Originally Posted by stapfam

If going offroad- with just the occasional foray onto roads then the Trek 4500 or Specialised Rockhopper are your best bets. If it mainly on road then one of the hybrids and go for the spec that suits, Then Test Ride. Of the two MTB's I suggested- I would go for the specialized but still test ride.

If you wanr a rant from me- I would look at the inhouse stuff fitted to the Treks. This is what I find lets them down - including the wheels. Specialised normally make a better-lighter bike but still the problem of Inhouse stuff but their inhouse is better than Treks. Gary Fisher are part of the Trek company and same inhouse problem as treks.

That is me being ultra picky but look for weight of the bike- look for comfort and see what the wallet can afford. If it was me-I would go for a Kona- or Bianchi- or Giant or ?