marios_cha said...

I've decided it's about time to replace my tired old SCOTT for a new mountain bike. I will mostly use it to get some exercise/fun on paved roads and pretty relaxed trails, nothing too extreme. I'm not an expert on bike and i've only got a budget of around 500 GBP so looking at some entry-level hardtails and after some online searching i am looking at something like these:
Specialized Hardrock Disc (430GBP)
Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc (560 GBP but i don't know if a lock-out fork and some nicer brakes/rear speeds are going to make any difference for the extra cost?)

Do you have any other suggestions or comments about these two? I'm not after anything fancy or way over budget and the only brands that are well-represented by shops in Cyprus are (in my order of preference) Specialized, Ghost, Scott and Giant.
Cheers.

I was in the same position as you and ended up getting a Specialized Hard Rock Sport Disc. The price you quoted was full retail, but I finished up paying £450 for mine. So far, it's been superb and has coped with some pretty punishing rides without any problems. A mate of mine is really into his bikes and he couldn't believe the spec of the bike for the money. The only weak spot is the front fork which isn't supposed to be as good as the competition. I've not noticed any problems, and you could replace it with a really nice Rock Shox for under a £100.

--

Something witty goes here.....

Jorg Gray Ltd Edition Watch Number : 313631

You really can't go wrong with anything from Specialized, or any of the other big names really, but I definitely favour Specialized.

The 2013 bikes will be arriving in a month or two so it might pay to wait a little and get a deal on an "obsolete" 2012 model.

--

I think my neighbour misunderstood when I said 'I can't wait for the next 911'

Yeah I've a Rockhopper Pro Disc for 5 years now and cant' fault it.

--

and from the beginning think what may be the end.

Thanks for all the replies. After convincing myself that i really "need" a new MTB and after reading your suggestions i'd decided i would prefer a Specialized one, i've been to test ride a 2012 Hardrock Sport Disc and first impressions were very good. After haggling a bit at the shop the owner said i could have it for £460 (which as a bonus is around 100 pounds less than the Ghost and Scott i also went to see that day) so come next week i'll be going to pick it up. I'll try and get a few extras thrown in aswell since the 2013 models are around the corner (didn't think they'll be changed so early in the year).

Now all i need is to convince myself that i really "need" a brand new GT86.

Updated April 13, 2012 at 5:06 PM

--

Power is nothing without control.

I just thought i'd post a photo of the new MTB so that i could also try out my new Flickr account.
Please let me know if you can't see the image.

Updated April 30, 2012 at 3:58 PM

--

Power is nothing without control.

Looks nice in black!

--

Something witty goes here.....

Jorg Gray Ltd Edition Watch Number : 313631

Thanks, it's actually a very nice metallic gray, with black and white decals. The pics don't do it justice, it's a very stealthy color.

--

Power is nothing without control.