which specialized bike ?

knowlesy · 21 Sep 2012 at 10:38

It doesn't have to be a specialized bike I have looked at the recent cube bikes so I'm not fussed however I have seen the specialized bikes and from general reviews they are all ok.....

Specialized Hardrock Disc 2012 Mountain Bike
Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc 2012 Mountain Bike
Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc 2013 Mountain Bike

Now I know there is a large difference in price here (£150 roughly) but what I'm wanting to know is it worth the stretch. I've just started to do cycling recently (to get fitter basically) and have been doing this for a couple of months now and said to myself If I could do it I would treat myself so this is it.... Preferably Id like to stay at the 400-450 mark tops, but if its worth it for the newer bike I can stretch to 500.

knowlesy · 21 Sep 2012 at 11:22

uniQ said:
Canyon Yellowstone:
http://www.canyon.com/_uk/mountainbikes/bike.html?b=2538

You have to spend £750+ on a Specialized to get similar spec as something like the Canyon Yellowstone.

cheers for the reply but I cant seem to find any reviews on that model, can you share a link or two ?

knowlesy · 21 Sep 2012 at 14:25

Jono said:
I have a rockhopper disc and whilst I think it is a nice bike, I do think Specialized are way overpriced. I would go with the Canyon too, personally.

no disrepect intended but can anyone shed light on reviews for this as Ive never heard of them before and the other models have some decent reviews...just want some journalistic re-asurance

King85 said:
Where are you cycling? If its for fitness have you considered a road bike.

I purchased a mountain bike a few years ago with the idea of going off road and getting fit in reality I ended up only going on the canal a few times and then losing interest. I purchased a road bike a month ago and am now already up to 50 mile rides which are not only great fun but also very tiring and good exercise.

I had road tyres on my current bike and was planning on mostly doing road work but at the end of it Ive ended up doing mostly offroad due to the scenery and bike trails where I am, Im currently doing 10 miles a night and at about 3-4 nights a week takes about 1:20hr all logging is done from endomondo and Im beating my times everytime so Im quote chuffed

so thoguht Id treat myself

knowlesy · 21 Sep 2012 at 23:26

King85 said:
Ah fair enough then mate. I'm out of the loop for mountain bikes so can't help with advice.

cheers for the help though

Begbie said:
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/81-2012-id_8168918.html#

Is what got suggested to me, seems very popular on here and in gerneral. There is a review in my thread on here. Comparing the two specs, everything seems better on the BTWIN but then the Caynon is £40 cheaper

Cheers I will have a look into that

ChilledLJ said:
It's true specialized bikes are way underspecced in the Hardrock, rockhopper ranges compared to the likes of Canyon or halfords stuff. I would definitly look at that Canyon Yellowstone or even one of the Voodoo's from Halfords. The rockriders are well specced to.

One think to bear in mind is that all Specialized hardrock and Rockhopper 2013 models are 29ers

I was a little sceptical about anything from halfrauds but after reading this http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/category/bikes/mountain/product/review-voodoo-hoodoo-12-46194 followed by the glowing reviews in the comments below it Im liking the idea, however Im still set back by who builds it as every time Ive ever been in they never seem confident with bikes....