better frame?
 

im a complete noob to mtn biking and have been renting till now. I have 400$ to spend and cant decide between the Hardrock XC or trek 4300. I saw in another thread and asked if the Hardrock XC is the same frame as the rockhopper but got no response. I want a bike that i will beable to upgrade as i get better. Since the Hardrock XC is new this year, i think, i cant find any reviews on it. But ive read good things about the 4300. Ive have taken them both out for a spin and enjoyed them both. Anyone know what frame is better and will last longer. I dont wanna have to buy another bike for a LONG while, maybe just upgrade some components.

They're both about the same. At that pricepoint, the components will be almost the same. If you've test ridden each and like them both, then choose which one has a better paint job/color.

It all boils down to not really mattering too much. What matters is that you get one or the other, and go ride!

L8R

I'd go with the Specialized.

go for the hardrock. it's a great entry level bike, i have one, im actually selling the frame now because i upgraded to a jamis. its pretty light and its a very strong, very stiff frame. i would recommened it to anyone considering it

So the hardrock XC with the smaller frame then regular hardrocks can take more abuse then the trek frame?

I'm not sure about the actual frame, but if you are not going to be upgrading the crankset on the bike for a while, go with the Hardrock. On my Trek 4300 when it was stock, the crank arm stripped of the bottom bracket. :( Not fun. The Hardrock has a better crankset than the 4300.

Good luck!

-Garrett

I've got 2 4300's . One is a 2003 model and the other is a 2004. I ride them every day, and haven't had an ounce of trouble. Both bikes have over 1000 miles and I haven't had to repair a thing yet, haven't even changed tires yet.

i dont mind upgrading components... I just want a frame that will last.

I had a 2003 hardrock, probably the equivalent of the 2004 'sport' model... very solid bike. I really liked it - and somebody else must have too, cause they stole it from me.

Specialized all the way