Is a Hardrock a bad choice?

Trigger1980

I have just picked up a Specialized Hardrock Pro disc 07 (see link below) in the last 3 days.

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=70056

I chose the 07 over the 2008 version as it had hydraulic brakes and seemed to be slightly better specced. I thought I'd put a fair bit of research into and came away from the shop very pleased with my purchase.

However having read these forums I am a little worried that I have chosen badly as there seem to be very few positive comments about the hardrocks. Granted no one has called them a heap of crud, but there doesn't seem to be much support for them. Are they a poor bike?

I know it is heavier than it's competitors, but I thought that the hydraulic discs and Marzocchi fork of the Hardrock 07 were decent enough for my needs and lugging the couple of pounds more up a hill couldn't hurt the fitness!

As you may have surmised, I've not the greatest MTB knowledge in the world, but as far as I can tell, the differences between bikes for under £450 is marginal. Others are lighter but only have cable discs etc. I know I can get hold of a better (and lighter) marzocchi fork from a friend so that may shave some weight off if necessary.

I looked at the focus fat boy 08 but was put off by the mail order thing - not being able to sit on one to test was a major problem for me.

I've not ridden it yet so I may be able to return it if it really is that bad?

I guess all I am after is some comfort that I haven't bought a turkey, or if I have, how bad it really is If someone can give me a balanced view of the hardrock 07 as a bike I'd be really grateful. Is the difference between this and other sub £450 bikes huge?

Cheers, T

zero303

It's not a bad bike at all, just get out an enjoy it. A few of my mates ride hardrocks and their fitness advantage over me when we're climbing more than makes up for what they're riding...

We often get bogged down worrying about spec and value for money but ultimately it's just about riding and a Hardrock is more than capable of getting you out there and learning the basics and so much more!

Anonymous

^^ well said that man

cee

I have a hardrock and I love it.

I regularly ride the Black routes at Glentress and Innerleithen XC. Mine is a 06 model which has the rst gila fork which only now after 2 years feels like it really needs replaced. I have also replaced the drivetrain (rear mech snapped, got a good deal on the front so bought both).

I would like to replace the mechanical discs with hydros, but feel a fork is required sooner, so was thinking about a marz mx or a rockshox tora.

Great bike...a little heavy, but take a big dump before you go riding and you negate that.

Have fun!

BoardinBob

It's a very good bike. I've had one since May last year and it's never let me down. I've started to updgrade bits and bobs now but the frames solid and strong and will last. The components haven't let me down. The Hayes Sole brakes are better than V-Brakes, despite what some might say.

Only weak point on mine was the RST fork which was more like a rigid fork but I've replaced it with a Rockshox Recon.

Trigger1980

Thanks for the replies - the joy of the purchase has returned! - looking forward to getting out at the weekend for a glorious first ride! I hear good things about Dolby Forest, perhaps I'll head there.

Cheers again T

Chaka Ping

It's a good bike, and you obviously did your research beforehand so you already know that!

My friend has one of the basic models and I prefer it to her husband's Rockhopper. Might be heavy but feels solid and absorbs vibration better - also like the riding position.

creamsoda

Nope bloody good bike had one over a year and love it.

You'll find that recommnedations on websites can be taken with a pinch of salt.

Enjoy your bike and when someone calls it a Lardrock punch their lights out.

nonnac85

agree with boardinbob - the forks are probably the first thing to upgrade but it has a pretty solid frame and mine has stood up to a fair amount of abuse now with no problems really. The hydro brakes are much better than the v's i had on my old bike. i was recommended it in evans because compared to a (higher priced) kona it had better spec

Andy B

creamsoda wrote:

Nope bloody good bike had one over a year and love it.

You'll find that recommnedations on websites can be taken with a pinch of salt.

Enjoy your bike and when someone calls it a Lardrock punch their lights out.

Lardrock!

*runs*

It's not a bad bike, but it is heavier than some bikes in the same price range & the forks are poor.

Mongoose Tyax is a better bike, lighter & better fork (it has rebound damping)

z000m

no specialized is a turkey, theyre a safe bet they always win awards and stuff.

Trigger1980 wrote:

I guess all I am after is some comfort that I haven't bought a turkey, or if I have, how bad it really is If someone can give me a balanced view of the hardrock 07 as a bike I'd be really grateful. Is the difference between this and other sub £450 bikes huge?

Cheers, T

dhutch

Yeah its a nice bike. Enjoy it.

I had an cromo 02comp and 04pro hardrock before this time going for the entryleval rockhopper 07disk. There deffonatly good bikes for the money.
- My dads also just bought a 08hardrock pro this week (picks up today) and my brother and sister have a 06sport and a 07sportwomans respectivly. So thats four hardrocks and a rockhopper in the garage. My 02 got stolen two years ago.


Daniel

Matteeboy

DHutch - glad to see you are more or less "sponsored" by Specialized!

We have three of them in our garage (see sig).

Love them and I'm not usually loyal to brands.

schmako

My old hardrock never complained when I thrashed it. The difference between it and other brands is minimal, I could still beat my mates on their xtc's and merlin malt whatever!