Mountain Biking - 2009 Specialized HardRock opinions needed!!

hello all, I'm new to the MTB subforum.
I'm thinking of buying my first mtb mainly for the local trails and maybe use it to commute sometimes. I went to the LBS and took a look at the 09' hardrocks, they were the only bikes within my price range ($400-$500). I'm still debating on which model to get.

Which model would you guys reccomend for a first bike? I don't plan on upgrading any parts so I'm thinking of either getting the highest end one, sport with disc, or the lowest end one, regular with v-brakes.
My logic is that I can either have a bike with everything I need in the first place, or have a great starter bike with the basics for a price that I can afford sooner, and possibly upgrade some parts down the road.

What do you guys think? should I opt for the disc brakes even if I go with the non sport model? the shop owner reccomended the disc brakes.

I'm pretty set on buying the specialized hardrock unless there are any other reccomendations that are competetive in the price range ($400-$500).

Get the top of the line so you can hit some slightly technical trails and not get stuck on beginner trails. I'm gonna get me one too in a couple of months.

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/7317/hardrock.jpg

What a beauty

thanks for the advice. yeah I definitely want something that can handle all kinds of trails.

Who says V-brakes can't handle more tech trails? A decent V can work great, and in some's opinion, better. Most of my bikes have a V out back, and only disk in the front. But then again, Most of my bikes are shoebox bikes (as in, most of the parts were in shoeboxes in the closet, and thrown together.)

I'd say get the Sport if you can swing it. But not because of the brakes alone, but the rest of the components. The lower end one is a good solid bike, but to upgrade to disks later, you may or may not need a new fork, and I think, not positive though, that the fork on the the regular HR is V only. If you don't mind upgrading later (part of the fun IMO) then I'd say go with the regular one, you will not be disappointed either way.

Why would he be stuck on beginner trails with a lower model Hardrock?

Whatever hardrock you guys end up getting, PLEASE make sure it has a real cassette in the back and not the wallmart 7spd.

2 reasons why:

1) My buddy had one and before he knew it the derailleur started skipping so bad i coulnt fix it for him. This was on his 1st offroad ride on Beginner trails.
2) if you ever decide to upgrade your parts, IE: 24spd or 27spd, you wont have to buy a new wheels set..

Anyhow, my buddy ended up taking the 09 hardrock back to the LBS and trading it for a Rockhopper.

About V-Brakes vs Disc:

I've been riding V-Brakes for the past 8 yrs and just bought my 1st bike w/ disc. Granted i have XTR components, i gotta say that my XTR V-Brakes compared to my XTR Disc dont have much differance, they both stop on a dime.

Also, if you're going to buy a bike with Mechanical Disc rather than Hydraulic, you might save the money and get a nice V-Brake System..IE: LX, XT or such...

I think the Hardrock is should only be ridden on easy/beginner trails. They just won't stand up to the abuse a real rider would dish out.

My Hardrock stood up just fine. Am I still riding it, no. Not a bad bike for the money, but definitely a lot of room for improvement... I would save a little more and get something a little better. My '09 Hardrock is sitting in the closet collecting dust.

I starting riding last spring on the 08 hardrock comp disc (http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?arc=2008&spid=32573), and I love the bike! I've been riding it hard for a year and it's behaved like a champ. I'm so glad I bought it. It is great on the hills, has nice wide tires (2.1) and has required almost no maintenance (I got my first flat last week). I don't do very aggressive riding like big jumps and drop-offs, but this is a beginner bike. I like to go fast and I feel that this bike has served me very well as I've been learning. I also ride it to work when it's not raining =). Now that I'm a year in I'm starting to look into upgrading to a full suspension bike and I think I need to move into the $2500 price range to get a noticeably better bike.

My only complaint is the middle chainring on the sr suntour crankset has threaded bolts. I taco'd mine being a newbie and had to replace the whole crankset when I couldn't find a new chainring (shimano deore LX ftw!).

You should buy the Hardrock Sport Disc (http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?sid=09Hardrock&eid=107).

I think the Hardrock is should only be ridden on easy/beginner trails. They just won't stand up to the abuse a real rider would dish out.

So, what are the limits of the Hardrock ?

Jumps ?
steep downhills ?
very rough rocky terrain ?

