Specialized Hardrock Sport Reviews

entry level price, good brakes, solid feel, lockout fork,

bent front sprocket, tires are only so so for trail riding, fork too stiff,

Good starter bike for me. Didnt have to drop $1k to figure out I wanted to get back into bikes.

Rides well does the Job, great bike for a mediate rider and rock solid frame

its a little heavy, but overall a great bike

great to put add ons and get a cheap one of these and put add ons on it to fit your needs

All aluminum double butted tubes, stock body geometry seat, good travel at 80mm, matte black finish is very durable

No real dislikes

My first "REAL" mountain bike, I think this is the best bang for the buck out there. Good quality gear at a great price. Got mine from Pauls Schwinn and they did a great job of getting me fitted and trail ready, plus answearing all my questions since I'm new to this.

Strong frame
Light weight
Quality components

Stock seat is uncomfortable

This is my first quality mountain bike. Before this I've always just had department store bikes. I'm still at the beginner level and I LOVE this bike. I have the 2009 model with the metal pedals and V brakes and the front shocks have 80mm of travel, which is fine for me. I'm 5'10" and 215 lbs and I got the 17" frame and it's holding up like a champ. I take it out at least 3 times a week and take it in once a month to get the spokes and brakes checked. Compared to bikes I've had in the past I was really impressed by the weight of this bike and with the beefy welds on the frame.

All in all I'm sold on the Specialized brand and I'm sure I will be upgrading to a higher end model in a few years.

Good starting price for the bikes and the bike it self is very durable, has taken many spills down hills, cement, and other terrain and the most damage is some cosmetic.

The only thing I really dislike from the start is the front fork, but like other reviewers have stated replace it and you are good to go for a beginner ride.

Overall, its a nice starter bike. I have replaced parts on it as I went along and will eventually transfer over to a nicer bike sometime. I have put maybe a good amount of trails miles on it and it has held up as I would expect a specialize to do so.

Very strong bike.

Weighs a little more than i prefer.

This was the first decent bike I owned and plan on using it to allow people to ride who go riding with me and don't have a bike. Great first bike for those who are new to sport and need a good entry-level bike.

The Disc Brakes were the selling point!

Fork

In the past (10 years ago) I was an avid mountain biker with a couple of really nice Cannondales. Since then, I have sold them and wished to get back into riding after quite awhile. Enter the Cannondale/Specialized bike off.

I tested the comparable Cannondale F9 VS. the Specialized Hardrock with Disk Brakes. Both bikes felt great for the price however, I had to give it to Specialized for two reasons.

1. The hardtail (to me) was spot on with my pedaling. Very sensitive and responded immediatley to my feet. Where as the Cannondale felt a tad mushy.

2.(OK, this was a draw) Bike size. I prepfer a smaller ride than most people my size. I am 5'8" and I went with the 15" frame set. I have riden bigger bikes and they honestly feel like they have a mind of their own. Smaller, I can control better and feel more stable. This was a draw between the two bikes, the Cannondale Medium was perfect as well.

3. Disk Brakes. Sure they are mechanical, who gives a S**T. Awesome all weather stopping power? Yes! No stupid "V" brakes anymore!

In summation, the Specialized Hardrock and the Cannondale F9 are sweet entry level rides. The Hardrock wins out for responce and disk brakes.

Word to the wise, If you do go with this bike, buy some upgrades. I want to throw away almost every component that came on this bike.

well the frame is pretty beefyand the wheel as well

well the fork is a pile i would upgrade it as soon u buy the bike driveline is a lil weak

hmm lets see over all the bike is ok well thats if all you want is a strong frame i do alot of jumping and tall drops for the money the bike is great

Make some upgrades and this bike will last. I take this bike where most hardtails shouldn't go. 3 years of non-stop abuse and it's still holding up well.

Needs upgrades for hard riding. But ready to go if you're kind to your bike.

Great value. I've had so much fun on this bike and the price was excellent.

Lighter, rides great, durable, and wheels are nice, can't beat the price

shifting isn't too smooth and my seat sucks.

I think that it is a awesome bike just to get started on and catch the bug. It handles well and I have no problem handling decent trails. As of yet I have had no serious issues with it and I expect that I will be happy for a good while or atleast til I save up some more cash for a upgrade.

Light weight. Sturdy frame. Super fast bike.

None

I have a 2002 Hardrock. The bike is 6 years old but has been ridden hard until this year. Has taken some beatings on the trail but nothing has broken. Bike seams solid. I did upgrade the shifters and derailures to Shimano XT. Also upgraded the brakes to Shimano Single Digit 7 with Speed Dial 7 Levers. Setup is awsome! May consider upgrading crankset to LX with the external bottom bracket.

Great setup, This was my first bike I had ever purchased and was more then pleased. I put a little over 2000 miles before I bought a more expensive bike. The RST Gilla was more then you ever need on that bike. Took everything I could throw at it in 6 different states.

The front end seemed a little heavy.

If you are looking for a entry level bike, This is gold for the small price you pay.

the price, sturdiness

like the other reviewer, shifting is not as smooth as I would like, so will probably upgrade derailures.

Overall a great bike for the $$