Is this bike any good?

fatgit

I've been looking at the Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc 2009, not knowing a lot about mountain bikes is it any good?

thanks

Fatgit

supersonic

What terrain do you plan to use it for? Not the best value, but decent frames.

fatgit

everything I don't use the road bike for!

I'm based in Cambridgeshire so it's obviously not too hilly around here but it'll be used on holiday in the lakes, peaks , Scotland and Wales too.

my budget is around the £350 - £400 mark, what would you suggest if not that one?

supersonic

Have a read of the What Bikes sticky as a starter.

What do your local shops stock? Any Halfords or Decathlons nearby?

fatgit

My LBS stocks Raleigh but there are pleanty of other bike shops around Cambridge! there is also a Halfords nearby, problem being I don't really know what I'm looking at!

supersonic

Suunds like you are after an XC hardtail, with about 100mm of fork travel.

Have a look for damped forks.

Actually, take a look in the beginners section, I did an FAQ for MTB novices, and there is a link inside on what to llok for.

fatgit

cheers, I'll go have a look now!

blister pus

http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12590132

That's the 'what hardtail' thread but no longer stickied by the looks of it (not in this section anyway).

supersonic

I stuck 'em all in this sticky to tidy things up:

http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12640231

Doing a bit of forum maintenance! Will be starting a 2010 thread soon, and already have my eye on a budget cracker.

blister pus

ahh! ......or aarrrrrggghhh .....depending if you like change or not. :P

Zeroman_IR

supersonic wrote:

Doing a bit of forum maintenance! Will be starting a 2010 thread soon, and already have my eye on a budget cracker.

A budget cracker? Do tell... I'm going to be looking to pick up a reasonably cheap but good bike to take new people out on to introduce them to the sport.

junglist_matty

If your in cambridgeshire you should go over to Grafham Cycles and have a chat with them, they should be able to give you all the advice you need and walk away with a decent bike for what you want.

supersonic

Zeroman_IR wrote:

supersonic wrote:

Doing a bit of forum maintenance! Will be starting a 2010 thread soon, and already have my eye on a budget cracker.

A budget cracker? Do tell... I'm going to be looking to pick up a reasonably cheap but good bike to take new people out on to introduce them to the sport.

Given that the trend for 2010 seems to be an extension of 2009 (ie less spec, higher price), I have got high hopes for the Trek 4300 disc:

http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/produc ... ?&id=11578

A lot rests on that fork - the Spinner 300 (SPinner make a lot of RS forks) has 30mm stanchions, lockout, and adjustable rebound damping and if performs well, this bike looks a bargain. Add to that hydros, full shimano running gear inc crank, Shimano hubs and Bonty kit

xstrathyx

that trek 4300 disc 2010, looks mint...goddammitt....should have waited for the 2010 models..........

Zeroman_IR

Thanks for the info Super.

That bike looks pretty good. Haven't heard too much about Spinner, thought it was the lower end Marzos they made? Is there anywhere I could get some info/reviews on them?

supersonic

There is a website, but hasn't been working lately.

They are a massive manufacturer of forks - it is Suntour that do the base Zocchis though.

Zeroman_IR

This website? Thanks for the info, it's one to consider. I'm after borrowing my mates 2007 Carrera Fury to take people out on at the moment so they're spoilt

supersonic

Ah, it is working!

Fork is quite heavy, but hoepfully capable.

GHill

I like the current Hardrock, big improvement over previous years IMO.