Originally Posted by tslugmo
Is the point that you can make pretty much any frame/bike shift like a dream?
Maybe not quite, but all bikes sold by reputable manufacturers should be able to shift well. Shifting like a dream is usually pretty expensive and not completely possible. The stock Hardrock is capable of shifting well and it can be easily made to shift better with better shifters and or derailers. I am in the process of upgrading mine with LX shifters and XT derailers. If you are not comfortable with the frame or it is too weak to do what you want you are stuck with it unless you want to spend quite a bit more money.