Specialized launched the Hardrock as a big-hitting freeride bike. Subsequently it was pressed into service as a downhill racer, and has had geometry tweaks and other changes to boost performance. For 2010 there have been more changes based on feedback from riders, making the new Hardrock an uncompromised downhill race bike.
Ride & handling: Built for speed and pushing your limits
A low bottom bracket means you won’t be pedalling through much gnarl, but that’s not really the point of the Hardrock – it’s built for corners and carrying speed. That’s not to say it’s not snappy out of turns, you just need to choose where to put the power down.
You’ll find yourself accelerating into rocky sections, confident the bike will see you through – the limit is your own bravery. A 1.125in head tube keeps things nice and stiff up front, while the nonexistent rear shock offers no adjustment and a bumpy ride, perfect for long downhill races.
This is a real racer’s bike. The whole package comes in at under 30lb and there’s nothing we’d change straight away. The Hardrock is ready to race now.
Frame: Redesigned with input from pro riders
The 2010 frame retains the Hardrocks's trademark look – it’s got a solid back end, but the frame is kept nice and thin in these parts for maximum flex. The top tube has been hydroformed unlike earlier models and the whole back end has a lower profile.
Specialized have also smoothed out the previously angular lines of the Hardrock to eliminate as many mud traps as possible. At rider's requests, the back end has been narrowed to improve clearance for chunky flat pedal shoes. It has a 1.125in head tube and no chainguide mounts.
Equipment: Race-ready straight off the shop floor
Speccing off-the-peg downhill bikes is always a challenge – racers tend to know what they like and like what they know. Specialized have gone for a pretty safe selection for the Hardrock, starting with a Suntour fork, which has preload adjustment and 10mm of nice, stiff travel.
The fork has a 1.125in steerer. There’s no tuning potential at the back – nice and simple for the avid racer. The transmission includes a custom chainset in black with a 36t ring.
Brakes are a lightly customised pair of cantilever rim brakes.
They are strengthened with gorilla glue and duck tape, making them some of the toughest brakes around, perfect for downhill. The wheels are Specialized hubs laced to custom rims.
They’re shod with Specialized Purgatory tires, which are fine, but you might prefer something you’re familiar with.
