Mountain Biking - Hardrock or Rockhopper?

I'm looking for a bike for my son (13, 5'8" 150lbs). I've decided on the either the Hardrock comp/pro or the Rockhopper. It will be used to 'follow' my enduro on the local trails and to get him around. I'm leaning towards the hardrock as it looks more burly and the kid just keeps growing.

Originally posted by coreyva
I'm looking for a bike for my son (13, 5'8" 150lbs). I've decided on the either the Hardrock comp/pro or the Rockhopper. It will be used to 'follow' my enduro on the local trails and to get him around. I'm leaning towards the hardrock as it looks more burly and the kid just keeps growing.




if hes big enough for the 19" frame you could go hardrock pro.. otherwise he'll be stuck on a 15" frame, which IMO would most likely be too small.


the hardrock may look burlier but the Rockhopper is a better frame.. you'd be better off with the rockhopper if hes going to ride it hard

Could you elaborate on why the rockhopper is a better frame for harder riding? Just curious what I'm missing that makes the rockhopper the stronger frame.

I own both a 2001 Hardrock comp (equivilent of a 2003 Hardrock Pro) and a 2003 Rockhopper Pro. I am in love with both of them. Both of these models are definetly upgradable and I think that going with the Hardrock Pro would be worth your money. It comes with disc brakes and has many more better "stuff" on the bike. Check it out on the Specialized website.

rockhopper over hardrock any day, better geometry for my preference.

I'd have to go with the RH; they're much more fun on the trails.

I would have to go with Rockhopper even though I have a Hardrock. I would have like a Rockhopper but the size of my wallet was too small.

Sounds like a rockhopper for him then. Thanks for the input.