Purchased the 04 Pro model with the disk brakes last week. The frame is incredibly strong and the paint job is fantastic. Unfortunately, the drivetrain is mediocre and the fork is subpar. It is considerably heavier then other bikes at its price range. If you must buy the Hardrock, make sure it is the 05 model, they improved the drive train to full deore and added a better fork. I traded mine in for a Rockjumper Comp, for the extra $ it's a much better bike.

I like it. I bought it cheap and I'm adding new parts. It reminds me of how some kids rice up thier cars, I rice up my bike. I'm not going to be hardcore mountain biker only because there aren't too many mountains in Chicago.

Not for the typical mountain biker. It is good only for commuting. It comes with low end components. Also good for college. It is less expensive than a Rockhopper but you mine as well pay a bit more and go for the Rockhopper.

Heavy, unresponsive and very unforgiving. Specialized Hard Rocks come with inadequate shocks for serious mountain bikers. Save up and buy a real mountain bike.

I have owned a Specialized HardRock for about 8 years. The bike is absolutely amazing, a well oiled machine. I have gone over 2,300 miles on the bike and have experienced relatively no problems. The gears, brakes, and frame were very well built. Besides adventures with my brother on our HardRocks, I also used my bike to train for Iron Man competitions. Well built, sleek looking bikes.

Not a very good mountain bike. It can't handle severe terrain.

For the price, these bikes are good. The basic model is built around a metal\alloy frame which isn't the lightest, but not bad for a novice\intermediate. The basic components will hold up well over time with the proper care.

This is my favorite bike. It doesn't get messed up like other bikes. It's very dependable.

The HardRock is a very light bike, which is great for when I am going up hills and inclines, or when I have to carry it up one. The problem I had with the bike was the uncomfortable seat, which was to narrow and hard to sit on for long rides.

Smooth gears, comfortable ride, efficient breaking, durable, and reliable. However, the handle grips deteriorate quickly, the wheels are easily tweaked, and the frame is easily scratched.

These bikes are priced right, and built well. They are reliable. I used one for four years to ride to school.

Easy flowing gears. The bike is good for long mud rides and shifts easy on hills.