I've now been riding my 1998 Specialized Hardrock for 25 years, and it's still in great shape! Helps that I keep it in the basement in the winter. Only had to change the tires and that's it. Amazing bike.
I still have mine. With some lightweight performance wheels and tubless tires and a set of clipless pedals. It actually transforms the bike into a much nicer experience with much better acceleration.
My wife and I have Hardrocks bought in about 1985. Rode some challenging trails in my 30s. I am now 65 and still ride the same bike. These have been great bikes for rather low end. We now carry our bikes in the basement of our motorhome and still ride a lot. We spend the winters just north of Key West and ride about 15 miles a day on flat bike paths. I have just had my 1978 Motobacane Mirage road bike fixed up with new Panaracer tires and will also carry it with us this winter. I have always ran a Panaracer Smoke on the rear and a Dart on the front of the Hardrock. We have got more enjoyment from these bikes than anything we have every done. Great video and review.
That's awesome to hear! Thanks for sharing your story. I love my 1988 Hardrock. It honestly creaks less than some of my newer bikes. I'm jealous you get to spend winter in Key West! It's gorgeous down there. I love hearing that a 30 year old bike can bring someone so much joy. Keep pedaling and have a blast!
Thank you. Ive had my Hardrock for 12 years, about. Made several upgrades and cracked the frame about 8 years ago. Fortunatly Specialized has a lifetime warranty on the frame. I couldnt get black again but a nice wine color with silver accents. I primarely use it for the city, Philadelphia, Pa. I love the disc brakes in the rain...stops on a dime!
I just started mountain biking on some moderate trails...accurate review what to expect. I use a 2015 trek 820...need to look into the peddle and tire upgrades as well as the fork.
Man, what a spot on review. I bought a 2014 29er brand new and I nearly immediately had buyers remorse; like you I couldn't tell any difference with the fork adjustment. And the drive train was garbage on mine, I took it in a couple times to no avail, it would grind, shift on it's own, etc. That said, I think it's a great starting point. Good brakes, relatively comfortable riding position, and quick. Just needed help with gears and forks really.
I’ve never ridden one of those modern mountain bikes, but I daily a 1987 HardRock converted to a 1,000W street eBike with a Sturmey Archer front hub brake. All of its original parts that had to be swapped out for the conversion have been retained, so it can be returned to original condition when the time comes for it to be hung on the wall as a ‘collectors item’. I’m so impressed with the quality of the HardRock bikes of the 1980s. I wish that they made the old style bikes still, for those of us whom enjoy the extra challenge on the trails.
I just sold my 1988 Hardrock and it was a great bike! You could look into a gravel bike as they are sort of like vintage mountain bikes with modern features. You could put flat bars on one and basically have a retro/modern bike. I just made a list video about gravel bikes too!
Just got into the sport a month or 2 ago. Picked up a 2015 Rockhopper for $300 and immediately upgraded that coil fork and converted to tubeless tires. Makes me feel like a kid again riding. I’m pretty close to Mac where you shot the vid if you ever do a meet up ride there.
beau greathouse I had a 2013 Rockhopper. It was an awesome bike. Tubeless and upgraded fork?! You're ready for some serious battle. A Mac group ride would be fun. Hoping to host more in the fall.
WFH due to COVID, has given me extra time, so in my mid 40s I've decided to take up MTB. I have a slightly older version of this, recently bought a 2008 HardRock XC that was practically new. Already have taken it out a few times, on some lighter trails, but I like it, and MTBing so far. It's given me the exercise I've lacked for a long time. Even though I am sure better (and much better options) exist, this was attainable and available with today's sold out bike market. Today I learned about riding within your capabilities, as I almost wound up on a Black Diamond trail.
Thanks for sharing your story! It's crazy how bikes sold out everywhere during this. I'm glad people are discovering a love for the sport. Stay safe and have fun out there!
Just got back into biking this summer. Ride my 2015 Schwinn Ascension that I picked up used. I love it, except for its twist shifters that slip when I try switch quick to climb. Live close enough to bike to OP so hope the meetup comes soon!
