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The 10 Best Hardtail Mountain Bikes For Ripping Trails and High-Performance

Whether you want a lightweight cross-country rocket or a cheap trail ripper, one of these picks will work for you.

A “hardtail” is a mountain bike with front suspension but no rear suspension. This design can be lighter and less expensive than a mountain bike with rear suspension, as well as simpler to maintain. Think of a hardtail as the workhorse of the mountain bike world.

Sometimes hardtails are simply the best tool for the job, depending on the circumstances. For instance, those just learning to mountain bike may prefer the handling of a hardtail. Kids are often better off with a hardtail for several reasons, particularly the reduced weight. Sometimes the terrain where you ride simply doesn’t warrant a full suspension bike. Or, finally, it might be personal preference drives your desire to ride a hardtail.

Whatever the case, hardtails are alive and well, and we take a closer look at a wide range of bikes to suit your needs from the most basic to advanced racing machines.

Looking for more riding options? Check out our picks for the best electric bikes , folding e-bikes , and commuter bikes .

The Best Hardtail Mountain Bikes

• Best Overall: Specialized Rockhopper Elite 29
• Best Electric Hardtail Mountain Bike: Aventon Ramblas
• Best Trail Hardtail Mountain Bike: Trek Roscoe 7
• Best Hardtail Mountain Bike Deal: Salsa Rangefinder 29 Deore
• Best Cheap Hardtail Mountain Bike: Eastern Alpaka 29

What to Consider in a Hardtail Mountain Bike

Why you can trust us, how we tested hardtail mountain bikes, our full hardtail mountain bike reviews.

If you are looking for the best high-performance mountain bikes (full suspension and hardtail, electric and analog), check out our Bike Awards coverage. You’ll find 11 exceptional, award-winning bikes rigorously vetted by our editorial team.

If you’re in search of an efficient race machine, a carbon fiber hardtail might be the bike for you. Hardtails also make great adventure bikes for bikepacking off-road and other long-distance riding shenanigans. Build a hardtail with a longer-travel fork and wide tires and you’ll have a fun ripper for romping around your local trails —and you’ll save money and weight compared to many full suspension options.

For decades, hardtails have appealed to riders due to the infinite ways you can build them up and for their simplicity. Here’s what you need to know about hardtail mountain bikes.

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You almost always get more bang for your buck with a hardtail. The design allows manufacturers to either reduce the bike’s overall price or include better components than you would find on comparably priced full-suspension rigs.

Hardtail frames lack rear shocks, pivots, linkages, and the associated hardware. Thus, they are generally lighter than comparable full-suspension frames. For riders who climb a lot, the weight saving can make a difference—both physically and mentally. 

Carbon fiber frames have the best strength-to-weight ratio of any material but are typically more expensive than metal-framed bikes. Despite this, there are desirable characteristics in all frame materials.

Wheel Sizes

Hardtails come with many wheel sizes and gearing options. You’ll find wheel sizes of 29- or 27.5-inches, standard tire widths (up to 2.6-inches), plus-size (2.8- to 3-inches), and fat tires (3-inches and wider). Some hardtails will accept different wheel and tire sizes, allowing you to swap out options to suit your riding needs.

Great for Kids and Tweens

The explosive growth of youth cycling programs and NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) racing got a ton of kids onto the trail and needing mountain bikes. With their combination of lightweight, lower cost, and wheel size options, hardtails make ideal bikes for young riders starting out or teens who quickly outgrow bikes.

Maintenance and Durability

Fewer moving parts mean fewer things that could potentially go wrong, and higher-quality parts mean those parts are less likely to need fixing. The simplicity of not having a rear shock and rear suspension system increases the durability of the bike as it requires less maintenance and fewer replacement parts.

Ride Quality

A hardtail can feel more responsive than a dual-suspension bike when pedaling. The lack of rear suspension creates a more efficient-feeling pedaling platform, so acceleration feels more immediate. 

Climbers especially appreciate the extra responsiveness, though you lose some traction (especially under braking) without the rear suspension. Still, for a fast, efficient ride, nothing beats a hardtail.

Find the Right Fork

After the frame, the fork is arguably the most important part of a hardtail's build kit. You’ll find suspension forks with as little as 80mm of travel on some cross-country bikes, while trail or all-mountain hardtails may have forks with 140mm of travel or more. 

Some hardtails still use forks that lack any suspension. These rigid forks are typically the lightest weight and require no maintenance.

Build One Up

Hardtails also make an excellent second, third...or 10th bike to have around—to loan to friends, for when your primary bike is in the shop, or for dabbling into other areas of riding. 

Many brands (particularly small or mid-sized) offer frame-only options that you can build up on your own or with the help of your local shop. Perhaps you have some old parts kicking around and collecting dust. Well, hardtails are a simple and cost-effective way to put those parts to use!

Bicycling has been vetting and reviewing bikes, gear, and accessories for more than 50 years. The bike recommendations here are based on the extensive work of the test team, which includes Deputy Editor Tara Seplavy, Senior Test Editor Matt Phillips, Test Editor Dan Chabonov, and Maintenance Editor Gabe Ortiz. Together, they have more than 60 years of ride-testing experience and insight that they bring to every recommendation they make.

For hardtail mountain bikes, Tara Seplavy oversaw these selections based on the team’s collective testing experience, as well as her own extensive knowledge of the category.

Chris Case has been riding and racing all manner of bikes for over 30 years. His first “real” bikes were mountain bikes; his racing days began on the rooted trails of southern New England. Formerly the managing editor of VeloNews magazine, he now guides gravel cycling and bikepacking tours with his company Alter Exploration . His garage is filled with his family’s precious collection of bikes, neatly organized and maintained for daily riding, racing, and adventures. Follow him on Instagram at @chrisjustincase .

Many of these bikes were tested by Bicycling 's team of gear editors, which mapped out rides featuring most of the trail elements that you’ll likely encounter. Bikes were pushed hard on flow trails, up steep climbs, down pucker-worthy rocky descents, and through rock gardens. Editors rode these bikes on the terrain best suited for each bike, as well as terrain entirely unsuitable, to see how far the limits could be pushed.

