OneTimeWill

I am a novice rider purchasing his first mountain bike in 10 years. I plan to do the majority of my riding on the road for now and occassional light to moderate trails on the weekends. I am on a bit of a budget and have narrowed my choices to a Specialized Hardrock or a GT Avalanche 3.0. I would really appreciate some opinions other than from the subjective opinions I get from the dealers trying to make a sale.

The GT is equipped with Tektro mechanical disc brakes, Shimano Acera derailleur, SR/Suntour XCT front shock, and Suntour XCT-252 crankset. Price $329.99 plus I need to purchase road tires.

The Specialized Hardrock is equipped with Tektro rim brakes, Shimano Acera derailleur, RST front shock, and Specialized crankset. Price $375.00 and dealer will put on my choice of tire.


Thanks in advance for any help, and hopefully will be able to contribute to this forum in the future.

MattP.

Hardrock hands down.

Jason222

+1

Dannihilator

Hardrock.

mustang1

I have a race bike but am also looking to replace my old mountain bike. I too was looking for something on the cheaper side and between HardRock (base model, no suspension etc) and GT Avalanche. I was very nearly gonna get the HardRock (you should get HardRock too) bt instead I'll look on eBay for something about a year old. Nothing has come up yet though (all the Hardrocks have suspension) so if I dont find anything, I'll be joining you in a HardRock purchase.

My LBS is doing 2006 model HardRocks for £240 (down from £270).

jiiiim

hardrock +1

bdinger

Hardrock, hands down.

I've had a '07 Hardrock for about three weeks now, and 200 miles of tubby guy induced abuse later the thing is still rock solid (hard as a rock? LOL!). With my abuse, in 100 miles the old Raleigh steel MTB I was riding needed trued wheels and a new chain. The 'rock's front wheel is every so slightly out of true, but hitting a hell of a cement crack at 20mph will do that to ya.

Also, which crankset did the one you saw have? Mine has a Truvativ ISO-Flow, basically the same crankset as the '06 Rockhopper which is very nice and smooth. I've seen other '07s, however, with different cranks.. so weird. I wonder if Specialized had some ISO-Flows left and just used 'em up with the Rock..

Anyway, resounding endorsement for the Hardrock. I love mine to death and it's likely to become my commuter when I treat myself to a Stumpjumper .

a2psyklnut

Hardrock, you don't need discs, especially Tektro ones.

stapfam

Why none going for the GT? Think all the postings have said it all. Hardrock.

Flak

Coin flip.

jiiiim

bandwagon, so... coin flip too!

Tweek

Another one for Hardrock.

a2psyklnut

GT sold out to Pacific Cycles about 4 or 5 years ago. That's always made me a bit hesitant to buy another GT. (I've owned 5 over the years)

Plus, I like the way Specialized bikes ride. They offer a good bike for a good price! Between the two, I'd buy the Specialized.

You asked a question, got some answers and are now surprised that most everyone agrees.

I continue to be amazed by people.

kyletuck

Get the hardrock

OneTimeWill

Thanks For All The Input!

OneTimeWill

So I decided on the Hardrock at the advice of the forum members. I went to my LBS today for one final look was thrown a curve ball. The shop offered an 06 Diamondback Topanga with LX Deore components, Hayes HMX-2 disc brakes, Rock Shox Judy forks for $300.00. The Hardrock is equipped with inferior components and to upgrade to the Hardrock sport or comp with similar components puts me in the $600.00 range. Don't mean to sound cheap, but would like to get most for my money and appreciate advice of veterans. Thanks again.

skeeter

Your best bet would be to wait till no one is looking & swap the goodies from the diamond back onto the Hardrock

rea1high

bear in mind that upgrading components, as and when you need too, is easier and cheaper than upgrading the frame.

a2psyklnut

The Diamondback I've seen, ridden and owned have all been decent bikes.

If the ride feels good, the DB is a good deal.

fuserchris

I just sold my 2004 GT Avalanche, it was a very durable bike and still rode with no problems whatsoever. Someone mentioned that GT was purchased by another company 4-5yrs ago, I never had an opportunity to own a GT prior to this but I can say that I was very happy with my 04 Avalanche. The only problem I had with the bike was the weight, and the shocks wouldn't lock out when MTBing...however I don't think the hardrock shocks lockout either. As for the hardrocks durability I couldn't tell you but what I can say is that specialized bikes do ride very nice(city riding).

Flak

Revise my vote to the DB based on the fork and price.

If it feels good, lock that sucker up.

gm1230126

Gt is still making great bikes. Get the bike with the Bling factor. Not the one everybodies been getting in their Cracker Jacks.

jimx200

Last year, my gf bought a new GT Timberline comfort/hybrid at a big box store (Sports Authority) MISTAKE #1. After the fourth ride, the cheap wheels were popping spokes on the rear after riding on mostly pavement. She weighs about 150, so weight should not be an issue. This past weekend she shifted down and the rear derailer assembly got sucked into the rear wheel. Damage was extensive: bent "mega-range" big ring, broken chain, rear der bent to heck, and 3 spokes wiped out. While I did not believe GT would warranty because of probable misadjusted rear der, their customer service is pathetic and would not even sell me any part! Rep said they don't sell parts to individuals and referred me to derailers.com. I have dealt with Specialized, Bianchi, and Marin over the years and they do care about their customers. In the end, I had a new set of Rhynolite wheels installed and I had a spare Deore rear der so it all worked out. I told her about the advantages of supporting a local bike shop.

drmain

The Hardrock is WAY better than the Avalanche and the Diamondback. There is a reason they carry Diamondback in depertment stores. Go with the Hardrock!

Flak

How can the Hardrock be better, let alone WAY better, when the DB is superior to the Hardrock in pretty much every area spec wise?