Which Specialised MTB??

I have the option of purchasing either a

Specialised Hardrock XC Pro-Disc ( http://www.specialized.com/gb/en/bc/...rdrock&eid=107 ) at £490

or a

Specialised Rockhopper Disc ( http://www.specialized.com/gb/en/bc/...=40638&eid=107 )at £590

is it worth spending the extra £100 on what appears to be the difference in frame (M4 manipulated alloy frame to A1 Aluminium) , derailleur (Deore to Alivio) and 27 instead of 24 speed????????????????

I like the look of both so would like your points of view please as I could spend the saved £100 on pedals and shoes or other accessories.

thanks

ILM

Are those two bikes your only two choices?

Do you really think you need disc brakes?

If you are planning to ride in the rain or through muck, then an 8-speed drivetrain may actually better in some ways because the muck is less likely to clog up the cogs while you are riding (you still need to clean everything after a messy ride) ... otherwise, 9-speed components (particularly, cassettes) are generally better than 8-speed components.

If you are riding in generally dry conditions, then disc brakes can probably be considered to be dead weight.

FWIW. Of the two bikes you mentioned, I would opt for the V-Brake version of the bike you prefer ... ride the bike for a month/season and then decide if you really want/need disc brakes BECAUSE you can retrofit disc brakes on the two bikes, but if you get the disc version, it appears that they won't have bosses to accept V-brakes.

If you feel you need disc brakes, you can begin with simply putting a disc brake on the front wheel (yes, you'll need a different hub).

FYI. Deore IS better than Alivio ... but, just as Deore is generally as functional as an LX/XT/XTR derailleur, Alivio is certainly as functional as the better components in the Shimano line-up ... most of the difference is in the weight & finish.

hi

we have a cycle to work scheme at a specific shop that limits the choice of bike, these were two that appealed to me. I have to admit that I wont be using it a lot for off road stuff, commuting really and I dont fancy a road bike with some of the roads I have to contend with along the way hence the choice in mountain bike.

I've always had V brakes and liked them, the problem is that when you get to £400> at the following bike shop ALL the MTB's have Disc Brakes. I don't know if I need them to be honest and they appear to be expensive to replace. The best/dearest MTB with V brakes is the Hardrock Comp 09 ( http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwP...c003155c002909 ) and yes, this link is from the store where I have to purchase the bike from which really does limit what I can get.
I'm happy to go up £600, any recommendations from this website??

thanks

I have to tell you I'm a REALLY BIG FAN of "Hybrid" bikes because they allow you to use any size tyre from 700x19 to 700x42.

So, just taking a quick glance at what your shop has I would recommend the Specialized Globe Vienna 2 (http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLqrymode.a4p?f%5FProductID=10253&f%5FFullProductVersion=1&f%5FSup ersetQRY=C105&f%5FSortOrderID=1&f%5Fbct=c003155c002910) which retails for £293.57 ... there are others which you may like better AFTER looking at the other "Hybrid" bikes which are available -- the Revolution Courier Nexus (£399.99) has an internally geared hub which is supposed to be pretty good (particularly, for commuting), but I don't have any first hand knowledge of how good-or-bad it is.

The Globe Vienna 3 (£342.50) has an alloy fork, and that is NOT a good idea, IMO.

The currently trendy (in some parts) 29ers are "Hybrids" which can accept larger 700x58 MTB-type tyres & Flat Bar bikes are "Hybrid" wannabees that generally have shorter wheelbases which are good for sportier riding (nothing wrong with that, of course) ...