Bossik Black Glad you're enjoying riding again! Those twist shifters are a flawed design for sure when it comes to rough riding haha. We'll be getting that group ride together soon!
haha stay rowdy within reason, great stuff :) I grew up with a Gary Fisher Joshua F3, fantastic bike! Stuffed some 2.4" tires in it last month (didn't get them to seat properly) totally transformed the bike. 26" are underrated, it's crazy how fast they accelerate, they're super nimble and great for climbing. High five Abby!
My first 30 something bike was a Hardrock Sport😊 now well in to my 40s and looking to and some trail/gravel riding to my workout I dusted off the Hardrock and added drop bars😎
I started on a Trek Marlin 5. Its a decent bike but very similar. 3x up front, 7 in the back. SR Suntour fork that was pretty horrible. The preload did absolutely nothing haha, I think it was just there for looks. But it was a good test for me to see if I liked mountain biking and if I'd actually stick with it. So many people buy bikes, ride them twice and never use them again. It was the opposite for me, I was looking at more expensive bikes within a month or two of owning the Marlin.
Chris CXK I did the same thing. Trek 4300. Didn't know any better at the time, but thought it was a high end beast. I love buying bikes off the people that tried it twice and are willing to sell it cheap
I have a 14 year old Hardrock. Small size weighs 14 kilos. The bike shop told me it was junk and not worth fixing and better to invest new. I disagreed and spent 150 dollars on new tires, brakes, chain and gear fix up and am happy I did. It is a bike with character and I am no expert biker to justify buying "the bike I really need". Extremely jiggly on stony downhills I admit.
That's awesome you kept it. I get they are trying to run a business, but it's also sad to hear that a shop may discourage someone from riding based on their bike. As long as you know the limits of the bike and yourself I say go have a good time. The frames on these are pretty damn tough!
I'm looking at getting one of these as my beater bike for getting around town. I think I might replace the fork and install a dropper post but other than for day to day playing around and getting from A to B it should work well.
I have a 2008 that I’ll never sell because it’s a XXL which isn’t available anymore. Kinda funny looking with 26” wheels but rolling on Big Apples it looks OK. Surly Troll fork and racks front and rear it makes a great commuter and slow tourer.
Hi Cole. Hard to say as not too many options now for 26" forks. I would look at something like a Rockshox Recon which uses air instead of a coil and is relatively cheap. Worldwidecyclery.com seems to have a decent selection of 26" forks.
That's a great video, in your opinion, what do you think is a good fork upgrade for this bike, I might do mine, but there is so much choice and some are mega expensive.
Thank you! I think if you can find a 26" fork with an air spring instead of the coil spring it would be a nice improvement. Jensonusa.com has the Rockshox Recon Silver TK for $249. That's a reasonable amount to spend and hopefully fits within your budget!
My wife rides a fat bike with 2x gearing and a Bluto fork. She can ride rocky climbs better than me on a 29+ full suspension bike with 1x12 gearing. I'm 66 years young and she is 56.We live and ride in Austin and the surrounding areas, Mountain bike ranches. So no matter your age, keep riding and live clean and healthy.
Nice video,,I love my 2012 Hardrock..mostly ride it on the roads and it does a wonderful job.. slower than a road bike but that’s because it has fatter slicks.
Not sure if anyone is going to see this, but I have a guy locally who's selling one used for $200... I used to mountain bike a lot as a kid and want to get back into it. Is it a worthy "starter" bike or should I look elsewhere?
I think the Hardrock is a good starter bike. The frames are pretty solid, but the components are a bit lacking. What kind of trails are you gonna be riding? What wheel size is it? The only reason I would say stay away from 26" wheels is because there aren't many upgrade options anymore for that wheel size. I would recommend finding a bike with either 27.5 or 29" wheels and make sure it has disc brakes. All those features are more modern and will give you a great starting platform to upgrade it. Or you can just ride it like it is and save money for a new bike if you really enjoy the sport! I hope this info helps you a bit. At the end of the day though, any bike is good to get outside and have a good time. Just know your own limits and you'll be good.
this bike is okay for light trail and city but def not mountain =) I have a 2011 Hardrock Sport in red. After trying out Giant Fathom 2 I want to get rid of my brick =) and buy 2021 Fuse Comp
Thumbs up this video for Abby chasing me with a camera!
Cobra Kyle what do you have planned for upcoming ride?
I've now been riding my 1998 Specialized Hardrock for 25 years, and it's still in great shape! Helps that I keep it in the basement in the winter. Only had to change the tires and that's it. Amazing bike.