You have one, and I'm very interested in knowing.

hmmm. Now I'm leaning towards the 09 sport model, with v-brakes. I don't want to spend a lot for a mtb, since I'm a road biker and I just want this bike to do beginner trails, no huge jumps or anything crazy. I'd rather get the sport model since at my LBS its only about $60 more than the regular model, and I really don't think I need disc brakes. I test rode a friend's bike with v-brakes and it stops very well, but I also rode another bike with v-brakes that didn't stop nearly as well.
If the stock v-brakes don't stop well I'm sure there are other v-brakes out there that I can upgrade to, without spending too much money. Any reccomendations on v-brakes?

Also, what I meant by "I want something that can handle all kinds of trails" I meant all kinds of trails on the beginners trail area :P I definitely dont plan on doing anything really crazy, which is part of the reason I feel a hardtail is plenty enough for my needs.

Also, what I meant by "I want something that can handle all kinds of trails" I meant all kinds of trails on the beginners trail area :P I definitely dont plan on doing anything really crazy, which is part of the reason I feel a hardtail is plenty enough for my needs.

The Sport would be a fine choice tony. I would consider that too, since I'm already familiar with adjusting V-brakes, where as with disc brakes I would have no idea what to do. However, if were to consider V-brakes, they do have a little something at my LBS called the Rockhopper with V-brakes at $625..........Oh decisions decisions.........

I like the look of the 2009 Hardrock, but the 17 felt too small and the 19 was a touch big. I ride a 17.5/18 in Trek.

That said, I much preferred the new Rockhopper to the Hardrock. Great weight for a low end bike with huge upgrade possibilities.

-R

I think the Hardrock is should only be ridden on easy/beginner trails. They just won't stand up to the abuse a real rider would dish out.

thats sarcasm....see that orange thing hes riding in his sig...

thats sarcasm....see that orange thing hes riding in his sig...

I know, that's what he has.

I don't really know much about bikes but I bought a new Rock Hopper a year ago for around $500. Maybe you can get it for the same money although bike prices seem to have gone up quite a bit, great recession or not. I use it for commuting and on the trails (moderate, I guess). Since I don't know any better the V brakes seem just fine to me. After maybe 1,000 miles or so, I've had no trouble with it all, despite carrying ~ 230 lbs. of me + work gear.

Good luck.

T

I can't speak for the current model but my 05 Sport has been very good to me with only a few issues. That said the rear derailleur of my 05 was absolute trash (Acera). It flopped around and ghost-shifted, didn't keep enough tension on the chain so it would skip under heavy load. Recently upgraded it to an XT Shadow and it's worlds better. The front shock (Gila RST) is extremely bouncy if you set the pre-load high and nose-dives more than I'm really comfortable with if set low. I eventually got used to it and having it low and diving is more manageable than the loss of traction and steering control of the bouncing. I've never been able to find a comfortable middle ground as in the middle it still nose-dives pretty hard but then it bounces back up forcefully. I look forward to the day that I can afford a bike with a better fork (upgrading just the fork is cost prohibitive when the cost of a fork is 50-60% of cost of a whole bike with that fork sometimes). I am very happy with my Hardrock though and I'm falling in love with mountain biking more every time I go out. My recommendation from admittedly limited experience- buy the one with the best fork you can afford.

The HARDROCK can be put thru anything you can throw at it, it's the components that cant take the abuse.

in 09' Specialized really cheaped out the componentry of the Hardrock, every other year in the past came with OK parts but boy this years...WOW....`

I swapped the fork when I got mine home,the OEM fork is a big ol' POS. As far a s the rest of the components I have has 0 issues out of them.........but I just ride bike paths.

I swapped the fork when I got mine home,the OEM fork is a big ol' POS. As far a s the rest of the components I have has 0 issues out of them.........but I just ride bike paths.

as long as you dont have the Wallmart Cassette you're fine. it's actually a freewheel not a casette.

What's wrong with a freewheel?
As long as your comfortable with the gear range, why would it matter?
Fwiw, I just bought an '09 hardrock disc. Its got the "wallmart" (as you call it) freewheel on it. I swapped out the bars (to a 31.8 specialized alloy enduro riser) and stem (31.8 origin8 alloy I had lying around) because they looked (and are) really cheap. I also got some peaty lock-ons for it. I kept the fast trak's, but switched to some specialized air locks. I peeled the decals off the fork, and now I think I got a pretty sweet lookin' and ridin' bike. I've been a road rider for a loooong time, and this was my first mtb. I didn't know if I'd even like it, so why not buy something that didn't break the bank first? I'm a shop mechanic, so I got a pretty sweet deal on it. But even for the $460 retail, I don't think it can be beat. I'm 6'2" 260lbs and I have taken it out 3 times so far and abused the piss out of it already, and all I've had to do so far was re-allign the rotors. The frame would be my main concern, and I'm not worried about it at all. When my rear derailleur breaks, I'll buy a new one. When I blow the fork, I'll buy a new one. But for now, this is all I need. I look at the other guys on the trail with their s-works epics and I think "man, that's a nice bike" and they look at me and think "now that's a practical bike." Sure, I won't be doing 10' drop offs, but I wouldn't do that ***** anyway.
Op- buy a hardrock. You won't regret it. Upgrading is half the fun of cycling anyway!

