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Specialized Bicycles Hardrock | $4300
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Specialized Hardrock Sport

BikeRadar verdict

35 out of 5 stars

"Great frame and handling, but the brake disc-equipped version makes a better buy"

By Seb Rogers

Specialized doesn't do 'cheap', so you won't find any nearly-but-not-quite mountain bikes in the range. Instead, the Hardrock Sport holds up the bottom end of the extensive Specialized family tree with a spec that looks surprisingly conservative. What, no disc brakes? Well, no - and we'll come back to that.

What it may lack in showroom appeal, the baby of the range tries very hard to make up for in sound engineering. The frame design, detail and finish certainly impress, with the same curved downtube as Specialized's higher-end hardtails providing built-in protection from hard impacts up front. The swoopy theme extends to the rear, with stays performing ankle-clearing wiggles on their way from the seat tube to the elegantly curved dropouts. Finished in matt black with contrasting gold decals, it all looks very classy.

The shortish ride position is beginner-friendly; the only significant penalties of the head-up stance are a tendency for frontwheel lift on steep climbs and a very slight low-speed twitchiness to the steering due to the stubby stem.

Overall handling is actually very good despite these niggles, and the combination of the competent Suntour fork and grippy, big-volume tyres means it's easier and more comfortable to skip the Hardrock through the rough stuff at speed rather than plod through slowly, which tends to show up the frame's inherent rigidity. The fork lacks the lockout of the other Suntour-equipped bikes on test, but we didn't miss it.

The main disappointment is the brakes: with a heavy lever feel and noticeably less stopping power than the best of the disc-equipped competition, they're just not as good as they should be. Worse, the lack of disc-compatible hubs means that an upgrade to discs will be neither cheap nor simple.

There's plenty to like about this junior Specialized, from the well thought-out frame to the grininducing handling. But while disc stoppers aren't a necessity for a trail bike, the Hardrock Sport's heavy-feeling rim brakes and lack of disc-compatible hubs make its bigger brother, the £350 Avid disc-equipped Hardrock Comp Disc, look like a better buy.

Manufacturers description

The bike for whoever you are, the Hardrock delivers utility and durability without ever missing a beat. Whether rollling across campus to class, heading home from work or out for a night on the town, you gotta be you, right? To do that you need a bike that's tough enough to take what you're dishing out, but quick enough to keep up with your many moods. From the not-somean streets to the back alleys and the toughest trails in your 'hood, every Hardrock delivers utility and durability without ever missing a beat. It's the perfect bike for you...whoever you are.

User Reviews

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  • User review of Specialized Bicycles Hardrock

    Well, it was an improvement over my old Mongoose Rockadile, but having ridden a few demo bikes I want something lighter and more refined. It's not a bad bike, though and since I got it for £170 (last year's model and a trade in) I can't complain.

    This review's right. To make it a better bike it needs disc brakes which means buying new wheels and it also needs decent gear systems; mine didn't have SRAM rear derailleurs but a Shimano olivio thing that needs an hour's attention every weekend to keep it working through the week.

    It's fun when I get off road but it's hardwork uphill and I want a Rockhopper now. If my employer ever gets its finger out and joins the bike to work scheme that's what I'll get; if not, I'm going to pimp my Hardrock. My LBS are disgusted by the idea but I'll put X9s and Hope hubbed wheels and discs on my hardrock. It'll be a boy racer's Escort. Lovely!

    0.3
  • User review of Specialized Bicycles Hardrock

    The bike itself is very good I agree it should upgrade the gearing and maybe put better brakes but i can't moan I brought my hardrock on eBay for £210 which is a very good price I only got it that cheap because it was his sons bike and he didn't know a thing about it LOL overall a very good bike!!

    Thanks alot alex:-)

    0.3
  • User review of Specialized Bicycles Hardrock

    Классный нардтаил.

    0.3
  • User review of Specialized Bicycles Hardrock

    Has something happened to Specialized's wheel makers? I used to have a 2000 Hardrock and used it for commuting around London for 7 years. The wheels just kept on turning - till the rims wore out simply from braking. That was OK - I'd got more than 10,000 miles out of them. My son also has an older Hardrock and hammers it round a mountain bike course every weekend, again without any problems.

    Recently I got a new Hardrock - the 09 pro disk model with Alex Rims. Within four months the rear wheel has collapsed with three broken spokes. I have only used it for commuting in London. Looking at the spokes I can see why - they are much thinner and flimsier than the old ones.

    What's more, this is the second Specialized bike I've had to have suffered a rear wheel collapse. The last one was a Rockhopper comp. I keep it for mountain biking but it too was less than a year old and had hardly been used. And I'd kept checking spoke tension.

    I think Specialized have either skimped on the wheels or chosen a bad supplier. Either way it could be that you'd be risking a lot of hassle and cash if you go for the current Hardrock and Rockhopper models.

    Jonathan, London

    0.3
  • User review of Specialized Bicycles Hardrock

    i love the hardrock sport i bought 1 about 3 months ago and i use it 4 small dirt jumps, freeride, and dh and its great!! but i have upgraded parts gradually pedals=kona forks=all mountain bomber gears=shimano wheels=vuelta brakes=shimano xlr and grips oh and shifter but the frame i am in love with i have used it quite viciously and have had a few tumbles and yet it is in pristine condition, its light and it looks amazing. overall the bike is great 4 average riding but if u want to get a bit more hardcore then upgradng is the answer. :)

    0.3
  • User review of Specialized Bicycles Hardrock

    I've had a Hardrock pro Disc 09 since May this year and have had problems with the gearing seeming to 'slip'. Evans swapped out 1 chain and 're-tuned' gears 3 times, swapped out 3 cassette's (total of 9 visits!!...I went to Specialized and they put a new upgraded rear wheel on and also a new high spec rear cassette. They think that as I commute that the rear gears are wearing out. I do 80km a week, but have never had this problem. I am taking the bike back this week for a refund. Definitely think it's a good bike, just think I got a bad one in the batch.

    0.3

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Specification

Name:
Hardrock
Built by:
Specialized Bicycles
Price:
$4300.00

Available Colours:
Silver

Frame & Fork:

 
Frame Material:
Aluminium
Fork Brand:
Marzocchi
Fork Model:
MZ Super Comp - 100mm
Headset Type:
1 1/8 Inch Threadless

Brakes:

 
Brakes Brand:
Hayes
Brakes Model:
Sole

Transmission:

 
Cranks Brand:
Shimano
Bottom Bracket Brand:
Shimano
Bottom Bracket Model:
ES-25 Octalink
Rear Derailleur Brand:
SRAM
Rear Derailleur Model:
SX5
Front Derailleur Brand:
Shimano
Front Derailleur Model:
Deore
Shifters Brand:
SRAM
Shifters Model:
SX5
Chain Brand:
Shimano
Chain Model:
HG73-9
Cassette:
Shimano MFHG-50

Wheels:

 
Rims Brand:
Specialized/Alex
Rims Model:
HRD 26
Front Hub Brand:
Specialized
Front Hub Model:
Hi Lo Disc
Rear Hub Brand:
Shimano
Rear Hub Model:
M475 Disc
Tyres Brand:
Specialized

Contact Points:

 
Saddle Brand:
Specialized
Seatpost Brand:
Alloy Micro Adjust
Stem Brand:
Specialized
Stem Model:
3D Forged
Handlebar Model:
Alloy MTB
Grips/Tape Brand:
Specialized
Grips/Tape Model:
Dual Density ATB

:

 
Description:
SEAT BINDER Alloy collar w/ QR / NOTES Chain stay protector
Pedal Type:
Platform

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