Crazy to see how much bikes have changed over the years. I still like the old Hardrock.
We live in a very exciting time for mountain bikes. I had a blast riding this bike though. Will always have a special place in my heart.
M too
I still have mine. With some lightweight performance wheels and tubless tires and a set of clipless pedals. It actually transforms the bike into a much nicer experience with much better acceleration.
My wife and I have Hardrocks bought in about 1985. Rode some challenging trails in my 30s. I am now 65 and still ride the same bike. These have been great bikes for rather low end. We now carry our bikes in the basement of our motorhome and still ride a lot. We spend the winters just north of Key West and ride about 15 miles a day on flat bike paths. I have just had my 1978 Motobacane Mirage road bike fixed up with new Panaracer tires and will also carry it with us this winter. I have always ran a Panaracer Smoke on the rear and a Dart on the front of the Hardrock. We have got more enjoyment from these bikes than anything we have every done. Great video and review.
That's awesome to hear! Thanks for sharing your story. I love my 1988 Hardrock. It honestly creaks less than some of my newer bikes. I'm jealous you get to spend winter in Key West! It's gorgeous down there. I love hearing that a 30 year old bike can bring someone so much joy. Keep pedaling and have a blast!
Thank you. Ive had my Hardrock for 12 years, about. Made several upgrades and cracked the frame about 8 years ago. Fortunatly Specialized has a lifetime warranty on the frame. I couldnt get black again but a nice wine color with silver accents. I primarely use it for the city, Philadelphia, Pa. I love the disc brakes in the rain...stops on a dime!
I have been using a 2012 hardrock sport for around six years now, bought it brand new, super satisfied
I just started mountain biking on some moderate trails...accurate review what to expect. I use a 2015 trek 820...need to look into the peddle and tire upgrades as well as the fork.
I'm still riding a 99 Hardrock Comp as my commute, XT groupo on board, just got some XT hubs to lace this weekend.
Man, what a spot on review. I bought a 2014 29er brand new and I nearly immediately had buyers remorse; like you I couldn't tell any difference with the fork adjustment. And the drive train was garbage on mine, I took it in a couple times to no avail, it would grind, shift on it's own, etc. That said, I think it's a great starting point. Good brakes, relatively comfortable riding position, and quick. Just needed help with gears and forks really.
I had the same experience with a Specialized Rockhopper. It was just ok. Luckily budget bikes seem to be a lot better now than they were.
I’ve never ridden one of those modern mountain bikes, but I daily a 1987 HardRock converted to a 1,000W street eBike with a Sturmey Archer front hub brake. All of its original parts that had to be swapped out for the conversion have been retained, so it can be returned to original condition when the time comes for it to be hung on the wall as a ‘collectors item’. I’m so impressed with the quality of the HardRock bikes of the 1980s. I wish that they made the old style bikes still, for those of us whom enjoy the extra challenge on the trails.
I just sold my 1988 Hardrock and it was a great bike! You could look into a gravel bike as they are sort of like vintage mountain bikes with modern features. You could put flat bars on one and basically have a retro/modern bike. I just made a list video about gravel bikes too!
Just got into the sport a month or 2 ago. Picked up a 2015 Rockhopper for $300 and immediately upgraded that coil fork and converted to tubeless tires. Makes me feel like a kid again riding. I’m pretty close to Mac where you shot the vid if you ever do a meet up ride there.
beau greathouse I had a 2013 Rockhopper. It was an awesome bike. Tubeless and upgraded fork?! You're ready for some serious battle. A Mac group ride would be fun. Hoping to host more in the fall.
WFH due to COVID, has given me extra time, so in my mid 40s I've decided to take up MTB. I have a slightly older version of this, recently bought a 2008 HardRock XC that was practically new. Already have taken it out a few times, on some lighter trails, but I like it, and MTBing so far. It's given me the exercise I've lacked for a long time. Even though I am sure better (and much better options) exist, this was attainable and available with today's sold out bike market. Today I learned about riding within your capabilities, as I almost wound up on a Black Diamond trail.
Thanks for sharing your story! It's crazy how bikes sold out everywhere during this. I'm glad people are discovering a love for the sport. Stay safe and have fun out there!
@@CobraKyle thank you!
