Mountain Biking - K2 Attack 1.0 vs Hardrock Pro Disc

My brother is looking for a relatively inexpensive MTB and has narrowed it down to these 2:

06 K2 Attack 1.0 full-suspension ($600)

vs

05 Specialized Hardrock Pro Disc ($650)

Both seem to be good starter bikes that have some upgradability... and he likes them both equally it seems.
Components seem a little better on the HR - but the FS of the K2 is nice.

Any opinions are greatly appreciated! :)

Thanks in advance!

I would go with the hardrock.
Generally speaking full suspension bikes under about $1000 suck. besides, you get better components on the hardrock compared to the k2's.
good luck

Get a hardtail... I'm too tired to type all the reason but just get the hardtail.

I would only get a dual suspension if I was to get into challenging freeride/downhill which I plan to... but until my skills develop my hardtail will do fine in begginer freeride/downhill.

Hardrock, I doubt anyone will tell you anything different.

That K2 he WILL destroy in less than 1 ride. Get the Hardrock.

Cool thanks for the info guys.

I guess his big concern is that a year or two down the road he'd want to upgrade the components... and if he's going to do that, he might as well get a full-suspension since by then he might be more seriously into it.

If he is more serious into it... he'll want a good dual suspension.

When and if he decides to get a dually, he can still have a pretty good hardtail which he can use for other stuff.

Hmmm that is true Chone.
Can the rear spring on the Attack 1.0 be upgraded though I wonder? I would think under his 250lbs it would be bouncing all over the place perhaps.
The frame on the Attack 1.0 looks to be the same for the 2.0 and 3.0 - and if it is - would probably be worthwhile to upgrade the other components on down the road.
Never owned a K2 myself so don't know the quality on their entry-level FS bikes... did have a Proflex 656 before though which I loved... but that was pre-K2 days of course.

*Rewriting my post*

I got the K2 attack and I'm got a new front fork and brake just out of want. I wanted something more then entry level.

The only thing I'm upgrading out of nessecisty is the drivetrain and I knew out of the box it wasn't going to be that great. The rear derailleur skips between 3rd and 4th and won't even go to first and I have to keep the handle on the shifter pressed to keep it in second.

It will also randomly go into 1rst (on the front) from second. If you push it all the way switching to third, it will derail.

Everything else is fine. I'm not a huge fan of the rear suspension mechanism as it's theoretically less efficient, but I have no problems climbing or keeping up speed.

*Edited for spelling*

*Rewriting my post*

I got the K2 attack and I'm got a new front fork and break just out of want. I wanted something more then entry level.

The only thing I'm upgrading out of nessecisty is the drivetrain and I knew out of the box it wasn't going to be that great. The rear derailleur skips between 3rd and 4th and won't even go to first and I have to keep the handle on the shifter pressed to keep it in second.

It will also randomly go into 1rst (on the front) from second. If you push it all the way switching to third, it will derail.

Everything else is fine. I'm not a huge fan of the rear suspension mechanism as it's theoretically less efficient, but I have no problems climbing or keeping up speed.

Thanks for the post! Is that the 1.0 you have? Would you buy the same bike again if you had the chance?

Thanks for the post! Is that the 1.0 you have? Would you buy the same bike again if you had the chance?

Yes indeed, 2005 K2 Attack 1.0

If I had the chance, I would still get it. By no means am I disappointed with it, it serves extremely well on the road and on the street but there are definetly things I want to upgrade and I'm sure over time your brother will have the same feelings. Then again, you might have a better bike shop to assemble it. I took it to my LBS and they said "Ok come back in 45 minutes" which seemed a little short so I think they skimped on the derailleur tuning.

Speaking of which, I'm going to go read some guides on how to tune em, see if my handiwork helps and post back if I'm having the same "MUST UPGRADE DRIVETRAIN!" feelings.

As to the rear shock, I'm sure it can be upgraded (something else I have on my mind) but the main probobly I'm having is the eyelet/mounting hardware. I can't seem to get it off for the life of me, it looks like it should be able to though.

I've posted about the mounting hardware on these very forums to no avail :(

That K2 he WILL destroy in less than 1 ride. Get the Hardrock.

I agree that hardrock is better but don't under estimate K2.
No offence but your sounds like Civic can't drive on highway.

Hardrock!!! They are the bomb!