[maxxn]

Hi all,

I have exactly £400 in insurance money to spend on a bike, I've narrowed it down to two options, these are:

1> HardRock Pro 2005 version (http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?arc=2005&spid=9603&JServSessionIdroot=n2adrreznn.j27004)

2> HardRock sport disc 2006 version (http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=13510)

I prefer the design on 2. I was wondering as I don't really know a lot of the technical things about these bikes which one in your opinions I would be getting the best deal out of. I can pick up 1 for £399 and 2 for £370, money however isnt really an issue though as I said it was insurance money anyway.

Also does anyone know if 2 comes in the same black as the one with no disc brakes pictured here: http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=13692 , it's a bit unclear on the website.
Any input would be appreciated.
Max

 

[MTB'n for life]

Which Bike......

Personally i would go with the 2005 model because it has disks just like the 2006 and it has deore derailluers rather than the acera crap, deore are good reliable derrailuers. Good luck with your decision, maybe look at some other brands specialized seems to price higher than other companies with the same components; I ride a Raleigh M80 Disk 2005 i dont know if that is out of you price range but i love it and it is a great all around bike. I really dont know how much money that the f in form of the dollar amount represneted in us dollars so i dont know what your price range is but whatever u decide will be great im sure.

 

[Call_me_Clyde]

Get the '05 Pro Disc

It has a better fork, MUCH better front and rear derailleurs, better shifter levers, better crankset, just overall seems to have better specs for the minimal difference in cost. If they have one in your size, and it feels good, buy it and enjoy.

Please don't get caught up in which one "looks" better. On the trail, looks have little to do with the bike's performance. It boils down to the quality of the components, and rider skills.

Let us know what you end up getting.

Bob

 

[gunfodder]

05 is better

The forks look like a wash, but the brakes and the drivetrain on the '05 look nicer. You can check these factors in a parking lot test ride pretty easily though.

 

[standard235]

I have the '05.

I would be happier if I would have gotten a M instead of a L with my 32" inseam.

Uhh, once the brakes wear in, they are wow. BB7's rock.

Go for the Pro man. The fork is a pogo stick but everything else rocks.


The fork? Save up another $100 and upgrade to something different from Marz. It was $100 to go to a DJ3 for me.

 

[Call_me_Clyde]

I have the '05.

I would be happier if I would have gotten a M instead of a L with my 32" inseam.

Uhh, once the brakes wear in, they are wow. BB7's rock.

Go for the Pro man. The fork is a pogo stick but everything else rocks.

The fork? Save up another $100 and upgrade to something different from Marz. It was $100 to go to a DJ3 for me.

Just an FYI-The OP is looking at a UK version of this bike. It doesn't have Avid discs,m it has Shimano Deore level mechanicals. Bummer that it doesn't have the Avids, but the Deore's aren't bad. I would agree on the fork assessment. Between the two bikes, both have elastomer/coil damping, but I'd choose the Marzocchi over the RST any day. As you indicated the DJ 3 would be a decent upgrade.

 

[maxxn]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I will go for the 2005 hardrock pro.

 

[maxxn]

They didn't have any of the 2005 model in stock, so they're going to give me a 2006 pro disc for the same price.

 

[Call_me_Clyde]

Excellent!

They didn't have any of the 2005 model in stock, so they're going to give me a 2006 pro disc for the same price.

2006 has hydraulic discs, SRAM X.7 shifters and rear derailleur, and the SRAM X-Gen front derailleur, and a better crankset. Basically, the brakes and drive train components are a step up from last year's model, IMO.

Grab that deal and don't look back!

Let us know how you like it.

Bob

 

[maxxn]

Just got the bike today, took it out offroad, the suspension is really springy compared to my older bikes. The brakes are awesome also I've never owned a bike with disc brakes before so the hyraulics discs brakes are very interesting. Anyway thanks for all the comments and suggestions from everyone I ended up with a great deal.