Btw- I bought the satin black hardrock disc. The 3 times I've taken it out have been worth every penny I paid for it.

(No I'm not affiliated with specialized, I'm just tired of people trying to talk other people into ***** they don't need)

2) if you ever decide to upgrade your parts, IE: 24spd or 27spd, you wont have to buy a new wheels set..

9 speed will work on a wheel that was 8 speed.

Also, my bike weighs 3lbs less than my buddy's epic. I do realize he has a full suspension (with a brain), but I was pretty impressed that an entry level bike like the hardrock weighs in at 30lbs. on the nose. And it probably weighs a pound less than that now that I got rid of the boat anchor stem/bars.
That's less than half of the magna that I bought 10yrs ago that got me into bike riding seriously.

9 speed will work on a wheel that was 8 speed.

Actually if a cassette is 8spd, then the hub is campatible w/ 9spd, but "Freewheels" only come up to 7spds and hub is not compatible with cassettes.

The hardrock is a good bike but try to find a new 08 rather than the 09 even though the 09 has a nicer looking frame. Specialized has cut the quality of the components for the 09's....freewheel instead of cassette, single wall wheels rather than double wall, lower quality fork etc.

The hardrocks use an 8 speed cassette.

The hardrock is a good bike but try to find a new 08 rather than the 09 even though the 09 has a nicer looking frame. Specialized has cut the quality of the components for the 09's....freewheel instead of cassette, single wall wheels rather than double wall, lower quality fork etc.

exactly

Actually if a cassette is 8spd, then the hub is campatible w/ 9spd, but "Freewheels" only come up to 7spds and hub is not compatible with cassettes.

Freewheels come in 8sp.......don't know where you got that info from.....

Op-
I took my hardrock out to solavaca ranch in dinosaur valley, tx this weekend and took it up and down everything I could find. The only thing I managed to do was come home with 6 new bruises, burns on my leg from the front tire and a bent derailleur hanger. Went back to the shop, bent the hanger back out and was good to go. I love this bike more every day. Snagged a seatpost of my buddy's epic and things are lookin good.

Dpends on which model of hardrock, the base line hardrock and hardrock disc have the megarange freewheel. The hardrock sport and sport disc come equipped with a SRAM PG-820, which is a cassette. But with the 2009 the sport models are $500 and up so, I would look for an 08 model in the sport.

Who says V-brakes can't handle more tech trails? A decent V can work great, and in some's opinion, better. Most of my bikes have a V out back, and only disk in the front. But then again, Most of my bikes are shoebox bikes (as in, most of the parts were in shoeboxes in the closet, and thrown together.)

I'd say get the Sport if you can swing it. But not because of the brakes alone, but the rest of the components. The lower end one is a good solid bike, but to upgrade to disks later, you may or may not need a new fork, and I think, not positive though, that the fork on the the regular HR is V only. If you don't mind upgrading later (part of the fun IMO) then I'd say go with the regular one, you will not be disappointed either way.

125 miles around the White Rim, roughest thing I put my Hardrock through, 40 bikes in the pack only 3 break downs, disk brakes every time, I'll take your V brakes....

I have the hardrock disc and yes, it has the megarange freewheel.....which isn't a big deal for me. I'll "upgrade" to an 8sp freewheel with sram x7 shifters when my sh!tty shimano 7sp shifter/brake levers break.
Maybe I'll just re-lace the wheels to a new hub that accepts a cassette.
I'm not too worried about it for now.

Like I said, I'm a bike shop employee and got a nice deal on the hardrock disc. Didn't even know if I'd like riding trails. But after a week of riding, I can say I'm hooked and can't wait to upgrade some stuff.

I have the hardrock disc and yes, it has the megarange freewheel.....which isn't a big deal for me. I'll "upgrade" to an 8sp freewheel with sram x7 shifters when my sh!tty shimano 7sp shifter/brake levers break.
Maybe I'll just re-lace the wheels to a new hub that accepts a cassette.
I'm not too worried about it for now.

