MTB on the cheap

[SkiCop]

I've been looking to move up in the world and replace my Wal-Mart Mongeese. I have a hardtail and an FS. I've decided on a Specialized because of the dealer in my area. I am torn between the Hardrock, Rockhopper, and FSR. I did a search, but nobody has really discussed these bikes. I am looking for entry level, but durabilty is an issue. I can get a much better equipped hardtail for the money. The main issue for me at this point is the frame. What can you tell me about these frames? Thnx.

[house]

might wanna try wading through the info over on mtbr.com, otherwise i know little about those frames. specialed is cool though. thats all i got.

[whatcomridaz]

I'm not sure there is such a thing as MTBing on the cheap. You are either breaking your bike or yourself if you keep progressing. Its by nature a very expensive sport. That said the FSR is a much more versatile frame due to being FS but it depends on the type of riding you are doing

[scoober]

I'm not sure there is such a thing as MTBing on the cheap. You are either breaking your bike or yourself if you keep progressing. Its by nature a very expensive sport. That said the FSR is a much more versatile frame due to being FS but it depends on the type of riding you are doing

That's just not true. You can progress to be a very proficient rider and you don't have to be thrashing your bike to do it. If you want to progress in shore/dh/dj/street, sure you are going to break stuff, but that is not the end all, be all of mountain biking. There are other aspects of the sport that you can progress to like cross country racing, high mileage epics, etc.

SkiCop... The Hardrock is Specialized's entry level, but these days they are pretty well spec'd and spec'd a little more on the heavy duty side. The frame is also pretty stout (read strong and not-light). This is a good bike if you want to get into the abusive side of the sport. Rockhopper is a little more XC/Trail oreinted, will be spec'd a little better and has a little lighter frame to suit that type of riding. The FSR is entry level full suspension, will be spec'd similar to the Rockhopper but will cost more because of the rear suspension.

My advise is that even though you aren't starting new into the sport, still start with a good hardtail, HardRock or Rockhopper will do based on what your style is. I am personally just a big proponent of learning to ride fluid and smooth on a hardtail then adding a full suspension to the stable later and rocking the shit out of everything with your smoove hardtail skillz.

[whatcomridaz]

Scoober I hear what you are saying but if you want to do either cross country racing or high mileage epics none of those frames are what he is looking for. So we are back to the very important question of what type of riding does skicop plan on using it for. I am also a big fan of smooth riding on a hardtail for as long as you don't plan on taking any big drops and for as long as your body can take it. But If all you want to do is high mileage epics you may as well stay out of the woods

[SkiCop]

Thanks for the replies. I intend to mainly ride a mixture of tar and gravel and dirt roads with the occasional "off piste" foray. I'm not going to be into big drops or anything else that might be abusive to my body, maybe riding some trails at the state parks at the most. I just want a durable, reliable ride that I can keep myself in shape on. I rode BMX and flatland as a teenager, so I imagine that I would end up doing small jumps and bunnyhops if I had I bike that I knew wouldn't self-destruct on me.

[Laps]

My advice is buy this bike. Relatively cheap for what you want, and you won't grow out of it.
http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=43655

[canadian_kid]

Go with the FRS. It has a near vertical rear swing arm movement which is amazing. you have little to no pedal bobbing when climbing hills. it's light in weight which is awsome. Like it was stated before, the hardrock is an entry level bike. i'm ridding the rockhopper right now. itgood too, but the pedal bobbing on pavement is a pain in the ass. the FRS eliminates it completely.