The bikes that weren’t ridden by Bicycling ’s editors were carefully chosen based on their value, quality of parts, our experience riding similar models, and how the overall package meets the needs of the intended rider.

We also consulted with hardtail devotees and coaches who work with junior riders to assess the best choices for younger and beginner cyclists.

Specialized Rockhopper Elite 29

The Rockhopper has been a mainstay of Specialized’s product line longer than most mountain bikers have been alive. The brand spent decades perfecting the Rockhopper into the well-rounded mountain bike platform it is today. And that experience—paired with learnings from its World Cup-winning high-end bikes—translates into a refined quality on the trail.

“The Rockhopper Elite climbs efficiently, is quite capable on singletrack, and isn’t too nervous when descending,” said test rider Tara Seplavy, Bicycling ’s deputy editor.

That is to say, it does everything decently—a quality many buyers in this price range want and expect from a mountain bike.

While the Rockhopper’s frame lacks a tapered headtube and thru axle rear end, the bike strikes a modern and lightweight appearance. The frame has routing for a dropper seatpost (if you wish to add one), its cables route internally on the front triangle, and it has rack mounts.

The components on the Rockhopper Elite don’t jump out, but they also don’t let you down. The air-sprung RockShox Judy TK fork does not perform to the level of the higher-end Recon fork model (more flex under braking and harsher riding). But it is easy to set up for different weight riders and has a crown-mounted lockout for pavement sections.

Specialized offers a bevy of Rockhopper models between $650 and $1,400. We consider the Comp ($950), Elite ($1,150), and Expert ($1,300) models most suitable for trail riding. Specialized also has 27.5-inch wheel Rockhopper variants in these models to fit shorter-height riders.

Aventon Ramblas

With its torquey mid-drive motor, name-brand components, and $2,700 price tag, Aventon’s Ramblas hardtail looks to flip the script and change the perception of hardtail e-bikes—and it succeeds.

At the heart of the Ramblas is Aventon’s all-new A100 motor. The mid-drive unit features 250 watts of sustained power/750 watts of peak power and 100 Newton/meters of torque. It is cleanly mounted to the Ramblas’ front triangle, low-slung on the frame but with sufficient clearance for riding over rocks and logs.

“The bike felt comfortable, proportional, and balanced from the first rip around the trailhead,” Seplavy said.

The Ramblas is well-appointed for its price. Overall, the components are well-suited for a trail-use mountain bike—1x12 SRAM Eagle drivetrain, 4-piston SRAM brakes, 35mm stanchion RockShox fork, dropper seatpost, and 2.4-inch-wide tires. They are all underpinnings of a solid mid-range trail bike—and for a $2,700 hardtail e-MTB, these features are unmatched in the market.

“After riding the Ramblas and checking out other hardtail e-MTBs over the past several years, I think Aventon just reset the entire category with this bike,” Seplavy said.

Trek Roscoe 7

There is so much to love about this bike that it’s hard to decide where to start. The 12-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain (with a 30T chainring and 10-51T cassette) provides a massive range, with gearing low enough to ease the pain of climbing steep hills. Its 29-inch wheels (27.5-inch on XS size) carry speed while maintaining maneuverability on technical trails, and the 2.6-inch tubeless-ready tires offer great traction and a plush ride.

The 140mm travel RockShox Recon SL SoloAir fork has plenty of travel for getting rowdy and can be locked out for added efficiency, such as when climbing a paved road. And speaking of rowdy, a dropper post is a very cool addition and adds to the Roscoe's versatility.

Salsa Rangefinder 29 Deore

The Salsa Rangefinder is one of the least expensive bikes in this test and one of the heaviest. Neither significantly takes away from its abilities on the trail.

“I was pleasantly surprised by the Rangefinder’s performance in most situations,” Seplavy said.

The Rangefinder’s extra heft comes from its oversized aluminum frame, heavy 120mm SR Suntour XCM fork, extra-wide range cassette, and 29x2.6-inch Maxxis tires. These parts, though, also make the Salsa more confident and capable on the trail than the bike’s weight might suggest.

On dirt, the Rangefinder lumbers along. It’s also not light or race-oriented. As Seplavy put it: “The Salsa is not a ‘go fast and take chances’ style bike.”

The Rangefinder's slightly upright positioning, steep seat angle, and low gearing allow you to sit and spin up climbs, despite the bike’s weight.

The Rangefinder is capable, though not fully confident when descending. The wide Maxxis Rekon tires and thru axle fork provide extra grip over roots and precision when picking a line through rocky sections of trail. But the Tektro Gemini brakes with 160mm rotors are insufficient at higher speeds or when the gradient pitches steeply downward. The fork’s lack of damping adjustment also made the fork ping-pong off of rocks when they came in quick succession.

Salsa provides options for riders seeking a Shimano-equipped Rangefinder or one with plus-sized wheels. It offers three other Rangefinder models between $900 and $1,500. Each model has 27.5+ or 29-inch wheel variants. There are Shimano Deore 10 -, 11 -, and 12-speed drivetrain Rangefinder models.

Eastern Bikes Alpaka 29

The Alpaka boasts features that try to emulate a high-end experience at an entry-level price. The aluminum frame is paired with a 100mm travel spring coil fork with a mechanical lockout feature. Stopping power comes from 160mm hydraulic disc brakes with adjustable reach levers.

The 9-speed X-Gear drivetrain is compatible with Shimano and SRAM aftermarket parts. But the 11-34-tooth cassette matched with a 32-tooth chainring up front will limit your ability to climb the steepest pitches.

While the bike‘s quick release hubs are not as secure or fashionable as thru axle wheels, they get the job done at the price. And though the Kenda 2.2-inch tires provide ample traction, the frame is designed to accommodate up to 2.4-inch rubber if you need more cushion and grip.

The cockpit comprises Eastern-branded contact points along with a Velo saddle and grips, completing the package with a touch of comfort not often seen at this price.

Giant Talon 29 1

The Giant Talon 1 is the biggest sleeper in our testing. The Talon’s frame doesn’t have an aggressive trail bike silhouette. It does not look oversized and burly. The plain black paint and blue logo also help to subdue the Giant. Appearances and first looks are often deceiving.

