Specialized Hardrock
Product Type: Specialized Bikes
Newest Review: ... a similar version from this top brand! --What do I think of the brand?-- I have rode Specialized bikes since I was nine years old, and... more
Special Specialized
Specialized Hardrock
Member Name: joey92
Product:
Specialized Hardrock
Date: 10/08/12
Rating:
Advantages: Quality bike, off road brilliance, suspension, comfy, top brand
Disadvantages: Not for roads
Specialized are a well known cycling brand. In my personal opinion they produce incredibly stylish products, from top of the range mountain bikes to bags and cycling equipment for a range of sporting activity.
I have had my Specialized Hardrock since I was 14 and needed an upgrade from my previous little girl's Specialized bike. Since then I have fitted it well and rode many many miles on this fab bike. I have the girls version of the bike pictured, though of course it comes in the male version as well. The girls version features a lower crossbar as is typical on a girls bike and it is in a metallic purple shade which is very feminine so it is impossible to get confused between the two!
--Pricing and availability--
My Dad bought this for me as a 14th birthday present from a place called Evans Cycles. I know that certain Specialized bikes are also available at places like halfords and any good bike warehouse. There is also a catalogue online over at www.specialized.com for the newest versions of this bike. This bike cost him approximately £400, I know, I'm spoilt! But these are available second hand on places like eBay or Gumtree, and even if the exact make isn't available then you can get yourself a similar version from this top brand!
--What do I think of the brand?--
I have rode Specialized bikes since I was nine years old, and so I love them and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a decent quality bike. I have only ever had the kids bike and then this ladies mountain bike so cannot comment on the road bikes and town bikes side of things but I know that they are well used amongst amateur cyclists and professional cyclists alike, with the likes of riders from the Tour de France being sponsored by Specialized.
My first Specialized bike was a beautiful metallic pale blue with little daisies and butterflies decorating the frame, so it was a really attractive bike and I was very sorry to see it go when I outgrew it so I would highly recommend this brand for gorgeous kids bikes!
My second Specialized was this bike and it has proved to be very durable and robust, able to weather everything I throw at it with ease.
Here's my analysis in detail of the individual parts of the bike.
--Gears--
This bike has 21 gears which is great for tricky up hill and down hill.
They get squeaky when it rains so you have to keep them well oiled as part of regular bike maintenance.
--Tyres--
The tyres are super thick as this is a performance mountain bike designed for off road terrain. The tyres have amazing grip and make it a joy to ride off road. I would say the only drawback is getting to the off road part, as they are not optimised for on road travel, however they work perfectly adequately, but without the speed you would get with a road bike, making it more of a difficult ride on the road.
--Handlebars--
The handlebars are fairly comfortable to use, only getting rubs after hours and hours of riding. I would recommend wearing gloves on a bike especially in cold weather!
--Cross bar--
There is ample space for a water bottle on the cross bar and the cross bar is quite low as compared to the male version, which is great for a comfy bike!
--Seat--
The seat can get uncomfortable after a long ride, but it is quite bouncy!
--Suspension--
The bike features front and back suspension, making it an excellent choice for cushioning shocks with a suspension system known as "shock absorber" evident on the front of the bike.
--Riding style--
This bike very much supports a sitting up riding style, which is fairly comfortable and doesn't strain the back too much for the new or infrequent rider.
--How does it compare with other brands?--
On off road terrain, this bike is a winner and can handle everything well. On road, this bike is far too slow so if you're looking for a road bike, choose one with thinner tyres!
--Also available--
In the Specialized collection you can also get a version of this bike with more features for a little more cash.
--Verdict--
Very nice bike, costs a fair bit so take into consideration whether the features are what you're looking for.
I have had my Specialized Hardrock since I was 14 and needed an upgrade from my previous little girl's Specialized bike. Since then I have fitted it well and rode many many miles on this fab bike. I have the girls version of the bike pictured, though of course it comes in the male version as well. The girls version features a lower crossbar as is typical on a girls bike and it is in a metallic purple shade which is very feminine so it is impossible to get confused between the two!
--Pricing and availability--
My Dad bought this for me as a 14th birthday present from a place called Evans Cycles. I know that certain Specialized bikes are also available at places like halfords and any good bike warehouse. There is also a catalogue online over at www.specialized.com for the newest versions of this bike. This bike cost him approximately £400, I know, I'm spoilt! But these are available second hand on places like eBay or Gumtree, and even if the exact make isn't available then you can get yourself a similar version from this top brand!
--What do I think of the brand?--
I have rode Specialized bikes since I was nine years old, and so I love them and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a decent quality bike. I have only ever had the kids bike and then this ladies mountain bike so cannot comment on the road bikes and town bikes side of things but I know that they are well used amongst amateur cyclists and professional cyclists alike, with the likes of riders from the Tour de France being sponsored by Specialized.
My first Specialized bike was a beautiful metallic pale blue with little daisies and butterflies decorating the frame, so it was a really attractive bike and I was very sorry to see it go when I outgrew it so I would highly recommend this brand for gorgeous kids bikes!
My second Specialized was this bike and it has proved to be very durable and robust, able to weather everything I throw at it with ease.
Here's my analysis in detail of the individual parts of the bike.
--Gears--
This bike has 21 gears which is great for tricky up hill and down hill.
They get squeaky when it rains so you have to keep them well oiled as part of regular bike maintenance.
--Tyres--
The tyres are super thick as this is a performance mountain bike designed for off road terrain. The tyres have amazing grip and make it a joy to ride off road. I would say the only drawback is getting to the off road part, as they are not optimised for on road travel, however they work perfectly adequately, but without the speed you would get with a road bike, making it more of a difficult ride on the road.
--Handlebars--
The handlebars are fairly comfortable to use, only getting rubs after hours and hours of riding. I would recommend wearing gloves on a bike especially in cold weather!
--Cross bar--
There is ample space for a water bottle on the cross bar and the cross bar is quite low as compared to the male version, which is great for a comfy bike!
--Seat--
The seat can get uncomfortable after a long ride, but it is quite bouncy!
--Suspension--
The bike features front and back suspension, making it an excellent choice for cushioning shocks with a suspension system known as "shock absorber" evident on the front of the bike.
--Riding style--
This bike very much supports a sitting up riding style, which is fairly comfortable and doesn't strain the back too much for the new or infrequent rider.
--How does it compare with other brands?--
On off road terrain, this bike is a winner and can handle everything well. On road, this bike is far too slow so if you're looking for a road bike, choose one with thinner tyres!
--Also available--
In the Specialized collection you can also get a version of this bike with more features for a little more cash.
--Verdict--
Very nice bike, costs a fair bit so take into consideration whether the features are what you're looking for.
Summary: Expensive, but fantastic bike from Specialized
