Specialized Hardrock has a big history, dating from the 80s, here is my review for Specialized Hardrock 2010, after using the bicycle for almost a year.
Since the 80s, Specialized has engineered the Hardrock model, along Rockhopper and Stumpjumper (the more advanced and pricy models), Hardrock using the most entry level components, but at the same time being a reliable bicycle.
Hardrock is in general the model designed for going around the city or on light trails.
I bought a black silver Specialized Hardrock last winter, in a very poor condition.
The brakes were not working, it has not been serviced probably since it was bought as new, so it was very dirty overall and in a pretty bad shape.
In the meantime I’ve made also some upgrades.
Let’s talk about the basic stuff about this 26 inches bicycle.
Specialized Hardrock 2010 weight
The bicycle feels very light, with the stock components, it weights about 12.5kg (XL version, 21 inches, big frame)
It is pretty light for an MTB.
The main advantage of this bicycle is that because it’s so light and has 26 inches wheels, it is a great city bike.
It is light, easy to carry around and also has great acceleration because of the 26 inches wheels.
The “Fast Trak” tires are indeed very fast.
Specialized Hardrock 2010 specs
Here is a list with all the components of this bicycle.
Fork: SR Suntour XCT V2, 80mm travel, no lockout option, one coil on one arm, just adjustable travel knob.
Rims: Alex Z-1000 rims, 26 inches, single wall.
Tires: Specialized Fast Trak, 26 x 2.0 (very fast and durable tires, in my case, they haven’t been replaced in 11 years and they still work great).
Stem: 90mm stem with 15 degrees angle, 25.4mm, 2 bolts.
Handlebar: 640mm handlebar with 32mm rise, 8 degree back sweep, 6 degree up sweep.
Chain: KMC Z7 (7 speed chain), 106 links (not including the quick-links, 108 links in total)
Brakes: V-brakes, I think they are Promax, very reliable, comparable to hydraulic disc brakes in terms of braking power.
Bottom bracket: square taper, 68mm, probably 118mm + spindle (but I’m not 100% sure).
Crankset / Chainrings: SR Suntour XCT V2, square taper spline, 42 x 32 x 22, 175mm length arms.
Not easy to find a similar crankset in 2021, with the same specs, as this model is pretty old.
Probably it has a 47.5mm chain line (not 100% sure).
Cassette: SRAM PG-730, 7-speed, 11-32t
Front derailleur: Shimano Altus (3 speed)
Rear derailleur: SRAM X4 (7 speed)
Shift levers: SRAM X3-R triggers (very durable and comfortable to use)
Gripps: 131mm length, Specialized Enduro (still going well after 11 years).
Saddle: Specialized XC, very comfortable, durable and fast.
Seatpost: 2 bolts, 30.9mm, I think it is Promax.
Plastic pedals, very durable.
Specialized Hardrock 2010 Sport disc model?
Besides the basic model with V-brakes, Specialized has also released in 2010 the model called “Disc Sport”, being the exact same model, except that it has mechanical disk brakes.
All the other components are the same.
Opinions about the bicycle after using it for one year
If you have used recently a 27.5 inches or 29 inches bicycle, it will feel a bit odd to return a 26 inches bicycle.
It feels small, the position is not that high.
However, as I mentioned in the beginning, the bicycle is light and offers great acceleration, making it fun, especially when descending.
What I like the most about it, is that it feels like it’s a fun bicycle, very well engineered, flawless in some aspects.
It never gives you the feeling that it’s a cheap product.
The brakes are very powerful, I would compare the braking power to my MT-200 hydraulic brakes from my 29 inches modern bicycle.
All the components still work great after 11 years, after being cleaned.
The design
As every Specialized bicycle, the Hardrock 2010 looks exquisite.
The paint is very glossy, in 2021, going around the city with this bicycle will surely attract views.
One of the main thing I like about Specialized is their attention to detail, how their bicycle look.
Even those from the 80s and 90s still look great in 2021.
Pros, cons, final conclusion
Pros: reliable components, very light MTB, very fast acceleration, overall very well made.
Cons: slow top cruising speed, because it’s a 26 inches bicycle, poor fork, one coil, offers very small travel.
After 11 years, I had to replace the chain, the crankset and the cassette.
With a minimum investment of about 70$, I bought the replacement components and the transmission works great at this time.
Lower position, the frame is old-school, with non-agrressive horizontal angles.
If you are a very tall person, this bicycle might not be for you.
The final conclusion is that if you have a big budget, go for a Rockhopper or a Stumpjumper (those are amazing).
However, if you want a very cheap MTB for a project, to have fun, or a normal daily bike, a Specialized Hardrock 2010 can be a great choice.
I would recommend this bike for casual riding, and especially for a city bike.