“Once on the trail, the Talon 1 surprised me with its capabilities. It rides like a bike that should cost a couple of hundred dollars more,” Seplavy said.

The Giant’s good ride feel comes down to its fork. The house-brand 100mm travel SXC-32-2 RL fork features 32mm aluminum stanchions, an alloy steerer, and an air spring. These shave weight off the bike while improving stiffness and steering precision. The fork’s rebound adjustment and air spring help you tune the fork for your weight and local trails—a big plus for a bike at this price.

The Tektro M275 brakes on the Talon 1, however, were underwhelming. They slowed the bike down but lacked modulation and a good feel at the lever. The Deore 10-speed drivetrain shifted smoothly but was over-geared for steeper hills compared to the other bikes tested.

Giant offers three models in the Talon range, with the Talon 1 as the most expensive and best equipped for trail riding. For a more premium Giant hardtail trail bike, check out the Fathom 29 models . Starting at $1,500, the Fathoms have longer travel forks, tubeless tires, and dropper posts.

Liv Lurra 2 27.5

The Lurra 2 is Liv’s latest creation for the value-minded hardtail fan.

Designed for performance-minded trail riders who want to rip singletrack, the Lurra offers dedicated frame geometry for the XS and S frame sizes which boast 27.5-inch wheels. Up front, the 130mm Giant fork and 2.6-inch Maxxis tubeless tires offer grip and comfort for roots, rocks, and ruts, and the Giant Contact 100mm dropper seatpost is a nice touch, allowing you to get low and ride with more control. Equipped with a Shimano Deore drivetrain and Tektro disc brakes, the pair offer dependability rather than flash.

The Lurra is generously adorned with multiple water bottle mounts: a set underneath the top tube allows for secure mounting of a small gear pack to fill with snacks or tools or other small items, while a trio on the downtube and another set underneath the downtube allow for multiple mounting positions of two water bottles.

Zize Yonder

While most brands make bikes rated for riders up to 200 or 250 pounds, Zize exclusively focuses on bikes for heavyweight riders. With its chromoly frame and fork, heavy-duty wheels, and Clark's hydraulic disc brakes, the Yonder accommodates riders up to 550 pounds.

The Yonder also features a 100mm wide bottom bracket shell and 3-inch wide 26-inch WTB tires for added rider stability. The bike has a dependable Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain, but the gear range is not low enough for optimal riding up steep hills. Though the Yonder is expensive, consider this bike if you're a heavier rider looking to get into off-road riding.

Specialized Riprock

The Riprock 24 is an excellent bike for kids who want to take their riding skills off-road. Designed to accommodate riders between 3-foot-11 and 4-foot-8, this bike comes with 24-inch wheels, a 1x9-speed MicroShift group, and hydraulic disc brakes.

While many mountain bikes for kids use a suspension fork, the Riprock 24 features an aluminum rigid fork. Most bikes at this price use heavy suspension forks that don't work for lightweight riders, but the Specialized’s rigid fork saves weight and looks great. This makes the Riprock 24 well-equipped for young riders' trail riding adventures. Offered in four colors, this bike is also available with 20-inch wheels for riders between 3-foot-5 and 4-foot-4.

Cervélo ZHT-5 GX

Yes, you’re reading that right: Cervélo makes mountain bikes. Though the brand may be more famous as the bike sponsor of the Tour de France-winning Visma-Lease a Bike race team, Cervélo has created this podium-worthy ride for ripping on the dirt.

Sporting a 907-gram (claimed) carbon frame, 69-degree head angle, and long reach top tubes, the ZHT-5 is made for speed. This SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed equipped model also comes standard with a 100mm travel RockShox Sid SL Select fork, e.thirteen TRS Race tubeless wheels, and a RaceFace cockpit.

Expert Chris Case On When to Go Full Suspension Versus Hardtail And Whether to Choose Aluminum Or Carbon.

Is full suspension better than a hardtail.

It depends on the application and terrain. Of course, there are certain types of riding when a full suspension bike is going to provide a faster, safer, and more enjoyable experience—for example, on rockier, more technical downhills. 

Conversely, some situations and locations are better suited to hardtails, for instance, in places where non-technical trails are abundant. If bikepacking is your thing, hardtails can be easier to load up with gear since the opening of the main triangle is easier to fill with a frame bag. But that’s not to say a full-suspension rig won’t work for bikepacking.

Much of the time it’s either personal preference or budget.

Aluminum or carbon?

There are pros and cons to every frame material. Carbon is typically lighter, can dampen more vibrations, and so forth, but if you’re hard on your equipment or crash often, the chances of causing irreparable damage to a carbon frame are higher than with metal frames.

Aluminum is often heavier, and some will say it offers a stiffer, less comfortable ride. But when you factor in saddle choice, tire size and pressure, and the comfort of other touchpoints, it’s hard to isolate the variable of the frame as the only factor on how a bike feels.

I prefer riding metal bikes (titanium) because we have enough disposable stuff in this world already. And carbon is ultimately disposable. Eventually, there will come a time when it is either outdated or broken, and you can either dispose of it or hang it on your wall. I look forward to the day when I can give my titanium bike to my daughter for her to ride.

What do the pros ride?

It used to be that XC racers wanted the lightest machine possible, which was often the hardtail model. Now, however, though many of them still care about weight, there are incredibly light full-suspension race bikes, and having suspension is helpful on the manufactured and natural courses that pros tend to race on (at World Cups, for example).

Chris Case, former managing editor of VeloNews magazine, has been riding, racing, and adventuring by bike for nearly 30 years. His cycling pursuits have taken him to destinations across the U.S. and Europe, Taiwan, Costa Rica, Israel, and beyond. He has stood on the podium at several cyclocross national championships, and is a silver medalist at master’s cyclocross worlds. Today he guides adventurous gravel cycling and bikepacking tours through his company, Alter Exploration.

