i was looking to get into mountain biking and need a decent bike i was looking at the
specialized hardrock disc listed on the specialized website for 470.00. i was just wondering if this would be a good starter bike or if you guys think there is a better bike in this price range.i dont want to spend a ton of money right off the bat but i dont want to sell my self short either any help is appreciated, oh and i am checking craigslist daily just incase something comes up there.thanks for your time

That is a great choice. Not much of a point in looking for anything else in that price range. You've got your bike.

What is with the Hardrock love here? Someone asks what entry level bike to buy, and people recommend the Hardrock. Not "Read the FAQ," not "Try out as many as you can within your budget to see what rides the best and whose geometry fits best," just Hardrock. The Hardrock is a cool bike. Really, it is. I almost bought one last year when I wanted a hardtail that didn't have XC geometry. But then I rode a Komodo and that was the end of my Hardrock dreams. It just felt better.

Because Specialized knows how to make an entry level MTB that surpasses the rest.

My good experience with my Hardrock is what made me brand loyal to Specialized.

I have an 09 Hardrock and it was a great bike for the money. The fork weighs about as much as the whole bike, but it is good enough to get you started. Components aren’t high end, but they aren’t total junk either. It is a good solid bike to start with. You’ll get a lot of good miles out of it. I swapped the fork out and put on some WTB Laserdisk wheels. My oldest son graduates from college this spring and is probably going to take it with him when he moves to Alabama as I hardly ever ride it. Can’t go wrong with the Hardrock in my opinion.

well thanks for the advice guys i rode a couple of other bikes and wound back up at the specialized.i did not like the tires i thought they would work better on my trek i use for getting back and forth to work it is a comfort bike but i needed some better grip on it.i bought these for the specialized they are kenda nevagal are these ok. they looked like they would work better in some of the muddy places i ride in even though it is still relitivley flat ground.

i also would like to upgrade my helmet from the one i presently own, any suggestions.
the one i use now is a trek helmet i got at a thrift store,it serves its purpose but i need something better.

and i would also like to get a different set of pedals just something a little better than whats on there now,more grip and less slip.i dont need locking pedals or pedal cages just a good set of offroad platforms i guess is what you would call it

Excellent all'rounder tire.

Unless your helmet is older than the current safety stanadard or doesn't fit you properly, it's probably fine. Cheap helmets work. I got the cheapest one I could find. It's not pretty, but it gets the job done. It would be nice to have a visor though, as I end up riding in the rain a lot.

Unless you have purchased it already I would recommend to also make sure to check out your local Craigslist. Here in Orlando a few shops around here post their used bikes on CL for great deals. Today I picked up a 2003 Trek 4900 from a CL posting by an LBS for less than half the price of the Hardrock new. For that price I got an Alpha frame, Deore rear derailleur, Bontrager seatpost and handlebars, Rock Shox forks, and SRAM cassette. The bike itself might be 7 years old but has hardly a scratch on it....the previous owner couldn't have ever taken it off road by the looks of it.

Of course, I can't really say anything bad about the Hardrock. I bought one for my brother when he went to college and it is simply a fantastic bike, and by far the best in the price range for a new bike.

Bern makes very nice helmates. I got the white one last year and Odysee makes awesome and cheap platforms around $40, I have the purple marble looking platforms and I also have the Kenda's on my Cannondale and there amazing, great traction and smooth ride in dirt.

Great choice. I have Kenda Nevegals on my bike. I find they are really great overall tires.

well thank you guys for the help thought i would post a pic of the new bike.so far i have put some odyssey twisted pro pedals, the kenda nevegal tires, a small seat bag for a tube and bars,and of course the waterbottle and pump. i really like it so far, i've only ridden it to work for the last week and a half but will get it out this weekend to hit some trails hopefully.once again the help is trully appreciated

Nice bike enjoy it.