Jesta007

So I'm looking into a Specialized Hardrock SE, but I'm struggling to find reviews for it. My LBS has it for 419 currently. Can anyone shed some light on whether or not this will be a decent purchase?

Quick Backstory:
I'm looking to buy a new bike to assist me in getting back in shape. Currently 250 LB, down from 303 on January 1st this year. I'd like to get something to ride on road in the mornings for 10-12 miles a day in addition to my normal gym routine after work. I do have alot of friends who MTB on trails and such, so I'd like to buy something that I can tag along with in the future, not necessarily now. Budget is $500 at the absolute most, and I'd like to go with something new.

Thanks for any and all input
Chris

3speed

I really can't say very definitively, but it seems like you could probably get a little more for your money with another bike. I may be wrong, though. I can tell you that that bike will probably not make it very long with real trail riding, but would be perfectly fine for the road riding you want to do. I'd highly recommend putting some more road oriented tires on it, though. If you can turn a screwdriver or allen wrench, you can always easily pick up a new rear derailer and upgrade when you start riding trails(if need be). Maybe other parts as time goes on.

See if there are any bikes at your LBS that have derailers with actual names on them. Something like Shimano Alivio will be better than the Shimano TX35 like that bike has. If they're SRAM components, then they do market their decent derailers with numbers. In your budget they might be X3 or X5, I believe. The forks are all going to be basically the same at that price range, so that probably isn't as much of a concern.

Also, if they have any models from last year, those are often a good deal for a new rider or a budget. The Jamis X3, for example, has Shimano Acera derailers and a lock-out fork. The lock-out would be nice for your road riding. Bouncing forks tend to soak up your energy on the road. Since that bike was MSRP of $550 last year when it was new, you could probably get it for more like $450 this year.

SlimRider

+1 ^ This is excellent advice!

Also 3 speed is right about being able to get more bike for that amount of money.

Please consider the following:

Dawes Haymaker 1500 ~ $480
www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawes/hay1500xi.htm

GT Avalanche Disc 2 ~ $500
www.bikesdirect.com/products/gt/gt_avalanche_disc_2_xi.htm

PS.

You stated that you have friends who mountain bike. If they can't assist you with the planning and give you advice about the type and size of bikes, then you'd most probably be better off by not buying from bikesdirect.com at this time.

3speed

^ Haha, did you recently buy some stock in BD or something.

OP, if you know your way around a bike(bikes from BD aren't assembled) and have ridden some MTBs and know your size preferences, etc, maybe it's an OK route to go. Just know that there are also Many stories about the lack of customer support from BD too, so you'll have to hope you don't have a problem with the bike that you can't fix yourself. If you're new to the bike thing in general, I'd recommend sticking with the LBS(I'd recommend that anyway because I like to support people in our own country rather than sending more money to China and riding my bike past the out-of-work homeless family on the way to the trails. ).

EDIT: The orange BD bike does look pretty cool, though. Diggin' the straight orange and black theme.

Jesta007

Thanks for the advice guys, I live very close to Brand's Cycle (Brandscycle.com) and have dealt with them before. I'm going to try to avoid buying online because I'd like to have this built by a shop so that it's done right, then as I take it apart and change things I'll learn as I go. Hopefully when I get there I can find something with a lockout fork on clearance or one that's not listed on their site. Won't know till i get there unfortunately.

3speed

From their site in particular, in the same price range as the Hardrock SE, I'd pick the Giant Revel 2 or the Diamondback Response. That's based just on the components. I've never ridden any of the bikes. If you can stretch to your $500 max, the Giant Revel 1 or the Diamondback Response Sport are where you get into really decent, real trail worthy bikes. They're also more upgrade-able in the future because they have disk brakes and 100mm forks(As do the first two I mentioned. The Hardrock SE has an 80mm). Many people just end up getting a new bike, but if you think you might upgrade as you go, it's something to think about.

SlimRider

OTOH, if there are any bicycle co-ops nearby, you can purchase a MTB frame online and gradually build your own bike under the watchful eyes of a veteran bicycle mechanic. In doing so, you might also research the appropriate fork online, that you'd wish to accompany the new frame.

www.somafab.com/frames
https://store.somafab.com/
www.sram.com/rockshox/component/forks

dminor 

^^ That is dumb advice. This person wants to get on a bike and start riding now - - not after the season is over. Please stop giving dumb advice to our new posters.

SlimRider

Why are you addressing me with such obnoxious speech?

The OP stated that he wanted his bicycle shop to build his bike. If he has a working bicycle co-op nearby, he can build his own bike and save money on the build.

How is that dumb?

Dumb is speaking abusively out of ignorance, when it's unnecessary...

PS.

Bicycle co-ops are a viable resource to the cycling community. They are most certainly due much more recognition and respect, than what they currently receive from those expected to acknowledge this fact.

If all the components are in possession, the bike build for a novice will most likely be completed in just a few days, not weeks, or months. The novice will also receive an education in bicycle mechanics in the process.

Once again, how is that dumb?