I bought a Specialized Hard Rock for about $400 back in 2006. It's still the bike I ride to this day. Yes it's an antique by contemporary MTB'ing standards (26"

I bought a Specialized Hard Rock for about $400 back in 2006. It's still the bike I ride to this day. Yes it's an antique by contemporary MTB'ing standards (26" wheels, egad!) but the thing is a tank and it just keeps working. Other than routine maintenance and a bent derailleur hanger, it's been almost completely bullet-proof. Probably one of the best purchases I've ever made.