Mountain Biking - Freeride(dirt jump bikes) hardtails

Ok,

I like taking my 05 Hardrock Sport on trails and around town through dirt and rocks at construction sites (after quitt'n time). I hit some low jumps as they occur on the trails and around, but nothing impressive. Nothing over about 3ft...yet :).... Stairs if I could find any close by that are more than 4 steps :(.Working on riding wheelies...getting better. Damn that bike is fun to ride. I'm still pretty green when it comes to mtn biking.

Ok now I pretty much described what I currently do with my bike. I'm curious about hardtail freeride/dirt jump bikes(Specialized p2,p3, Kona Scrap). These look like they would be fun to ride. I haven't ridden one of these type of bikes yet. I know they can handle alot more abuse than my Hardrock. Does that come at a price? (besides $$$$). They look light. Would they be good for an all around bike like my Hardrock? What are the downsides?



Thanks :)

Steps meaning I ride down them...not jump them....yet:)

They look light? They will be heavier that your current bike. The bikes will be shorter than your hardrock, this means they are more flickable (easier to turn, move in the air) but they will be tighter, so it is harder to ride long distances and be efficient while riding. Depending on the bike you get it could be a great all round bike.

I think the P3 will set you back around $1600 and I wanna say that it weighs around 32 lbs. I just read a review on it ( in which it took 1st place) in the latest mountain bike action mag. So check that out, could be helpful.

Yeah I have that issue and read that too. I think the only way to answer this question is to actually test ride one myself and see if I like it... all the reviews just talk about their performance in what they were designed for, which makes sense....I just wanted to get ome opinions on how they ride as an all terrain bike. as well as a little bit of climbing, but nothing serious

i am looking at a hardrock 06

you should scrounge around for a 05 model...should be a nice discount on it.

I love my P.1 but there is no way its a "all purpose" bike and it lets you know that. Its slow, heavy, handling can be a handful on the trails at times, but in its natural habitat (downtown Grand Rapids) its happy as can be and a lot of fun.

id say stick with your hardrock..your not doing any crazy jumps that it cant handle...and they are strong bikes...maybe instead of buying a different bike...upgrade your hardrock..it'll be cheaper..and youll have a way nicer bike when ur done

oh..and far as the wheelies go... ive never riden a bike in my life any easier to wheeli than my new hardrock... i can go about 100 yards down a paved road shifting through the gears on that thing..they are so light in the front and balanced...id say spend the money towards upgrades..not towards another bike

This is true... I had no hesitation hucking my Stumpjumper with a Fox F80x and a 3.4lbs frame off of a 6 step staircase every now and again. My Kona Cindercone was what I learned to freeride on and one of my friends nailed an 8ft to flat landing on his identical Cindercone... I'm pretty sure the Hardrock is tougher than any of these bikes and is probably closer to my P.1 than to my old Cindercone. So I'm thinking stick with the Hardrock until you progress beyond its capabilities. Freeriding and all that is ALL about progressing as a rider... best feeling in the world.

seely said a mouthful...100% correct... a better bike wont make you any better. I always say... its not how much money u spend on ur bike..its how much time u spend on ur bike.

and yes..the hardrock is one tough bike

Oh don't get me wrong. I love my Hardrock and don't plan on parting with it. I always look forward to riding it and look forward to upgrading it in the future. I was just wondering about these freeride bikes...When I get a chance I'll post pic of my Hardrock.
Thanks for all the input.