As Deputy Editor, Tara Seplavy leads Bicycling’s product test team; after having previously led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run World Championship winning mountain bike teams, wrenched at renowned bicycle shops in Brooklyn, raced everything from criteriums to downhill, and ridden bikes on six different continents (landing herself in hospital emergency rooms in four countries and counting). Based in Easton, Pennsylvania, Tara spends tons of time on the road and trail testing products. A familiar face at cyclocross races, crits, and bike parks in the Mid Atlantic and New England, on weekends she can often be found racing for the New York City-based CRCA/KruisCX team. When not riding a bike, or talking about them, Tara listens to a lot of ska, punk, and emo music, and consumes too much social media.  

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HOME > uncategorized > Exploring the Versatility of Specialized Hardrock Mountain Bikes

Exploring the Versatility of Specialized Hardrock Mountain Bikes

The Specialized Hardrock is one of the most popular entry-level mountain bikes. Known for its durability and versatility, the Hardrock is an excellent choice for beginner and intermediate riders looking to tackle different types of terrain. This article will explore the key features of the Hardrock and the different models available.

Table of Contents

 Introduction to the Specialized Hardrock Mountain Bike

The Specialized Hardrock Mountain Bike has become synonymous with durable, quality mountain bikes for new riders. Since its debut in 1987, the Hardrock has been a trusty gateway into off-road riding for generations of cyclists. It established itself as a best-selling model by delivering reliable performance across different disciplines like cross country, trail riding, and general mountain biking.

Hardrock models accommodate wheel sizes of 29” as well as 27.5”. The larger 29” wheels offer an efficient rolling feel over obstacles and terrain. The 27.5” wheel size provides a more nimble, playful feel on the trail. With two wheel size options, the Hardrock fits a wide variety of riding styles and rider preferences.

Over three decades later, this legendary model continues going strong. The Specialized Hardrock endures as the quintessential mountain bike for new riders thanks to its versatility, durability, and accessibility. It delivers confidence-inspiring stability with its balanced geometry and neutral handling characteristics. The Hardrock remains true to its roots while incorporating modern componentry and technology.

 The Structure of the Specialized Hardrock Mountain Bike

The Hardrock has an aluminum frame that provides a lightweight yet strong and stiff platform. The parts spec varies across the different models but generally includes:

– Suspension fork with 80-100mm of travel 

– Shimano or SRAM 1x drivetrain

– Mechanical disc brakes 

– Aluminum double wall rims

– Knobby mountain bike tires

Higher-end models upgrade to air suspension forks, hydraulic disc brakes, and improved drivetrain components. But the basic framework and geometry remain consistent throughout the lineup.

 Exploring the Types and Models of Specialized Hardrock Mountain Bikes

Specialized currently offers four main models of the Hardrock:

There are both 29er and 27.5+ options available for each model depending on wheel size preference. The Sport sits at the lowest price point while the Expert and Carbon models are equipped for more aggressive trail riding.

  Understanding the Characteristics of the Specialized Hardrock Mountain Bike 

Despite the differences between each model, all Specialized Hardrock Mountain bikes share some key characteristics that make them great beginner-friendly mountain bikes:

Hardtail frame

The lack of rear suspension keeps the Hardrock lighter and more affordable than a dual-suspension bike. The hardtail frame provides efficient power transfer.

Neutral handling

The Hardrock has a balanced, confidence-inspiring feel on the trail. The handling is not overly quick and twitchy or sluggish.

Upright riding position

The riding position places the rider in an upright, comfortable stance. This allows for better control and handling.

Quality components

Even the more affordable models use reputable Shimano/SRAM drivetrains and brake components for reliable performance. 

Multiple sizes

The Hardrock is available in S, M, L size options to fit a wide range of riders.

 Specialized Hardrock Mountain Bike for Beginners

With its simple design and approachable price, the Hardrock is tailor-made for recreational riders and mountain biking newcomers. The stable geometry and neutral handling instill confidence in new riders gradually building their technical skills. The Specialized Hardrock mountain bike  also climbs efficiently so riders can explore more terrain and miles.  

The durable aluminum frame soaks up vibrations and stands up to inevitable ding and crashes as beginners learn to ride the trails. Mechanical disc brakes provide reliable stopping power in all conditions. Overall, the Specialized Hardrock is the perfect platform for new mountain bikers to progress their abilities without breaking the bank.

 Maintenance Tips for Your Specialized Hardrock Mountain Bike

To keep your Hardrock performing well for years to come, follow these basic maintenance practices:

– Clean the bike after every ride, gently rinsing off dirt and debris. Avoid using high-pressure water.

– Regularly lubricate the chain, drivetrain, and cables. 

– Check tire pressure before every ride. Inflate to the pressure listed on the tire sidewall.

– Inspect brake pads for wear. Replace when down to 2mm thick.

– Schedule annual tune-ups with a qualified bike mechanic to inspect and adjust components. 

– Upgrade components like the fork, wheels, and drivetrain as needed.

Proper maintenance will enhance performance, extend component life, and reduce long-term repair costs. Refer to the owner’s manual for further maintenance recommendations.

 Where to Buy a Specialized Hardrock Mountain Bike and Price Range

The Hardrock is available at most Specialized dealers and bike shops. It is also stocked by some outdoor retailers like REI and Dick’s Sporting Goods depending on location. Specialized does not sell bikes directly.

MSRP pricing ranges from $525 for the base Hardrock Sport up to $1,025+ for the Carbon model. However, discounts or sales can bring the price down $100-$200 lower than MSRP at times. Shopping end of model year sales is a great way to maximize value on a new Hardrock.

Many riders also have success finding used Hardrock models to get an even more affordable entry point into mountain biking. Look for newer models with higher-end components. Carefully inspect the frame, fork, and drivetrain when buying used.

 Specialized Hardrock Mountain Bike: Rider Testimonials and Reviews

The Specialized Hardrock enjoys overwhelmingly positive reviews from entry-level and intermediate riders. Here are some testimonials:

“I bought the Hardrock Sport 29er as my first real mountain bike. It’s been fantastic to learn basic mountain biking skills on. The mechanical disc brakes feel strong and smooth. I’ve already progressed from easy trails to more intermediate terrain thanks to the Hardrock.” – Chris M., Colorado

“I’ve put over 1,500 miles on my Hardrock Comp in the first year of owning it. It’s been bombarded with mud, rain, and roots on the East Coast trails but just keeps performing. I’m 6’2″ and the large 29er frame fits me perfectly. My upgrades so far are a dropper post and tubeless tires – both made a big difference for trail riding.” – Noah S., Pennsylvania

“The Hardrock helped me fall in love with mountain biking. I use it primarily for exercise and recreation 2-3 times a week. The bike still looks and rides great after 3 years. No issues besides regular maintenance. I plan to ride it for many more years before upgrading to a full suspension bike.” – Amanda R., Oregon

 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Specialized Hardrock mountain bike remains a top choice for aspiring mountain bikers after over 30 years. This versatile model offers an unmatched balance of quality, capability, and value. The Hardrock continues to excel at providing an accessible gateway into off-road riding.

