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hardrock sport vs rockhopper

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Old 03-07-05, 06:42 PM
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hardrock sport vs rockhopper

hey how much better is a 2004 rockhopper vs a 2005 hardrock sport?

hardrock =330-350 (2005) , rockhopper is 425 (2004) 2005 is more $$

thanx
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Old 03-07-05, 09:25 PM
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Both are fine bikes for beginners, but hardrocks are heavier and have cheaper components than rockhopper. Go for rockhopper if you can afford it.
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Old 03-07-05, 10:01 PM
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I have a quick question, and there is so many hardrock vs rockhopper threads that rather then start a new one, I'm going to hijack this one .

Anyways, I'm a newb, haven't rode in a few years. I used to ride when I was younger though. I'm going to be doing trails, but also want to try my hand at a little freestyle and urban riding. Everyone keeps saying hardrock is a good all round bike, but then say rockhopper has better components, but then say rockhopper is more XC oriented. Its a viscious circle and I'm confused.

The other day I read a thread saying the the rockhopper pro is more freestyle orientated then the rest of the rockhopper line. Anyways I checked the bike out at the LBS the other day and it seemed like a pretty good package. Do you think this is a good choice for me? Or just save money and go with a top of the line hardrock pro.
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Old 03-08-05, 02:32 PM
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I have a 2004 Rockhopper Comp, and bought it over the Hardrock because of the components. The Rockhopper has Deore/LX components while the Hardrock has Acere/Altus components. The quality of the components might be hard to distinguish depending on how hard you use the bike. There are functional differences which are easier to notice. The Deore/LX is 27 speed with a cassette with a little more range (11-34 vs 11-32) than the other which is 24 speed. If your grinding up a long grade having a little more gear selection can make it easier to get in the right spin rate groove.
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Old 03-08-05, 09:59 PM
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My thoughts are that the Hardrock has a slightly beefier frame and can withstand some hard riding. Whereas the Rockhopper is more XC oriented and although very strong, concentrates more on keeping the weight low.
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Old 03-09-05, 05:19 AM
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My friend got a his 'n hers pair of hardrocks. They have beefy frames and are fine for off-road riding but the front end is really heavy. Its not just the forks, the stem is machined from a solid 2" wide lump of Al, it is way too strong for the application and is just deadweight.
The rockhopper is more fun and versatile.
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Old 03-09-05, 11:04 AM
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I have a 04 Hardrock SS. My dad, brother, and friend got geared Hardrocks. They are just starting out and like them. I bought mine as a donor for a real SS frame (horizontal dropsouts).

The one thing I can tell you is that the Hardrock has a more upright riding position. The Rockhopper seems to put me between upright and aggressive XC like on my Stumpy or Homegrown.

I know money matters but comfort will play a big part in the bike. Especially for longer rides.
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