[chiefmojo25]

Okay I have been researching and demo'd quite a few bikes for a couple of weeks and "think" that I may know what I want. I have been seriously considering the HardRock Pro Disc. I have only rode the '04 and it seems nice ( not that I have done anything serious on it just road stuff and in the parking lot ) plus the price is nice $450. I have been reading on the '05 and it has been upgraded slightly plus the price is $700, my problem is I am new to this and I am willing to go even as high as $900. So need help deciding: Should I buy the '04 for $450 and upgrade it to make it better than the '05 and pay total no more than $800 - $900, or just buy the '05 for $700 and maybe upgrade later down the road. And if I do get the '04 what better components should I put on. I know I sound stupid but really I really am, at least when it comes to this....I am a newbie but am trying to learn. The first link is to the specs for the '04 and the second is for the '05

http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=6015&JServSessionIdroot=bgkaxwlswg.j27001

http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=9343&JServSessionIdroot=bgkaxwlswg.j27001

thanx
cj

 

[guyplaysbass]

similar...

The '05 is outfitted with much better components then the '04 and would require very little in the way of up-grades (maybe personal stuff; seat, bars, stem, etc...). Specialized has changed pretty much every "problematic" component out to what you'd most likely have to up-grade to on the '04 to get it to perform as advertised. IOW it's a pretty nice HT for the dough. The shifters, crankset/bb, brakes (which are sweet!), and f/r DRs are all above "entry level". The only thing (IMO) that would have to go on the '05 would be the flimsy Marzocchi MZ Comp fork.

I bought the '04 HR Comp and broke the MZ Comp fork in under 3mo doing nothing but XC. It'd be OK for some trails if you're a lighter guy (I'm 185lbs) and aren't very hard on things. I've since started to up-grade the snot out of mine because I'm too poor and stupid to do anything else. In the end it'll be the most expensive cheap bike on the trail! My best advice to you would be to get the '05 and utilize Marzocchis "up-trade" policy and get a much better fork. This is what I did. I'm now running a 105mm MX Pro w/ETA (approx $275 w/pump) and it's absolutely incredible.

Hope this helps

 

[londonlad]

The '05 is outfitted with much better components then the '04 and would require very little in the way of up-grades

One thing that surprises me about the Specialized Hardrock Pro Disk (both 04 and 05 models) is that neither comes with a bashguard.
The stock fork (MZ Comp 100mm fork) also seems to be a bit on the weak side considering the bike is geared towards urban and harder riding.
What components have changed from 2004 to 2005? The main components seem to me to be the same: MZ Comp 100mm fork, Deore rear derailleur, mechanical disk brakes...

 

[guyplaysbass]

What components have changed from 2004 to 2005? The main components seem to me to be the same: MZ Comp 100mm fork, Deore rear derailleur, mechanical disk brakes...

The major changes would be the full Deore drivetrain (shifter/brake levers, f/r DRs), Avid ball bearing mechanical discs, and a better BB and crankset (splined vs square taper on the '04). These changes will improve the overall performance of the '05 HR Pro shifting, braking, and power transfer in comparison to the '04. All in all the '05 works out to be a pretty sweet bike for the dough!

 

[londonlad]

05 Hardrock Pro Disk vs 05 Rockhopper Pro Disk

How does the HardRock Pro Disk 2005 compare with the Rockhopper Pro Disk 2005? At a local store, I heard that the 2005 Rockhopper Pro Disk was changed substantially from 2004, to make it more versatile as a street/urban bike. I haven't been able to find MSRPs for either of them, so I'm curious which is the more expensive bike, and what the real difference is between the two in terms of what kind of riding styles they cater to.

 

[londonlad]

Changes to MZ Comp 100mm forks for 2005 on Specialized bikes?

The stock MZ Comp 100mm forks that come stock on the Hardrock bikes have been a known weakness. A guy at my local bike shop said that the 2005 MZ Comp 100mm has been changed and improved by Marizocchi due to complaints by Specialized, in order to keep their business. Anyone else know anything about this?

 

[Gsoares]

I Just ordered a 2005 pro disc comp.. after reading every review on this site of the 04 i also took notice they upgraded the biggest problematic areas. Crank, Front DR, and the fork ive also heard is been revamped for 05.. But someone would have to check with MAR. on that.

I got mine for 600, bought a large and plant on riding it with the stock fork and if it becomes a problem i can always just go all out and buy a nice fox or rockshock.....

I think the rockhopper is lighter and a better looking frame. at the front neck the top tube is much thinner but if u noticed on the rockhopper it is shaped simlar to the epic and sworks stumpjumper frame.