With models available in both 27.5 and 29-inch wheel sizes, the Hardrock fits a wide range of riding styles. Its neutral handling grants stability for new riders, while the components can handle miles of demanding mountain terrain. Multiple trim options allow further customization and upgrades as skills progress.

Few mountain bikes match the Hardrock’s reputation for being both durable and affordable. The aluminum frame soaks up trail impacts while resisting corrosion and fatigue over a long service life. Quality parts ensure reliable performance and reduced maintenance needs. All at a price within reach for riders on a budget.

While newer trends come and go, the Specialized Hardrock mountain bike remains grounded in its identity—a trusted, capable mountain bike bred for exploring trails. For any rider looking to dip their toes into cross country riding or general mountain biking, the Hardrock delivers confidence, versatility, and value ride after ride. It’s the perfect way to start your off-road adventures and develop a lifelong passion for mountain biking.

 FAQ About the Specialized Hardrock Mountain Bike

Q: Is the Hardrock a good mountain bike?

A: Yes, the Hardrock is regarded as one of the best entry-level mountain bikes under $1,000. It has quality components and a durable aluminum frame.

Q: What’s the difference between the 29er and 27.5 Hardrock models? 

A: The 29er has larger 29-inch diameter wheels while the 27.5 uses smaller 27.5-inch wheels. 29ers roll over obstacles easier while 27.5 bikes are a bit more nimble.

Q: What type of trails is the Hardrock best suited for?

A: It’s ideal for beginner to intermediate level cross country trails. The hardtail frame is efficient for climbing and pedaling. The Hardrock can handle moderate singletrack and doubletrack terrain. 

Q: Does the Hardrock come in different frame sizes?

A: Yes, it’s available in S, M, and L sizing to fit riders from about 5’2″ to 6’2″ tall. Consult Specialized’s sizing chart to find your ideal frame size.

Q: How often should I service my Hardrock?

A: Aim for regular maintenance every 40-50 hours of riding such as lubricating the chain. Have a professional bike shop do a tune-up at least annually to inspect all components.

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Specialized Rockhopper Vs Trek Marlin: Which Is The Best Hardtail?

The budget hardtail bike battle, Specialized vs Trek, two big brands that have been around forever.

Which one is the best bike for you?

In this article, we are going to compare their highest-end quality bikes together alongside their budget and mid-range models. As each brand offers quite a few bike builds for each model.

The Specialized Rockhopper bike is a heavy-hitting yet lightweight bike that boasts exceptional performance and versatility, regardless of the model or size.

This bike continues the Rockhopper’s 30-year tradition of striving for excellence and refusing to settle for anything less than the best. The frame is made of butted aluminum and comes with modern gearing, versatile geometry, and class-leading equipment.

Additionally, the Rockhopper offers innovative sizing and custom Rx Tune suspension, ensuring that it provides the best fit and handling performance for every rider, regardless of their measurements. The bike comes in different sizes, each paired with the optimal wheel size, further ensuring a perfect fit.

With performance-focused components at every level, such as RockShox forks, tubeless-ready rims and tires, 1x drivetrains on the Expert and Elite, and dependable Shimano parts, the new Rockhopper is an excellent choice for any occasion.

The Trek Marlin bike has always been a popular choice for new riders and seasoned pros alike, but now it’s better than ever.

With a revamped design that offers more trail confidence and sleek looks, this bike is ready to take you on any adventure. Its geometry is perfectly dialed to give you a confident, planted feel when navigating steep and bumpy trails, while still being easy to pedal back up for another lap.

A new Thru-Skew axle provides better rear wheel security, and full-length, full-coverage guards protect your frame and keep your ride quiet.

With big 2.4˝ tires that elevate traction and an upgrade-ready frame, this bike is ready for any challenge.

Plus, it’s available in every size from XXS to XXL, so every rider can find a well-fitted bike with Smart Wheel Sizing that scales the wheel size with the bike size for comfortable standover height.

The Trek Marlin bike truly is a bike for everyone.

But which bike is the best fit for you? That’s the question we’re here to answer! In this article, we’re going to take a deep dive into the Rockhopper and Marlin , comparing their features, benefits, and capabilities.

We’ll help you choose the perfect ride for your goals, whether you’re a seasoned rider looking for a new challenge or a beginner who wants to explore the world on two wheels.

Introducing the Specialized Rockhopper

As mentioned in this article on the best budget hardtail mtb for bike adventures the Rockhopper Expert is a popular bike amongst fellow bikepackers. Considered a cross-country mtb with 100 mm travel and weighing around 30 lbs or 13.6 kg.

It is a bike that has been around for 30 years resulting in the constant redefining of the relationship between value and performance.

The Rockhopper has somewhat of a cult following. If you are after an affordable cross-country mountain bike this might be the one. They have even cheaper options, however, the Expert is preferred if you are looking to go on bike adventures.

When it comes to long-distance endurance events this is a rather popular steed of choice!

Introducing the Trek Marlin

We have reviewed the Trek Marlin previously and here’s what we had to say.

The Trek Marlin 8 is a trail bike designed to boost your confidence on any singletrack, while also being equipped with features for everyday use. The perfect choice which competes directly with The Rockhopper Expert as a potential budget hardtail mtb for bike adventures.

With updated geometry, this bike gives you more control on challenging trails without compromising on comfort or convenience.

The Marlin 8 is built to last, thanks to its 12-speed SRAM shifting and upgraded RockShox air-spring suspension fork.

This progressive trail bike is perfect for building skills and taking on daily life, with premium features in all the right places.

