Hardrock Sport in action

At the last Specialized Challenge ride we took the Hardrock Sport Women's Disc for a spin round the Women's Challenge course, mainly because riders who registered for the women's ride were entered into a competition to win one. There's still time to register and win the bike, register at www.specializedchallengeseries.co.uk

Over the last few years we've ridden a selection of Hardrock bikes from small men's bikes to the newer women specific models, the 2007 Hardrock Sport Women's Disc is the best of the bunch so far. Why? Well we appreciate the women specific geometry alleviating stretch to the handlebars and allowing us to sit comfortably in a more upright position. This is definitely a sensible riding position for women new to riding, and those not looking for a race only mountain bike. The standover height of the top tube is super low, giving plenty of space for the rider for getting on and off as well as when stood over the bike. The sizing is specific for women riders and takes into account the issues smaller women face when buying bikes.

Components

For the budget price of £369 you wouldn't expect race ready components, but we were pleased to see 100mm travel forks, the RST Gila Plus T7 with preload adjustment for rider weight. The groupset is Shimano with Acera topping out the billing for the derailleurs. The disc hubs are M65L built onto Specialized/Alex HRD 26 double walled rims. Brake levers are adjustable to enable a shorter reach, ideal for smaller hands and fingers. The brakes are Shimano 415 mechanic discs with 6” rotors for good stopping power even in the wet. A female specific Specialized Body Geometry saddle with plenty of padding for a comfy bottom.

Frame

It's good to see features from the higher end bikes in the Designs For Women range of bikes have filtered down to the bikes aimed at beginners and novice women riders. The frame is A1 Premium Aluminum tubing with Designs for Women geometry, featuring a double butted low standover toptube. The frame is tig-welded with an externally relieved head tube which means that effort has gone into keeping the frame weight down without compromising on stiffness or performance.

Verdict You can't really moan about anything on the Hardrock Sport Women's Disc for this price tag, it's not the lightest bike we've ridden but then you would have to spend another £150 to notice the difference. The spec is solid and pleasantly ridable, well chosen for nivice riders who want reliable kit and a comfy ride. Rider position is good with comfort in prime spot and performance not compromised by that at all. Reach for the bars is good, and sizing is sensible and oriented to give shorter women a good choice too. Price: £369 Website: www.specialized.co.uk Colours: Blue Sizes: S, M, L