Smooth hound somehow appeals more to the female cyclists; though male like it too. Smooth hound isn't low end, but an 08 model is a 4 year old bike. The Link D8 has a more modern stiffer frame, so it essentially replaces the need for a diamond frame like the hound. Both are great bikes and you won't go wrong with either. The hound is cuter definitely and if that's what you're angling at, I say definitely go for the hound! Woof woof!