Mountain Biking - Bike Advice:Specialized Hardrock ChrMo

Hello:

I'm looking to get a new bike in the USD$280 range ($400 canadian). I'm new to riding and will ride mostly on pavement, light trails in the park etc.

From my research, I've noticed the following:

1. Specialized Hardrock Chro-Mo
2. Norco Scrambler
3. Gary Fisher Advance
4. Giant Boulder SE
5. Infinity Quantum (US$199 at Costco).

I'm leaning toward the Specialized (since it has the best all around package I think).

The Costco bike seems like a very low price for the components though.

Any suggestions? Has anyone heard anything about Infinity?

How's the Hardrock Chro-Mo?

Thanks in advance!

check mtbreview.com for reviews and msrp's on bikes.

Originally posted by mister_hl

How's the Hardrock Chro-Mo?


I purchased my first quality bike at age 16 with money saved up from summer jobs. It was a blue 1988 Specialized HardRock. It had a chromoly frame and fork, 18 speeds with indexed Suntour shifters. It was probably the best and most important cycling purchase I've ever made. Specialized continues to impress me because they maintain quality from the top of their line through to their entry-level bikes. Other bike companies have great products in specific spots of their product line but Specialized just seems to be good across the board. I'm not saying they're the only company that holds this attribute but to me they're the first that comes to mind. I think your impressions of the HardRock are spot-on... they generally do have the best overall package in their price range. However, that said... make sure you try out all the bikes and see what feels most comfortable. All the value in the world means nothing if the bike doesn't fit.

The Cro-mo is a decent bike. I've built up quite a few at the shop, and it's the first bike I take people in the $300 range to.

I was going to buy a Cro-Mo. I test road it and the standard Hardrock (aluminum). I bought the aluminum b\c I didn't care much for the grip shifters and I wanted a lighter bike for the trail. For the uses you described a Cro-Mo should be fine. Another good place to check for peoples' reviews is www.consumerguide.com.

Can i be silly and ask what does CroMoly mean?

Which would generally be the lightest out of Aluminium, CroMoly, "alloy" and a "A1 manipulated" out of the Specialized series?

Im gonna pick one of these up within this month.

Aluminum, alloy, and A1 manipulated are all words for aluminum. CroMoly is a steel alloy. Usually cromoly is heavier then aluminum, especially at this price point. Probably the lightest here is the "A1 aluminum" but I could be wrong. Components make a big difference in weight. For example, I saw this freeride crankset that weighed almost as much as my road frame. just a bit of perspective.

Thanks for the advice!

Does anyone know if the grip shifts on the Specialized Hardrock ChroMo can be switched to EZ Fire?

Might have to ask your LBS if they can switch 'em out. Also, check the FAQ on the Specialized site or shoot them an email. One of the guys I ride with has the grip shift on his Giant and likes 'em. Says it takes some getting used to but it's pretty much like a motorbike (I've never ridden a motorbike so wouldn't know).

I purchased my first quality bike at age 16 with money saved up from summer jobs. It was a blue 1988 Specialized HardRock.

Hey Kuhn, want to relive your youth? I have a circa 1988 Rockhopper frame for sale... Had a hardrock somewhere in the garage as well, same vintage.
:D

I just bought a Hardrock CrMo about 3 weeks ago and it fits my needs perfectly. I love it! :)