Mountain Biking - New buyer - thinking about a Specialized HardRock...

I am 6'4", and I know I need a larger frame, and this bike has a 23" frame option. I will be riding approximately 80% on pavement; so I want a good all around bike under $400.00. Any feedback is much appreciated. Thanks!!

Greg

Try it on for size FIRST! I'm the same height and I tried a 23" hardrock and had NO standover what so ever try a 21"

Im 6'8'' , and I own a 2003 Hardrock with a 23'' frame.

After working with the bike shop guys, and adjusting the seat, It fits me just fine. I really like the bike too, Ive been riding it heavily since october with no problems.

I dont know if this helps you or not, but I thought Id throw in my $0.02

--Pete

I'm looking at that bike as well for mostly trail riding. I'm 6', 185. I haven't fitted one yet but for that price range, I've read many recommendations on that model.
Newbie Question - What's standover??

I had a friend who was 6'9 and he rode a 23" Schwinn. I'm 6'0 and ride a 19" Stumpjumper. I think you'd be better off with a 21" unless you have a 38" inseam. Go to you LBS and have them fit you properly.

Wow I feel like a midgit now...try the bikes first...I ride a smaller style frame at 6'5 and ride a 19"...anything bigger felt too big for trailriding or djing. The only way to know is to test it out.

Originally posted by rappa
....snip....
Newbie Question - What's standover?? Standover is what keeps you from racking your nuts on the top tube. <grizzled old dude voice> If yer crotch is rubbin on the top tube call yer Dad an' tell him not to expect grandkids</voice>

FWIW, I'm 5'8" and just got a 17" Hardrock.

I'm a hair under 6'4" and think the 21" will be fine for you. I almost grabbed the 19" but the 21" fit better. You won't know until you test-ride different sizes.

Hard Rock is a great all-purpose bike. For mixed riding, get the shop to swap out those knobbly tyres for a slick, or mixed use tyre, which you can run at higher pressure. You will go faster on the road, but still cope with well prepped trails.
Standover: straddle the top tube, put both feet on the ground. There should be a fair amount of daylight between the top tube and your 'nads. 3-6" is usual for an MTB, but some riders have more.
Once you have safe standover clearance, the most important dimension is length. The top tube length and stem combine to set the reach from saddle to bars. You want a position which is comfortable, not too upright, not too stretched out. You also want to be able to position the height of the bars. Most experienced riders would have them 1-3" below the saddle, some aggressive cross-country racers would have them lower

Thanks for all the responses everyone! I have vistied a couple of shops and rode the HardRock Comp. I have decided that's the one I want. It looks like the 23" frame is best suited for me. I rode a 21", but both shops noted, I needed the 23".

Now......Black or Red? hmmmmmm.