MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
We will be in touch
I first started riding 2 years ago and i couldnt justify spending loads on a bike so i bought a Specialized Hardrock. Since then ive upgraded to a Giant Anthem X1. Is it worth upgrading my Hardrock frame? My mate started on the same bike and has recently purchased a Piglet frame and built with various components.
Paddy,
I started life on a hardrock. IMHO there is nothing wrong with the frame. Like most "built to a budget bikes" the componentry is probably not worth moving onto a better frame after a couple of years of abuse either. There are various specs of hardrock and each one varies from year-to-year too, so the bits I replaced on mine don't necessarily translate to yours.
First I replaced the forks (the suntour crap on mine was dreadful). Put some recons on it.
At the same time I replaced the brakes (cable disk breaks were OK, but hydraulics were much better).
The integrated shifters and breaks meant I then needed to put new shifters on it and at the same time I replaced the rear mech.
Sometime later I put wider bars on it.
I've also had to replace the front mech, headset, bottom bracket, a chainring, and the chain due to general wear, tear and abuse over about 5 years.
If I was sticking with it I would probably have been looking for better (lighter) wheels as an upgrade. I've now gone to full suss for real mtb stuff and the bike has been relegated to commuter bike (its only 2 miles by short route - or 5ish if I go off road). The old bike now needs (1) New saddle [crash damage]; (2) at least new bearings in the front hub. At some point in the not too distant future it will need (3) a new cassette as it is quite worn [I may single speed it].
After all that is done almost the only thing that will be left from the original is the frame! Moving your old, part worn probably low spec components onto a new frame would seem to be pointless unless you like building bikes from bits around the garage.
If you like how the frame rides, then stick with it - unless you can find something with *identical* geo.
My frame is from 2000, forks from 2005, yet hubs and gearing from 2011.
if you want an idea for upgrades, I'm selling my hardrock at the mo. The only thing that is HR is the frame....I bought a frameset and everything else came later.
Hope it helps.
http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/custom-specialized-hardrock