I'm looking to buy a Specialized mountain bike and need some expert help. I'm looking at the Rockhopper (base model) or the Hardrock Comp Disc. My riding is more for speed on paved/dirt trails (no jumping or hardcore riding). People suggest road bikes but I don't like them. I guess one of my main criteria is light weight. Which of the two is lighter in weight and which is a better bike for my riding. Also, which bike has better parts.

Thanks

the rock hoper is lighter, the hardrock has better parts

could I use a pro disc hardrock for freeriding if I put a new fork and maybe some new partrs on it?

what should I replace................I know the frame could handle it......right?

it can take begginer beat downs, but if you want to free ride get a p. bike

I was also thinking about the p.2 but I dont know how hard a 5 landing to concret would be? What is the highest you have done or your p1?What was it like?
peace

ive done big drops (with an upgraded fork) maybe like 10fters.it was a good landing so it wasnt bad at all

I am not a very experienced guy but i wish this could help. I am looking around for an entry level mtb recently, and so i test ride on 2 specialized hardrocks. I also had a chance to test ride on a specialized sirrus, which is target as a comfort road bike. The difference is huge and obvious. Sirrus is very light, fast and responsive (both accelerating and stopping) Hardrock is on the other hand strong and comfort. Of course, they are designed for very different purpose and so you can't really compare the two. But as you said your primary concern is speed and weight, I really think you should go get a road bike and test ride on it before coming to any decision. BTW, Sirrus seems to be a really nice bike and seems to match your budget.

Wish this is helpful!
wil.

what fork do you have?

dj3