Hardrock & Mountain bike noob

[riwiho]

Popped in to my local friendly neighborhood Specialized Concept store earlier this week (Chester) to look at their range of Hardrocks.

As an entry level bike how well regarded is the Hardrock amongst the more experienced and knowledgeable folk here on the PH pedal power section?

I fancy this one: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/ha...

Any thoughts or advice will be appreciated and also considering my budget alternative recommendations are also welcome.

Thanks

[Promised Land]

Good value for money but they have got mechanical disc brakes, if your budget can strectch to £450 then this would be a lot better as long as you're not too fussed about having an 08 model.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/ro...

Saying that you really need to get on a few bikes and buy one that suits you, there are loads out there.

[littleandy0410]

As PromisedLand says, Specialized are great bikes, and you can't go wrong with them, but the '09 models (of most brands, not just Spesh) just aren't as good value as '08 models, even before discounts. The rising costs of raw materials and transportation costs has seen to that.

Have a look on Edinburghbicycle.com for a few options. '08 Rockhopper (non-disc) is on there for £349, normally £499. Cannondale F6 is another option. Their own brand Revolution bikes are nice for the money too.

[riwiho]

littleandy0410 said:

As PromisedLand says, Specialized are great bikes, and you can't go wrong with them, but the '09 models (of most brands, not just Spesh) just aren't as good value as '08 models, even before discounts. The rising costs of raw materials and transportation costs has seen to that.

Have a look on Edinburghbicycle.com for a few options. '08 Rockhopper (non-disc) is on there for £349, normally £499. Cannondale F6 is another option. Their own brand Revolution bikes are nice for the money too.

I had a look at 09 Rockhoppers today. Stunning bikes and a 08 Rockhopper would be much better than an 09 Hardrock, I was just not aware how much discount you could attain on 08 bikes.

This has opened my eyes somewhat. thanks

[littleandy0410]

Glad to help.

I'm telling everyone I can, in the hope that someone else will buy them all before I can't restrain myself any more!

after all, the correct amount of bikes to own is n+1, where n is the current amount owned!

[riwiho]

littleandy0410 said:

Glad to help.

I'm telling everyone I can, in the hope that someone else will buy them all before I can't restrain myself any more!

after all, the correct amount of bikes to own is n+1, where n is the current amount owned!

n+1 seems like an excellent ratio.



At what speed do bikes from the previous year pass through the stock system and become unavailable?

[Promised Land]

riwiho said:

At what speed do bikes from the previous year pass through the stock system and become unavailable?

When they've sold them all!

If you dig around you can still get the odd 07 model but the price drop doesn't become that excessive, for lower end bikes like the Hardrock they make a lot more so I would presume they'd be more availiable when the new model comes out.

[gbbird]

I thin hardrocks are excellent entry level bikes. I purchased his n hers abnoput 5 years ago, and although i have since upgraded to 'blingier' hardtails, the hardrocks are still there going strong.

A bit weighty mind.

g

[R1 GTR]

Promised Land said:

riwiho said:

At what speed do bikes from the previous year pass through the stock system and become unavailable?

When they've sold them all!

If you dig around you can still get the odd 07 model but the price drop doesn't become that excessive, for lower end bikes like the Hardrock they make a lot more so I would presume they'd be more availiable when the new model comes out.

There's an ad in the back of MBR with '07 Hardrock Hyd disc models, still £399 though.

[Promised Land]

R1 GTR said:

There's an ad in the back of MBR with '07 Hardrock Hyd disc models, still £399 though.

That's the point I was making, I suppose the shop has a ceiling price on any bike regardless of what year model it is, besides would an 08 or 09 model be much different?

Also why do they call it an 09 model when in the hardrocks case it was out about august this year. Summer 08 model would be more appropiate.

[riwiho]

Can someone please explain the differences of a hydrolic v mechanical breaking system for me?

I am down to a couple of bikes now.

Mech: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/ha...
Hyd: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/ro...

[Promised Land]

Mechanical > Might as well just get the V brakes instead

Hydraulic > Will stop you very sharpish (basically the same as what you get on a motor bike but with smaller discs)

ETA deffo the rockhopper there, I have an 08 one too (silver ) that I still ride a lot. Not just the brakes but everything else including the frame is made of better components.

Edited by Promised Land on Thursday 30th October 10:40

[riwiho]

Thanks for the definitions. I am pretty sure I have made the decision then so I am now shopping around to see what I can find.

I will post up some pictures once I take delivery

[pdV6]

Actually, Avid BB7s are supposed to be very good. Not sure how similar the BB5s are, though.

[riwiho]

Thanks for the help from everyone.

Today I handed over a deposit for a Hardrock 2009 model, the bike is going to be prepped tomorrow so I can pick it up tomorrow night.

Only issue I have is that I do not know which colour to go for (I have to tell them first thing tomorrow). Argh well, its a nice decision to have.

Thanks again for the help and one final questions:

Which sites are good to ask about cycle routes / trails near me? I live near Northwich in Cheshire

[snotrag]

www.singletrackworld.co.uk for all your MTB needs. Best Magazine aswell.

[omega man]

I've had experience with both the Hardrock Sport and Pro and all I can say is if you can possibly afford the extra cash for the Pro then go for it. The A1 aluminium frames are extremely strong on both bikes, which means they are able to take future upgrades without worry (better front susspension etc). Great starter/intermediate(I still thrash mine round the worst that wales has to offer with no great damage) bike IMO.

[Matt H]

Delemere is good for getting started, then pop over to Llandegla (nr Wrexham) when you have done a bit more.

[anonymous-user]

i have a hardrock pro but mrs p has a hardock sport which is a better bike to be honest, the brakes on the pro are woeful and inspire absolutely zero confidence. its only fitted with two rings and a bash guard up front which amkes progress hard work too (though i will get round to hanging that soon) its also got a big set of forks on it which take up a lot of momentum. the sport has good quality textro v brakes and when set up are more than adequate.

get the sport and save the cash.

[snotrag]

Pablo, which brakes do you have? What year is your bike?

I'm guessing its either Tektro Aurigas, or Hayes Soles.