I have this bike but I've upgraded the fork to a 110mm rock shox Tora and this bike handles so well even on bigger jumps.
Nice! It's a really fun bike. Glad you like yours!
I started on a 110 dollar Walmart mountain bike with a manufacturing issue so I'm getting this one today for 250 and it's gonna be a big upgrade
Just got back into biking this summer. Ride my 2015 Schwinn Ascension that I picked up used. I love it, except for its twist shifters that slip when I try switch quick to climb. Live close enough to bike to OP so hope the meetup comes soon!
Bossik Black Glad you're enjoying riding again! Those twist shifters are a flawed design for sure when it comes to rough riding haha. We'll be getting that group ride together soon!
haha stay rowdy within reason, great stuff :) I grew up with a Gary Fisher Joshua F3, fantastic bike! Stuffed some 2.4" tires in it last month (didn't get them to seat properly) totally transformed the bike. 26" are underrated, it's crazy how fast they accelerate, they're super nimble and great for climbing. High five Abby!
Thanks! I have a 26" fat bike, and love how agile it is even with 5" wide tires. The thing rips!
@@CobraKyle Wow, 5" tires on a 26" rim? Sounds like a tank! I need to expand my mtb-imagination (and frame apparnelty :P)
My first 30 something bike was a Hardrock Sport😊 now well in to my 40s and looking to and some trail/gravel riding to my workout I dusted off the Hardrock and added drop bars😎
I bet those drop bars look sweet! I considered doing that on my 88, but figured it would be almost identical to my road bike haha.
I started on a Trek Marlin 5. Its a decent bike but very similar. 3x up front, 7 in the back. SR Suntour fork that was pretty horrible. The preload did absolutely nothing haha, I think it was just there for looks. But it was a good test for me to see if I liked mountain biking and if I'd actually stick with it. So many people buy bikes, ride them twice and never use them again. It was the opposite for me, I was looking at more expensive bikes within a month or two of owning the Marlin.
Chris CXK I did the same thing. Trek 4300. Didn't know any better at the time, but thought it was a high end beast. I love buying bikes off the people that tried it twice and are willing to sell it cheap
I have a 14 year old Hardrock. Small size weighs 14 kilos. The bike shop told me it was junk and not worth fixing and better to invest new. I disagreed and spent 150 dollars on new tires, brakes, chain and gear fix up and am happy I did. It is a bike with character and I am no expert biker to justify buying "the bike I really need". Extremely jiggly on stony downhills I admit.
That's awesome you kept it. I get they are trying to run a business, but it's also sad to hear that a shop may discourage someone from riding based on their bike. As long as you know the limits of the bike and yourself I say go have a good time. The frames on these are pretty damn tough!
Nice review/video. I just started riding again on my 8 year old Haro Flightline Sport. Hopefully I'll be able to upgrade soon.
Phillip Davis Thanks! Hardtails are great to start on. Will develop a lot of good habits on it!
I'm looking at getting one of these as my beater bike for getting around town. I think I might replace the fork and install a dropper post but other than for day to day playing around and getting from A to B it should work well.
Oh yeah this bike would be rad for that purpose. With those upgrades you mention, this thing would be major fun.
Nice video 👍 Bought a hardrock in 2000. Still riding it 😁 with rckshx xc30 fork
I have a 2008 that I’ll never sell because it’s a XXL which isn’t available anymore. Kinda funny looking with 26” wheels but rolling on Big Apples it looks OK. Surly Troll fork and racks front and rear it makes a great commuter and slow tourer.
XXL! You must be fairly tall. I bet that's a sweet looking bike
You are so creative next Seth bike hacks🤜🏽
Thank you so much! That's a really wonderful compliment!
I have this bike and the fork isn’t that good so what would you recommend I buy for a new fork that’s not too expensive
Hi Cole. Hard to say as not too many options now for 26" forks. I would look at something like a Rockshox Recon which uses air instead of a coil and is relatively cheap. Worldwidecyclery.com seems to have a decent selection of 26" forks.
I just bought a 2001 Hardrock for $100, everything works like it should.
DUDE. This is awesome. I'm totally in on your vids.
Thanks so much dude. That's awesome to hear!
That's a great video, in your opinion, what do you think is a good fork upgrade for this bike, I might do mine, but there is so much choice and some are mega expensive.
