...with upgrading.

Those of you who've seen me in the intro/road bike forums will know I currently have a road bike that's not the best, but still very good. However, I've always wanted to upgrade to something a bit better, namely a Specialized HardRock or RockHopper and the Bay Area Mike's Bikes is offering a 2010 HardRock for $350. My parents have said they might be willing to help with that, so I've been doing some looking in my spare time.

So I'm wondering if that's worth my while to go for something like that or a RockHopper. Keep in mind that college = no $, so I've also been exploring Craigslist where I've seen some older models go for the 50-100+ range.

So, BF, if I do upgrade, do I go craigslist or LBS? Rockhopper or HardRock?

Wait wait wait, I lost you somewhere. You have a good road bike that you want to upgrade to a mountain bike? As much as I'd like to make a joke about any mountain bike being an upgrade from a road bike, I'm going to refrain since I don't actually think I understand the question. Instead, I'm going to just take it as "I want a mountain bike, what should I get?"

Hardrock and Rockhopper are both good bikes, as long as they fit you. Rockhopper will be a slightly lighter frame with nicer components and racier geometry, but either bike is more than competent. If you're from a bike friendly area, Craigslist might also be something to consider, since you can often get a lot more bike than you'd be able to buy new. However, it might be harder to find something in your size, and you need to make sure it's in good condition and hasn't been abused. Why don't you point us to your local Craigs?

(nods head) yes, yes. When I said good, I didn't know that the front wheel was bent. . This is just wishful thinking at the moment and nothing concrete, like the curbs I run into.

But I see what you're saying (notes down.) I live in the Davis/Sacramento area and am about 5'10. The funny thing is that half the bikes I've seen around in Davis area are some sort of Specialized - Allez, RockHopper, HardRock, CrossRoads, etc. We are one of the more bike-friendly cities, though and there's usually a boatload of older models going for next to nothing.

The funny thing is that I was afraid that I would get ripped off buying from a bike-friendly college town.

For what you'd spend on a new Hardrock and less than you'd spend on a new Rockhopper: Real quick look at Craigs, so I'm sure I missed stuff.

'09 Jamis Dakota Comp: https://sacramento.craigslist.org/bik/1451719243.html
RS Recon, Shimano hydros, Deore-LX-XT mix. Looks like a 19", might be big, you'd have to try it out.

'08 Fetish Discipline: https://sacramento.craigslist.org/bik/1449733338.html
You'd definitely want more information on this one before you jumped, but it looks kind of interesting.

'06 Specializied Rockhopper Pro: https://sacramento.craigslist.org/bik/1448349827.html
RS Recon, BB5's, Deore with an upgraded XTR RD. Big bike though, can't tell if it's a 19" or 21" or what, so again, it might be too big.

The funny thing is that I saw an "abandoned" HardRock go for 100-200 at the school's bike auction about a month ago. Price was a bit steep considering that the shifter looked a bit beat to hell, so I let someone get that while I bought the $15 special. . Almost as painful as watching that man in the silly hat pick up that Jamis Commuter for $80, which was more than what I wanted to spend at the time.

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/1460708815.html

Is this a nice price or crack pipe? I live near this guy so I could go check this out.

I think that price is too high for a bike that >10 years old.

AND, more importantly, at 6' even, I'd be very afraid to ride a 21" bike. Not enuff standover.

Oh hey, I spotted https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/1518119951.html online.

Is that a good price or should I haggle him down to $50?

I'd say 50 is fine for that... but you do realize that's a vintage hard rock, not a new one? i.e. probably has some rust or rough bearings that will need seeing to, and no suspension obviously.