Somebody pointed out awhile ago that the base model Hardrock is 7-speed with FREEWHEEL. You need to go to the Hardrock Sport or Hardrock Sport Disc to get 8-speed with a CASSETTE gear system. Those bikes are out of your price range, though. The 4300 that you are considering is 8-speed cassette and within your price range. And it's from a cool shop that you like. Just get that. Good luck.