Mountain Biking - Hardrock Pro

Rode a Hardrock Pro today. Liked it a lot but need some advice.

http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?san=03HardrockProDisc&bl=mountain&my=2003

I like the standover height of the 19" frame but I like the top tube length of the 21" frame. The LBS put a longer stem on the 19" and moved the seat back for me to try it out and it felt pretty good. Any opinions as to what is the better way to go. If you need to know, I'm just under 6'4 and inseam is 33"-34".

Oh yeah .. this would be my 1st MTB. Don't want to spend too much $.

It's hard to find a bike with long top tubes for the price you can get a Hardrock for. I'd say keep looking ... but there's a chance that you might get used to it. :p

Also, consider looking at used bikes, like eBay. I got my Trek 7000 17.5" size frame with the longer top tube, like you said, and I wanted this specific bike because of the geometry. I couldn't find a bike with this geometry for under $750 (which I couldn't afford). I got mine for $172, and with some new parts, she'll be like new. :D

I would test ride something with a 22ish top tube. That is a really cramped cockpit to work with. I am 6'5 and ride a 22.5 inch (which BTW on a 19" bike is considered pretty short) top tub with a stubby stem and regular seapost. It allows for more adjustability. If you did purchase this you would be stuck with a slightly longer stem and no adjustability of the seat. But really if it feel right and you like it grab it. :)

i'd get the 21". i'm 5'11 with 30-32 inseam, but i prefer the stretched out position of a larger frame, much more efficient performer offroad.

Went back to the LBS and I'm having them order the 21" since he didn't have one (Pro) in. He thought it better also, even though the 19" felt pretty good after the tweaking. I think it's a pretty good 1st MTB for the money Thanks all. :)

Sweet bike and welcome to the dirt :D

Originally posted by Maelstrom
Sweet bike and welcome to the dirt :D

Thanks ... I haven't done any offroad since ... well, it's been a very long time. To give you an idea how long, the bike I used offroad then had a banana seat, ape-hangers and a slick for a rear tire but I rode in the woods nonetheless. I'm looking forward to it.
:thumbup:




edited for silly typo :)

I owned someting like that. My first real bike was similar...way back in 81 I think. :)...

see you on the trails.

21" bike is in and being built. He (LBS owner) told me to ride the 19" (with the longer stem) & 21" to see which feels better. I'll be doing this tomorrow (Friday). Can't wait.

I'm an old BMXer, and I actually prefer a smaller frame. My body dictates I should be on a Large and usually always ride a Medium for any bike I intend to do any jumping with. My XC race bike was a Large, but I hardly race anymore, so I sold it.

Good Luck, get some pics when you buy it.

L8R

I have the same bike size 21. I'm 6'1. I hope you enjoy your new bike as much as I enjoy mine!:beer:

Originally posted by a2psyklnut
I'm an old BMXer, and I actually prefer a smaller frame. My body dictates I should be on a Large and usually always ride a Medium for any bike I intend to do any jumping with. My XC race bike was a Large, but I hardly race anymore, so I sold it.

Good Luck, get some pics when you buy it.

L8R

i agree with you. when i ride a smaller frame it feels agile, like i was on a bmx. but on anything longer than a trip or stroll i really appreciate a bigger frame with longer top tube.

I have the 19" and am 6'2"...feels good to me...

Regardless...welcome to the wonderful world of mud! :beer:

I see I already said basically the same thing in Hardrock Pro (revisited)...sorry for the repeat...

Do disk brakes take a while to get grippy or should they be grippy right off the bat? The 19", that gets used more for demos often, has grippier brakes than the 21" that was just built today. Since I have no experience with disk brakes on bicycles, I thought I'd ask.