Specialised hardrock pro disc, or Hyd disc?

Tomakon

im thinking of getting a Specialised hardrock pro disc as a beginner to mountain biking...would any one recommend it?

or would the specialised hardrock hydro disc be better?

paulyp

I got the hardrock pro disk just over a week ago, and have been out constantly on it. Obviously can't speak for the other bike, but you can't go wrong with this one. I'm new to mountain biking (as an adult anyway) and this seems to be offering the right mix between capability and stability.

Gets a thumbs up from me

avid89

My mates bought this bike recently and said nothing but good things about it. It does look suited to a beginner.

cee

i have a 2006 hardrock sport disc......slightly different spec than the current one, but very similar.

it came with a RST Gila fork and shimano mechanical disc brakes.

In the last 2 years I have upgraded parts as they wore, and also bought some little luxuries as they came up cheap.

But.... stock spec got me through 2 years of getting to work and back, plus lots of trail riding at glentress (black route, red route, freeride area) including drops and technical sections and it coped with everything my ability could throw at it.

Other mates who were riding long before me and ride santacruz and orange bikes have had a go and reckon its a nice stiff little frame. They couldn't find anything wrong with it, especially at the price point.

I love my hardrock and its even better now it has hydro discs (hayes nines) and a new fork (tora 318). there is not much left to do to it now, so next upgrade will really need to be a new bike, but i don't see that happening for another couple of years at least.

There. if thats not a glowing recommendation, then i don't know what is!

schmako

Hardrock's are decent beginner pieces of kit. Plenty of upgrade potential. Even if you don't go for the hydrulics straight away you always can when you get annoyed at the cable ones.

Chris`I

What are the specs of the hydro disc? Is it a 2007 model? I cant find a 2008 hydro. Anyway, I digress...

The Hardrock is a great little bike, I had one as my first proper MTB many moons ago. They are known for being a little heavy but great bikes for the price. If you are like me and expecting to be upgrading everything at some point, I would suggest trying to stretch for a Rockhopper. The frame on these are much lighter and you will be able to build much better components onto it if you get serious. However, if the budget doesnt stretch that far, the Hardrock is a cracking bike all the same. I would go for the hydro purely as I had a go on my missus Kraken the other day and wasnt too impressed by the mech discs vs my Juicy 3s, so I've got a set of Juicy 7s now and giving the missus the 3's.

A ride on both (if you can) will be a great help in deciding which you think is best

oddy74

I agree with Chris'l ^^^^
Im not an expert but I bought a Rockhopper last year and my GF bought the Hardrock.
She loves it, but it is quite a bit heavier than the Rockhopper. So if weight is a big factor for you have a look at the base level Rockhopper, I bellieve this years is cheaper.
I've just upgraded my forks to Reba's so my Tora's are going on her HR.
Either way im sure you won't be disappointed.

rob cole

What are the specs of the hydro disc? Is it a 2007 model? I cant find a 2008 hydro. Anyway, I digress...

there is no hydraulic disc version of the Hardrock for 2008 - all have mechanic disc brakes

you need to go up to the Rockhopper Disc to get a hydraulic brake

Paul_GT

I've got a 2007 hardrock sport with juicy 7's on and tora 302 love it.

alf01

yep got one, loving it - wanna change the tyres for the summer

and eventually get better forks