Thank you! I think if you can find a 26" fork with an air spring instead of the coil spring it would be a nice improvement. Jensonusa.com has the Rockshox Recon Silver TK for $249. That's a reasonable amount to spend and hopefully fits within your budget!
Any ideas where to get a used one ?
I would search Craigslist, OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace, Pinkbike.com, and bicyclebluebook.com. Should be able to find one out of those.
@@CobraKyle thank you !!
My wife rides a fat bike with 2x gearing and a Bluto fork. She can ride rocky climbs better than me on a 29+ full suspension bike with 1x12 gearing. I'm 66 years young and she is 56.We live and ride in Austin and the surrounding areas, Mountain bike ranches. So no matter your age, keep riding and live clean and healthy.
Very cool! I just sold my fat bike, but they are great fun and very capable. Have fun riding and stay safe out there!
Nice video,,I love my 2012 Hardrock..mostly ride it on the roads and it does a wonderful job.. slower than a road bike but that’s because it has fatter slicks.
Thanks! The Hardrock is a super versatile bike. I ride my 88 mostly on the road and it's a ton of fun.
Where did you go biking? It looks familiar.
Hi Steve. All the trail clips were filmed at McAllister park in San Antonio
@@CobraKyle Ha! I'm in Austin, which is why it looks so familiar! The Texas Hill Country always looks pretty similar.
Pro filming at 4:20
Yeaaaa hardtail!!
CRANK IT MTB Abby always kills it with the filming. I'll always love hardtails
Cobra Kyle I need to think about video help..hmm(pondering)
Not sure if anyone is going to see this, but I have a guy locally who's selling one used for $200... I used to mountain bike a lot as a kid and want to get back into it. Is it a worthy "starter" bike or should I look elsewhere?
I think the Hardrock is a good starter bike. The frames are pretty solid, but the components are a bit lacking. What kind of trails are you gonna be riding? What wheel size is it? The only reason I would say stay away from 26" wheels is because there aren't many upgrade options anymore for that wheel size. I would recommend finding a bike with either 27.5 or 29" wheels and make sure it has disc brakes. All those features are more modern and will give you a great starting platform to upgrade it. Or you can just ride it like it is and save money for a new bike if you really enjoy the sport! I hope this info helps you a bit. At the end of the day though, any bike is good to get outside and have a good time. Just know your own limits and you'll be good.
ajwhite could you connect with me iam interesting to buy the bike !!
Still shredding my 2004 hard rock sport.
That's awesome! That bike will probably outlive us all.
What size tires did you upgrade with?
I believe they were 26 x 2.1" WTB Velociraptors
@@CobraKyle thanks trying to upgrade my hardrock thinking about some 2.25 tires but not sure if the frame will support it
Have you tried a GT Avalanche sport?
I haven't been able to ride one of those, but I'm guessing it's pretty comparable to a hard rock.
Awesome vid! I hope you come back to Dallas once it cools down some. Also I use to have the exact same bike but flat black color. Haha.
Kyle Style Thanks Kyle. I'm actually gonna be in Dallas in October. Hoping to meet up with a few locals!
YOu are a mountain biker? I live in dallas too.. Looking for a group of mtbers honestly
Hey bro! Which city do you live?
I live in San Antonio
Nice pedals
They're Teal!
this bike is okay for light trail and city but def not mountain =) I have a 2011 Hardrock Sport in red. After trying out Giant Fathom 2 I want to get rid of my brick =) and buy 2021 Fuse Comp
U ever seen rigid all metal old school mtbs .....its all bout the person ridin ..forget ur enduro 4000 dll bike
@@mauroperez6331 🤣 why don't you install windows 95?
@@buzzikea that's ur answer 🤣🤣😂.
@@buzzikea Chris Akrigg..u should know my boy chek em out
Wow your girlfriend is awesome and a fast runner!! You're a lucky man!!
She is a wonderful person and a great sport!
GENISE
I have one of this its coollllll
Nice! It's a great bike.
I have a 2017 hardrock that I upgraded the hell out of, check it out on my channel, I did a bike overview
Penny farthings rule.
I would love to try one out someday!
Do the bmx vids hehehe
I've been watching the X games this week, and it's inspiring me to ride the BMX. It's just so unbelievably hot here.
Indo sediri anjirr
Late comment hehe