I may pick up a 09 rockhopper locally but the frame is too small. I can swap all the parts onto a 03 hardrock frame I have in my size. Is there much difference in the frame itself? I cant imagine it'd be a lot of difference but someone else may disagree.

Basically I'd be able to upgrade all the components so that would be nice.

There's a LOT of difference in the frames.

The rockhopper is an entry level MOUNTAIN bike. The hardrock is a BOARDWALK/BIKE PATH bike. The hardrock is heavier, has poor handling characteristics at speed, is made of cheaper metals, and won't take the abuse that the mtn bike frame will without failure.

So what's a good option then for a "mountain bike" frame? Must be in the range of 100-200 only.

If you're buyin frame only, Spec is kinda the pricey way to go... I'm frame shopping at the moment, and Specs just seem way over-priced to me, compared to Kona, Jamis, even house-branded stuff.

That being said, I've loved every HR I've ever sat on.

Where did you hear THAT?!

The Rockhopper might be made of nicer aluminum. It'll also have more XC-oriented geometry. And yeah, it'll probably be a little lighter. However, the Hardrock frame is perfectly capable. In fact, IIRC, the older ones sported more bombproof construction than the ones they're making today.

I'm gonna +1 to that

One quick note: if you do decide to go that route, make sure everything fits. Would suck if, say, the Hardrock had a 1-1/8 headtube and the Rockhopper was tapered, so you couldn't use the headset or fork (just a random example I made up, as I didn't actually look at the specs).

Yeah, I'll look over it really well. Just trying to get the best bike I can get for myself AND have a second bike to loan out to students.

I didn't "hear" anything. I formed MY OWN OPINION based on what I learned when I looked at the geometry, the weight, the intended use, the components, and my own experiences in life and 20 years of mtn biking. If you personally believe differently then that's YOUR choice but NO ONE I KNOW will/would recommend buying a hardrock as a mountain bike because it is not designed to be a mountain bike regardless of what the company advertising claims. It is designed as an entry level bike. It's intended purpose is for use on urban path/bikeway's or flat, smooth fireroads. This environment is where it would excel. For true mtn biking use, IMO, it would fail within a short time without even considering any hard use like jumps or drops.

If you doubt my opinion, send an email to Specialized and ASK THEM what the best and cheapest Specialized hardtail bike for use on mtn trails and singletrack would be. You'd get it straight from the horse's mouth and I'd say the answer would most likely be "Rockhopper" not "Hardrock.".

I wouldn't be scared to ride singletrack on a Hard Rock.

Looks like same size Rockhoppers have about 1cm longer effective top tube and a little longer wheelbase so they're probably just a hair better at speed.

I ride a P-1 All Mountain which is nearly identical spec and weight to the Hard Rock. No problems yet. I haven't so much as warped a wheel, and I'm 6'1" 215 pounds?,,,,BD