Whether you’re hitting the trails or cruising around town, the Trek Marlin 8 is a bike that will help you progress and build your skills for years to come.

Price – Rockhopper vs Marlin

When it comes to price the Rockhopper offers the most affordable price with the entry-level Rockhopper model starting at $560 and the most pricy option at around $1,400. While the Trek Marlin ranges from $629 to $1,440

Weight – Rockhopper vs Marlin

The  Specialized Rockhopper weighs around 30 lbs or 13.6 kg  while the  Trek Marlin weighs around 31.51 lbs or 14.29 kg (this is for each bike’s highest-end model).

All different build options and models weigh differently. But from the numbers above we can see that the Rockhopper is approximately 700 grams lighter. And it makes total sense as this is the bike best for fast and aerodynamic riding

Tire Clearance – Rockhopper vs Marlin

When it comes to tire clearance the Trek Marlin fits up to 29er × 2.4″ mountain bike tires. While the Rockhopper has room for up to 29er x 2.3″ tires.

The Marlin comes stock with Maxxis Ardent (27.5 x 2.4″ or 29 x 2.4″ tires). While the Rockhopper comes with Ground Control (27.5 x 2.3″ or 29 x 2.3″ tires).

Gearing – Rockhopper vs Marlin

When comparing the high-end models, the Rockhopper and Marlin both feature an SRAM SX Eagle groupset which means an 11-50T cassette combined with a 30T crank resulting in a 17.45″ granny gear and 79.41″ largest gear for riding down hills. (this is when running a 2.3″ tire, you can expect this gear ratio to be slightly different with the Marlins 2.4″ tires) But this would be a small difference.

Suspension – Rockhopper vs Marlin

Suspension is where these bikes slightly differ again.

Both the high-end models feature the RockShox Judy fork, however, for some reason, the fork on the Trek Marlin has 80mm of travel while the Specialized Rockhopper has 100mm and all the other bike models, both for the Marlin and Rockhopper all have 100mm of travel.

The entry-level models for both bikes have the Suntour XCE28 fork and the mid-range models slightly differ. With the Marlin featuring a RockShox Judy and the Rockhopper with a Suntour XCM fork.

Handlebars, Seatpost, and other specs – Rockhopper vs Marlin

When it comes to handlebars both the Marlin and rockhopper have a 15 mm rise for Medium sizes and up with a 5 mm rise for the smaller frames.

The main difference when it comes to seat posts is that the Trek Marlin 8 Gen 3 has dropper posts while the Rockhopper doesn’t and all the other models we compared are all rigid.

Geometry – Rockhopper vs Marlin

Geometry can play a big part in the difference between how a bike rides and feels. It is definitely something to consider when buying a bike.

Want to learn more about understanding bike geometry? Read this article which goes through all the jargon and what it means for a comfortable ride!

Here is where we see most of the differences in bikes. All the measurements below are in mm and are for both medium-sized bikes.

The main geometry specs that can paint the picture of the type of bike we are looking at are; stack/reach ratio, trail, chainstay, and wheelbase.

Firstly the stack/reach ratio for the Marlin is average when compared with other hardtail cross-country mtb with 1.44 vs 1.42 for the Rockhopper which is somewhat aggressive.

Suggesting that the Marlin is a more upright bike, in comparison, the Rockhopper is slightly more aggressive.

Chainstay is rather close with only 2 mm in difference with the Marlin boasting 438 mm vs the Rockhoppers 440 mm chainstay.

Along with this, the wheelbase length is 18 mm longer on the rockhopper. considering the chainstay is slightly longer also. I would argue that the Rockhopper may be the better bike choice, especially when it comes to geometry for bike adventures. The numbers mean in theory that it is the better-suited bike to allow for better-suited riding with gear loaded on the bike.

Now we’ll look at the trail. This tells the story of how each bike will corner and what the handling is like upfront.

Both trail measurements for the Marlin and rockhopper are considered very high. The Rockhopper has a 9.8 mm higher trail. When compared to the Marlin this means the Rockhopper in theory would have a slower, but calmer, steering response.

However, the Marlin is still rather high. But when compared together this favours the Rockhopper again as the more superior bike when it comes to bike adventures and carry gear. Especially in situations where you are climbing technical trails and need precision when steering.

Bikepacking – Rockhopper vs Marlin

The fact that bikepackers alike seem to have this cult following when it comes to the Rockhopper means that personally, I would recommend this bike over the Trek Marlin .

Even if the Marlin comes with a dropper post and the Rockhopper is rigid. And 1″ larger tire clearance on the Marlin .

When it comes to geometry it’s obvious that the Rockhopper is the superior bike out of the two.

And it’s also a bonus that the Rockhopper is slightly cheaper across the board.

To me, it’s a no-brainer to get a Rockhopper especially if you’re looking for a hardtail mtb for your next epic bike adventure.

About The Author

Codey Orgill, a seasoned bicycle adventurer, has been exploring the world on two wheels for over 10 years. Since embarking on his initial cycling journey, Codey Orgill has traversed numerous countries, experiencing a series of epic adventures.

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Specialized Hardrock

• AUS $ NZD $ USD $ CAD $ GBP £ EUR €

Size / 13", 15", 17", 19", 21", 23"

At a glance

Where to buy.

