Just picked up Specialized Hardrock, should I upgrade anything?
04-21-07, 01:56 AM
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Just picked up Specialized Hardrock, should I upgrade anything?
Hello everyone, I just picked up a Specialized Hardrock 05 model. I was wondering if there is anything I should upgrade or modify? I think it needs a new chain b/c it switches gears when I haven't told it to, and other times it sounds like it's about to change gears but doesn't...noise mostly. This would be a sign of worn out chain, correct? While I was getting a new chain, I thought it might be a good opp to upgrade or change other things.
I am going to attempt to use the bike as my commuter (some rough terrain required for shortest route) and my weekend warrior. I've been riding an old Giant mtb with slick tires everyday, and it's been begging me to allow it some vacation time.
I am going to attempt to use the bike as my commuter (some rough terrain required for shortest route) and my weekend warrior. I've been riding an old Giant mtb with slick tires everyday, and it's been begging me to allow it some vacation time.
04-21-07, 06:49 AM
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Take it to a good, local shop for a tune-up first. Then, ride it like you stole it,and replace parts as they wear out. Unless you have some really low-end parts that just don't function well, use 'em, abuse 'em, and replace as necessary.
04-21-07, 11:54 AM
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Yeah, take it in a get a tune up. You may be right about the chain needing to be replaced but more likely the derailleur(s) are out of alignment. Once you get it tuned so that it isn't ghost shifting ride the crap out of it and figure out what works well and what doesn't and then start looking for replacements for those components.
04-21-07, 12:12 PM
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Thank you for the advice! I took it out yesterday for about 5 miles with my g/f (she bought one too) and it was awesome riding something with suspension. I'm so used to riding that giant and having my teeth rattled.
Do you guys have any suggestions for bike racks? I drive a honda civic.
Do you guys have any suggestions for bike racks? I drive a honda civic.
04-21-07, 02:47 PM
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Originally Posted by 6Speed
Thank you for the advice! I took it out yesterday for about 5 miles with my g/f (she bought one too) and it was awesome riding something with suspension. I'm so used to riding that giant and having my teeth rattled.
Do you guys have any suggestions for bike racks? I drive a honda civic.
Do you guys have any suggestions for bike racks? I drive a honda civic.
04-21-07, 07:27 PM
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I bought this rack from a LBS and love it. Once I got the straps set at the right spot for the 1st time I can put it on the trunk or remove it in less than one minute. When I remove it from the trunk it can be stowed very easily in the trunk. I have used it many times and there has been no damage to the paint.
https://www.racksolid.com/index.php?m...roducts_id=809
https://www.racksolid.com/index.php?m...roducts_id=809
04-21-07, 07:33 PM
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For bike racks, it all depends how much you want to invest. If you want to go for a roof rack, I am a huge fan of Yakima. They have solid, well designe systems that will last you for years...
04-21-07, 07:53 PM
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I still like the Swagman hitch racks.
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"the bus came by and I got on, that's when it all began...there was Cowboy Neal at the wheel of a bus to never-ever land."
"the bus came by and I got on, that's when it all began...there was Cowboy Neal at the wheel of a bus to never-ever land."
04-21-07, 10:11 PM
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i wouldn't really recommend trunk rack because if you have heavy bike(s) loaded on, it can really leave an impression on your bumper. my friend had one for a short while because his saris really damaged his black paint.
04-22-07, 12:14 AM
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Originally Posted by jiiiim
i wouldn't really recommend trunk rack because if you have heavy bike(s) loaded on, it can really leave an impression on your bumper. my friend had one for a short while because his saris really damaged his black paint.
I have black paint on my car as well, and it hasn't done any damage. I keep my car clean and spray and wipe it off before I put the rack on and I only leave it on for transporting my bike and take it off after.