Like I said, I'm a bike shop employee and got a nice deal on the hardrock disc. Didn't even know if I'd like riding trails. But after a week of riding, I can say I'm hooked and can't wait to upgrade some stuff.

I bet you cant wait to upgrade. Im talking about the 7spd Wallmart freewhell & hub that specialized chose for the lower end 09' Hardrocks. The hub it uses is not 8spd compatible. also, Please let me know of a bike that uses an 8spd FREEWHEEL, not a cassette, a FREEWHEEL now a days. you say you work at a shop, so i guess it will be aesy for you to find one...right?

Im not putting down your bike, you ride what you can afford, im just talking about specialized raising prices and lowering quality... that all.

J&B have several choices in stock, as does qbp. I've already checked. And why would the hub be compatible with a 7sp and not an 8sp? The freewheel threads are the same.
I do know the difference between a cassette and a freewheel. Thanks.
Money was not an issue with me. However, being practical was.
I didn't want to drop $1,000 on a bike when I had never ridden off-road before.
The reason I can't wait to upgrade is because that's half the fun for me. The components that come stock on the hardrock are fine.
Just because someone didn't drop 8grand on an s-works epic doesn't mean their bike will explode when they go ride.

The only thing that I felt really needed to be upgraded was the loose ball headset. I solved that problem by throwing on an anodized red cane creek that I bought off my buddies epic.
But as an entry level bike, there's absolutely nothing wrong with the hardrock.

8 speed freewheels are available (try an ebay search if you don't believe me) but there's a good reason why the industry went in mass to freehubs for 8 speed. The old standard for 7 spds was 130mm spacing for MTBs. With a 7 spd freewheel that was pushing the limits of the axle to not bend and the 135mm spacing for a MTB 8spd wheel is just too much for the poorly supported axle of a freewheel wheel in some cases once you respace and dish the wheel for the 8spd freewheel. Freehub with a cassette is a better design and is realistically the only way that you should pursue an 8 spd upgrade. You can do it with a freewheel but the wheel will be weaker for it. Do it if you want to but there's a reason it's not done often. If you never slam your wheels around it should work just fine.

J&B have several choices in stock, as does qbp. I've already checked. And why would the hub be compatible with a 7sp and not an 8sp? The freewheel threads are the same.
I do know the difference between a cassette and a freewheel. Thanks.
Money was not an issue with me. However, being practical was.
I didn't want to drop $1,000 on a bike when I had never ridden off-road before.
The reason I can't wait to upgrade is because that's half the fun for me. The components that come stock on the hardrock are fine.
Just because someone didn't drop 8grand on an s-works epic doesn't mean their bike will explode when they go ride.

The only thing that I felt really needed to be upgraded was the loose ball headset. I solved that problem by throwing on an anodized red cane creek that I bought off my buddies epic.
But as an entry level bike, there's absolutely nothing wrong with the hardrock.

OK, so you're saying that your 7spd Freewheel hub will accept a 8spd Cassette? im not talking about 8spd freewheel im talking about a cassette.

Lol!
What the hell is wrong with you?!
I said that my hub (that now has a 7sp -freewheel- on it) will be compatible with an 8sp freewheel.
I don't have a freehub. I have a threaded hub that will accept a freewheel.
As I said, when my 7sp shimano shifters wear out, I'll upgrade to some x7 components.
Damn.

Communication break-down.

This is getting good.

Drugs are bad, kids!

drugs are bad, kids!

lol!

As much as I love Specialized, I think that bike is not that great. Even for them, I mean, a Suntour fork? Really? I have a '99 Hardrock, full XT and a Manitou fork, both upgraded. The frame is great, on both mine and the '09, though the components on it are really trash. If you want to use it for street and dirt trails, then sure, but I'd spend the extra 1-200 and get something better.

$300 more will get you a rockhopper, which has a rockshox dart fork....not much better than the suntour.
A little more refined, and It has lock-out.
Wow.
I still stand by my decision that I made the best purchase and got the best bang for my buck.
Now that I know that I love the sport, I'll upgrade when (if) necessary.

$300 more will get you a rockhopper, which has a rockshox dart fork....not much better than the suntour.
A little more refined, and It has lock-out.
Wow.
I still stand by my decision that I made the best purchase and got the best bang for my buck.
Now that I know that I love the sport, I'll upgrade when (if) necessary.

Like i said before..."you ride what you can afford".

Are you drunk?
Like I've said before, there was no reason for me to drop $300 more on a bike that I didn't even know that I'd ride.
Money was not an issue for me at all.....being practical was an issue.