Specifications

• Frame Specialized A1 Premium Aluminum, fully butted, formed TT, Double ORE DT, externally relieved HT, reinforced disc mount, forged dropouts w/ replaceable hanger
• Fork SunTour XCT, SR Suntour SF8-XCT-V2, 80mm, 1pc. alloy lower, 28mm Hi-Ten stanchions, coil/mcu spring w/ preload adj. size-specific spring rates, spring assisted seals
• Hubs Forged alloy, double sealed, ground race, steel QR, cassette, 32h
• Wheels Alex Z-1000, 26"", alloy, single wall, 32h front and rear
• Wheel Size 26"
• Spokes 2mm (14g) stainless
• Tires Specialized Fast Trak LK Sport, 26x2.0"", 60TPI, wire bead
• Chain KMC , KMC Z7 w/ reuseable Missing Link
• Crank Suntour SR, SR SunTour, square taper spline
• Bottom Bracket Sealed cartridge, square taper, 68mm
• Front Derailleur Shimano Altus, Shimano Altus, 34.9mm clamp
• Rear Derailleur SRAM X4, SRAM X-4, mid cage
• Shifters SRAM X3, SRAM X3-R trigger
• Brakeset V brake, alloy linear pull, 1pc. pad
• Handlebar Hi-Ten riserbar, 32mm rise, 640mm wide, 8 degree back sweep, 6 degree up sweep
• Saddle Specialized XC, Body Geometry, 143mm width, front and rear bumpers
• Seatpost Alloy two bolt, 12.5mm offset, micro adjust, 30.9mm
• Stem Forged alloy, 15 degree rise, 25.4mm clamp
• Grips Specialized Enduro, dual compound Kraton, no flange, 131mm
• Headset 1-1/8"" threadless, loose ball

Q: Where to buy a 2010 Specialized Hardrock?

The 2010 Specialized Hardrock may be purchased directly from Specialized .

Q: What size wheels does the 2010 Specialized Hardrock have?

The 2010 Specialized Hardrock has 26" wheels.

Q: What size 2010 Specialized Hardrock should I get?

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Entry-level MTBs: Trek vs. GT vs. Specialized

Hi Lee, I read a previous post GT Avalanche vs. and Specialized Hardrock (Jan 2006). I had looked at both prior to reading it, and really liked the Hardrock, too. But I was also considering a Trek 3700. Any opinion on that bike compared to the Hardrock? Thanks. -Pamela

First, these are all fine bikes. All of the major manufacturers offer bikes at the entry-level price point, and the bikes are remarkably similar. Here’s how these three shake out in the $380-390 range.

Trek 4300 – $390. The 4300 is a “real” entry level mountain bike. The $310 Trek 3700 is made for bike paths and some dirt road.

GT Avalanche 3.0 – $380. Very comparable to the Trek 4300.

Specialized Hardrock Sport – $390. Another “real” MTB, with a better spec than the GT and Trek.

My suggestion: For beginning off road riding, these are all good choices. I would pick the Specialized because:

– Longer top tube and shorter stem handles way better than short top tube and long stem. – Slightly slacker head tube is more stable at speed. – You can get the seat lower for aggressive riding.

DISCLAIMER: Specialized helps me with bikes. In my opinion, the Hardrock has a more contemporary design and a better spec.

Good luck and rip it up!

See also: GT Avalanche vs. Specialized Hardrock

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Specialized 1999 Hardrock Hardtail Bike

1999 Specialized Hardrock FS, mountain bike, front suspension, Mountain Mix components, Rock Shox Jett C, 1.8" travel fork

• USER REVIEWS

It's very fast downhill in 18th gear and I hit 35 mph downhill with it on a bent rim at that and its so smooth now with the new rim and it's just very fast for a mountain bike and it literally keeps up with my Giant Contend 3 road bike and it's just an amazing bike to have!

No weakness is thiss bike in my opinion it's the rider who decides how it rides.

It's very fast in 7th gear and it's so smooth and it handles turns very well at high speeds I own mine still right now and I did 24 mph on a flat surface so much on thiss bike and it still feels amazing and I also did 33 mph down a little hill so the bike overall handles great and the speed that it delivers is awesome just what I need it for!

No weakness at all other than it's a little slow at the beginning but then the speed gets faster and faster as you peddle harder it depends on the rider personally!

Stock Tires, Forks aren't all that great but they're still working after 11 years! lol

Excellent bike for the money! Have had it for over 11 years now and it's held up great!

great frame

bottom bracket set sucks

this bike rocks

Similar Products Used:

1999 non a1 comp fs

The 19" frame is really light, and the bike accelerates fast. You can also load this bike down with so much gear for long treks, and it feels like nothing

the aluminum errodes where ever anything toutchs it, and chunks flake off when the bike is dumped hard. The small frame is horrible in the air, and inspires no confidence... It can be scary, and expect to go over the front. Where the back rim hits the frame has erroded 2mm, and dosn't look good.

An awsome bike; light, fast, phat looking, and easily upgraded. the 19" is great for rippin' around, but sucks in the air...

Kona Fire Mountain

VALUE, looks

Frame Cracked near the head tube damn near snapped the thing, fork travel, rim strength, pedals (snapped in half when i went off a drop), Stem Length, seat rips instantly when you stack

awesome for value and even better with some upgrades, but it cant keep up with constant downhilling

1999 Giant Boulder SE

The Frame is a very nice one, also the crank arms are strong, and the shifters seem to be good enough.

The rims because I destroyed the rear one, the hubs, the seat, the short travle fork, flexy pedals, and the crank bearings.

If you are looking for a inexpensive bike with a kick @$$ frame get this one. If you ride hard you will need to replace things as they brake to upgrade it but once it is fixed up it will be twice as nice as that 2,000 stumpjumper. What can you expect from a 500 dollar bike, upgrade it and it is a racing machine!!!

The only other bike I ride is a Vegas TRX.

-Frame strength-I've beat the life out of this offroad in New Mexico and it hasn't been bent and barely scratched. -Stem-It's pretty stiff to be a stock stem. -Tires-Supersoft Specialized! I've had this bike in some low turns and they have never slipped.

Luckily the frame flexes because the fork doesn't. The rims bite a**. Don't go off anything over one foot or so without planning on bending those rims.

I wish there were better components on this bike. It took a while to get the derailleurs alligned. I have to allign the brakes everytime I ride as well. Sturdy frame and light for being Cr-Mo. It wants to go fast and I'm happy with that. It's a good entry level bike.

This bike has been able to keep up with me since i got it when i had never mtbiked before, until now, when, on a good day, i get some air, rip some switchbacks, jump some logs, fall on some rocks, get sideways in some roots, and think to myself while i am doing it: god i love this bike.

