ride it on both the road and trail. The meaty tires and the gearing are my two favorite things.
Weaknesses:
You are going nowhere fast, that's for sure.
Bike Setup:
Out of the box.
Bottom Line:
Just a fun ride. It's not the most expensive bike out there, but it doesn't ride like a piece of crap. I live downtown, so it's easier to user than my car. I use it for everything from grocery shopping to riding trails. It's an easy, rider-friendly bike that, while not a dual suspension, serious downhill bike, is very useful for a rider that's not going to be stump jumping, but riding in some dirt or over curbs.
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Submitted by
Joe Tuohy
a Weekend Warrior
from Ireland Date Reviewed: January 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Dundrum woods
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
World Wide Cycles
Strengths:
Very tough(its survived a gud few crashes) Well balanced for wheelies and stoppies Good tyres from standard
Weaknesses:
Brake levers are a bit flimsy but nothin major Can feel a bit heavy
Similar Products Used:
$1500 full susser and still prefer the specialised
Bike Setup:
Standard bar an uprated front fork
Bottom Line:
Unbelievable machine for the price (I bought mine in Ireland dats y it cost so much). able for sum pretty tuff trails but maybe not the really tuff stuff
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
josh hartley
a Cross Country Rider
from England Date Reviewed: January 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:
cannock chase
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
leasure lakes
Strengths:
Has survived any trails with no problembs, great frame strength, easy to upgrade
Weaknesses:
A bit heavy and the suspension starts to die after a year of hard riding and the bottom bracket makes odd noises
Similar Products Used:
carera vulcan
Bike Setup:
21 Inch, Panaracer Fire XC tyres (bought on top)
Bottom Line:
this bike is awsome, never let me down, looks like a bike twce its price and you can add anything to it except seat posts you have to use specialised ones, others don't fit
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Submitted by
Christopher Perry
a Cross Country Rider
from Monterey, CA Date Reviewed: December 11, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
Aquarian Bicycles
Strengths:
everything
Weaknesses:
i would have to say the chain and derailers
Similar Products Used:
giant boulder
Bike Setup:
ape hangers and rear trunk
Bottom Line:
all around a great bike no complants just upgraded the chain, rear derailer and rear cassette all from shimano to sram. after a year i blew out the back rim....i am over 300lbs!!! so just bought a new one, but over all that little set back it's a damn good bike and highly recommend it for any one on a buget.
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Submitted by
Robert
a Weekend Warrior
from Frisco, Tx, USA Date Reviewed: December 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Erwin in Mckinney TX
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$390.00
Strengths:
Bike is extremely durable. I have used mine from riding around campus to weekend intermediate trails.
Weaknesses:
The pedals are slippery and will catch your shin when you need them most. I have had cables break while trail riding and have broken the derailers.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Hardrock, Kona ?
Bike Setup:
Stock except for replacing orginal parts with new original parts...pedals off the stumpjumper
Bottom Line:
I wound highly recommend this bike. It is a great starter bike and can take the abuse of most trails. Its heavy and tight technical trails are harder because of the weight.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Xander D
a Cross Country Rider
from Olympia, Date Reviewed: October 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
whatever i can find
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$430.00
Purchased At:
Falcones
Strengths:
Really durable, low(er) price, all the components seem to be good, but aren't super great.
Weaknesses:
Pedals, heavy, but nothing else really.
Similar Products Used:
my Hotrock from when I was a kid
Bike Setup:
Completely stock, except I took the reflectors off
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for anyone just starting out mountain biking. I've pretty much done everything on this bike, from commuting (wasn't that great, but I wised up and got a roadbike) to cross country to some dirt jumps and some urban stuff. Maybe I just got a good bike, but I haven't run into some of the problems with components and the fork that other people have. Maybe I'm not doing the same sort of thing, but I've done some 4-5 stairs, and some 3 foot drops, and its holding up pretty well. I oil and check out the parts often enough, so its holding together. Still though, I think I've about reached the limit of where this bike will go, so I think I'll buy a P. bike or Kona Stuff. But a great bike to start on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric Rundstrom
a Cross Country Rider
from West Berlin, NJ Date Reviewed: October 11, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$420.00
Purchased At:
Bike ' N' Gear, Somerset NJ
Strengths:
-Strong frame -Smooth Riding -Good brakes
Weaknesses:
-Bit heavy (just over 33lbs) -Head tube is making some noise -Pedals aren't the best -seat can be uncomfortable
Similar Products Used:
None - First mountain bike
Bike Setup:
Currently stock -will be upgrading tires & pedals soon
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike looking to use it for my short 2.5 mile commute to campus and back. I have yet to be disappointed with this bike with nearly a month riding and close to 100 miles. It is a bit heavy feeling on hills but nothing a little fitness shouldn't cure. I'm upgrading my tires to a more road friendly tire since currently 90% of my riding is on the road. The meaty stock tires aren't the best for road riding. I'll be continuing to look for a way to make this bike lighter without breaking the bank, we'll see if I can do it. Other than that, it is a good value IMO.
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Submitted by
gabriel cruz
a Cross Country Rider
from virginia Date Reviewed: September 13, 2007
Favorite Trail:
fountain head
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$390.00
Purchased At:
washington bike center
Strengths:
great frame. nice front fork.
Weaknesses:
brakes get some fade on long down hills if your a bigger rider
Similar Products Used:
1999 gt outpost
Bike Setup:
hayes mx-1 disc brakes
Bottom Line:
great bike. i ride about 100 miles a week mixed between trails and streets and i have yet to find a situation the bike could not get take. Me and my wife bought one and she loves it as much as i do. i suggest that if you do alot of down hills or are a heavy rider ( im over 260) you get some new brakes. the stock v-brakes arent bad but you will notice some fade. My wife has not had that problem so i think its just from the weight. but besides that its all around a very solid pice of equipment
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Submitted by
Matt H
a Weekend Warrior
from Parlin Date Reviewed: August 13, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
HighGear Cyclery in Stirling, NJ
Strengths:
Strong frame, good overall value.
Weaknesses:
pedals can be better. Bike is bit heavy.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Fatory setup
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike from reading the good reviews from this site. I am very glad I purchased this bike. This bike is very solid and can take serious abuse. If you are on a low budget (like me) but want a bike to take you any trail, this is the one.
$ 330.00
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