Are you drunk?
Like I've said before, there was no reason for me to drop $300 more on a bike that I didn't even know that I'd ride.
Money was not an issue for me at all.....being practical was an issue.

Yes. you work at a bike shop and money wasent an issue? you must be the owner then. I stick by my last comment.

As much as I love Specialized, I think that bike is not that great. Even for them, I mean, a Suntour fork? Really? I have a '99 Hardrock, full XT and a Manitou fork, both upgraded. So you're comparing a fully updated/upgraded XT level machine to an entry level ride? Brilliant. Suntour can't be that bad...Marzocchi 55r's have Suntour dampers...or maybe they ARE that bad.



Yes. you work at a bike shop and money wasent an issue? you must be the owner then. I stick by my last comment. This makes all the sense in the world.


Dpends on which model of hardrock, the base line hardrock and hardrock disc have the megarange freewheel. The hardrock sport and sport disc come equipped with a SRAM PG-820, which is a cassette. But with the 2009 the sport models are $500 and up so, I would look for an 08 model in the sport. Only one who researches his information can be trusted. Watch and learn from Dannihilator, kids...he's one of the few.


125 miles around the White Rim, roughest thing I put my Hardrock through, 40 bikes in the pack only 3 break downs, disk brakes every time, I'll take your V brakes....So your riding buddies don't know how to tune a bike...that makes it the fault of the genre of brake...not even the brand or model (user)? Brilliant.


I have the hardrock disc and yes, it has the megarange freewheel.....which isn't a big deal for me. I really hate that last jump from 2 to 1 on the megarange though. It's almost jarring.




$300 more will get you a rockhopper, which has a rockshox dart fork....not much better than the suntour.
I'd take a Suntour over a Dart any day. Both are ****e, but the Dart is of the soupy, stinky class.










17 felt too small and the 19 was a touch big
Wow...just find the one that fits best and adj. stem/post and saddle placement to fit.


The HARDROCK can be put thru anything you can throw at it,
Yes, yes...let's take it up to BC and throw some NorthShore at it. You will be looking for a shovel 1/2 way through to bury the dead horse.


as long as you dont have the Wallmart Cassette you're fine. it's actually a freewheel not a casette.
One should be able to "spel" Walmart prior to graduating from their componentry.


Also, my bike weighs 3lbs less than my buddy's epic. I do realize he has a full suspension (with a brain), but I was pretty impressed that an entry level bike like the hardrock weighs in at 30lbs. You're buddy's Epic is 33lbs?



Whatever hardrock you guys end up getting, PLEASE make sure it has a real cassette in the back and not the wallmart 7spd.

1) My buddy had one and before he knew it the derailleur started skipping so bad i coulnt fix it for him. This was on his 1st offroad ride on Beginner trails.

I've been riding V-Brakes for the past 8 yrs and just bought my 1st bike w/ disc. Granted i have XTR components, i gotta say that my XTR V-Brakes compared to my XTR Disc dont have much differance, they both stop on a dime.

Also, if you're going to buy a bike with Mechanical Disc rather than Hydraulic, you might save the money and get a nice V-Brake System..IE: LX, XT or such... You couldn't tune a "1 ride old" drivetrain?
Try out some 8" rotors and see if your XTR V-Brakes can still hang.
You can get a set of Mech Avid disc brakes for the same cost as a "nice V-Brake System"...much better performance too.



Get the top of the line so you can hit some slightly technical trails and not get stuck on beginner trails.
I have a 1980's Raleigh Pointe fully rigid that I would ride technical trails with...why would the bike limit you so much?




Specialized Sux

LOL!

I have 185/160mm XTR on my Epic. also, im comparing Hardrock Disc to V-Brakes. Cant expect someone who rides a HR to slap XTR on the bike.

About the Cassette, The top ring of the Walmart cassette bent, and no we couldnt tune that. and no i cant spell walmart cause i've never been there, i just know they sell crap for bikes.

so you're comparing a fully updated/upgraded xt level machine to an entry level ride? Brilliant. Suntour can't be that bad...marzocchi 55r's have suntour dampers...or maybe they are that bad.



hey!!!

If you have any issues with it...Marz will take care of ya. I just ran out of patience. Don't settle for an "R" swap though...go straight for the TST2. :thumb:

Well, I went ahead and ordered sram x4 trigger shifters, x7 rear derailleur, fr5 brake levers and an 8sp freewheel.
They will be in tomorrow.
I'm pretty stoked.

ayhsmb