-shock is a good one to learn on, cuz now, after years of 48mm, i ride someone's 80 mm sid and think: this is too damn easy! -its true, i have replaced the back wheel twice in 3 yrs, once from bouncing over a curb (hard, and with all my weight on the back wheel) and the other after a party and letting other people ride my bike off a big jump we built -grips are too soft/squishy, -saddle clamp on seatpost had to be replaced 2wice, once w/ specialized stock, and then with ritchey one -kinda heavy compared to most good quality hardtails, but if you get good on this bike, when you get a light one, you will kick ass -elastometers turn shock into 5 lbs rigid fork when the temp drops below 40 degrees

i'll try not to become too emotional as i write, but i love my bike. its seen me through many, many miles of single track, and with minimal upkeep by me, who isn't really into mechanical stuff. i have been using WD-40 on the chain for 2.5 years until i just recently switched to White lightning at the urging of my riding partners and it has made a huge difference in shifting performance. I don't care what anyone says, i love my grip shift. I know, the sad day will come when i finally break my frame, and will be forced to get a new bike, and it won't have grip shift, but i'll cope. i doubt many shops are still selling this bike, but if they are, and you are researching buying this bike as a first time ride, then research no more. your bike for the next decade is here, in all the glory of ten flaming catipillers.

none, this is my first mtb

frame; frame; frame; fork; headset

pedals; brakes; front hub

Great bikes, better then most types I ever used or tried, best money value, saving money to buy S-works M4.

Trek 4500, Haro A7.3

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Mötley Crüe Announce New Single, ‘Dogs of War’: ‘Fans Are Really Gonna Like It’

The veteran hard rockers have signed with Nashville's Big Machine Records for their first new music since 2019.

By Gary Graff

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Mötley Crüe promises there’s more where its brand new song “Dogs of War” came from.

The track and video, both out Friday (April 26), are the first releases under a new deal with Nashville’s Big Machine Records. It’s also the Crüe’s first new song since the Machine Gun Kelly collab “The Dirt (Est. 1981)” from the soundtrack for the 2019 Netflix biopic of the same name and the band’s first recording with new member John5 (Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie), who replaced original guitarist Mick Mars last year.

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Motley crue.

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Trending on Billboard

John5 confirms that “there’s gonna be more music to come out, that’s for sure. [Bassist] Nikki (Sixx) calls me all the time and says, ‘Hey dude, check this out’ and it sounds like it could be a demo from, like, the Too Fast For Love album or the Shout at the Devil album. He just has that inside him; he’s created this music and it sounds just like that era because that’s who the guy is.”

Neil describes the fiery-tempoed “Dogs of War” as “like old school meets new school. It’s got that old school vibe about it, but it’s new music. Nikki came up with it and he sent me the music and I thought it was really cool. So I started singing it and we got in the studio and it turned into the song I think the fans are really gonna like it.” The song was produced by frequent Crüe collaborator Bob Rock , which Neil says was a source of comfort for the band.

“He’s great,” the singer explains. “He’s  a lot of fun. He’s smart. He’s creative. He knows what the wants. He knows what to get from each guy to make them be their best. That’s what a good producer does, takes what you have and makes it better – and that’s what (Rock ) does to Mötley Crüe. That’s what we love about him. We know he’s not gonna change and we didn’t want any change. We wanted to do it just the way we always recorded with him.”

In making the new label deal announcement, Big Machine Chairman and CEO Scott Borchetta — the driving force behind the 2014 Nashville Outlaws: A Tribute to Mötley Crüe compilation — says that, “Growing up in Southern California, I was in Hollywood when these new sheriffs showed up and took over the city. It was loud. It was powerful. It was game changing. (The band has) reignited the flame with ferocious new Crüe Music.”

Neil, who resides in Nashville, calls Borchetta “a good friend … and a good friend of the band’s. They’re just a smart company that knows how to market songs and how to get them on the radio and do all the stuff you gotta do. They’re perfect for us.”

BMG remains the band’s home for catalog releases, however. This year it’s already released a Dolby Atmos remaster of The Dirt Soundtrack to celebrate its fifth anniversary as well as a Record Store Day re-release of the rarities compilation Supersonic and Demonic Relics on vinyl for the first time. Since this year is the 25th anniversary of the band’s legendary Dr. Feelgood album, fans have been speculating about some sort of release to commemorate that later in the year.

Back in 2014, of course, Mötley Crüe famously signed a “binding” contract for its The Final Tour farewell trek stipulating that support act Alice Cooper could cut their heads off if they broke it. Then, however, came The Dirt, which despite overwhelmingly negative reviews was a rating success, while the soundtrack hit No. 10 on the Billboard 200 and Top 5 on the Top Rock Albums and Soundtrack Albums charts. “The Dirt (Est. 1981)” single was also a Top 10 Mainstream Rock hit. 

“John brings a lot,” Neil says. “He’s an amazing, creative guitar player. He hears stuff us normal people don’t hear. He brings a lot to the song and a lot to the band, and we’re just so happy to have him.” The feeling is mutual according to John5, who collaborated with Sixx on Sixx A.M. projects and co-wrote the three new songs on The Dirt Soundtrack .

“I love Motley and I’ve known Mick, Tommy (Lee) and Nikki for so long, it’s just like playing with your friends,” the guitarist says. “Their music is something I care about. I care about the history and I care about the future of this band, so I want to do things with the utmost respect and make sure everything is done right and execute it to the ability it deserves.”

Mötley Crüe will play selected shows this year starting May 3-4 at Hard Rock Live in Atlantic City, N.J. and including several festival dates.

Check out the full tour itinerary below:

May 3-4 — Atlantic City, NJ @ Hard Rock Live

May 9 — Daytona Beach, FL @ Welcome to Rockville

June 22 — Milwaukee, WI @ Summerfest

June 23 — Mt. Pleasant, MI @ Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort

July 11 — Calgary, Canada @ Calgary Stampede

July 13 — Ottawa, Canada @ Ottawa Bluesfest

July 14 — Quebec, Canada @ Festival d’Ete de Quebec

July 19 — Minot, ND @ North Dakota State Fair

August 14 — Des Moines, IA @ Iowa State Fair

August 17 — Thackerville, OK @ Winstar Casino

August 29 — St. Paul, MN @ Minnesota State Fair

August 31 — Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun

Sept. 26 — Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live

Sept. 28 — Louisville, KY @ Louder Than Life Festival 

Oct. 13 — Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock Fest

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