Mountain Biking - Norco Bush Pilot or Marin Bobcat???

So I narrowed my bikes down to the following two. I haven't taken a test ride yet because I didn't have any ID with me at the time and the bike shop said it was a management policy to provide a drivers license and credit card before I take the bike out.

Anyways, I sat on both bikes in the store and just did a quick tour. Both felt really good.

So which one of the bikes would you say has a better reputation. The Norco is selling for $500 and the Marin is selling for $650. These are in Canadian dollars.

Thoughts anyone?

Norco - It's Canadian :)

Actually, I own a Marin Palisades Trail and a Norco Charger and they're both excellent bikes. Actually, the MSRP on the Marin is C$600 so you should be able to squeeze them down a bit. Main difference I saw is the Norco is V-Brake and the Marin mechanical disc, so depending on what kind of riding and future upgrades you may want to do this is a huge difference between the bikes.

Mech.

Norco - It's Canadian :)

Actually, I own a Marin Palisades Trail and a Norco Charger and they're both excellent bikes. Actually, the MSRP on the Marin is C$600 so you should be able to squeeze them down a bit. Main difference I saw is the Norco is V-Brake and the Marin mechanical disc, so depending on what kind of riding and future upgrades you may want to do this is a huge difference between the bikes.

Mech.

I'm doing about 80% street riding and 20% off road. I thought disc brakes were supposed to be better? Can you tell me what the difference between V-brake and disc brake is?

I liked the Marin cause it looked damn cool with the narrow frame. However, I'm not sure how sturdy that is?

I'm partial to Marin.

The frame is very strong, which should be fine according to the riding you described.

I'm doing about 80% street riding and 20% off road. I thought disc brakes were supposed to be better? Can you tell me what the difference between V-brake and disc brake is?

I liked the Marin cause it looked damn cool with the narrow frame. However, I'm not sure how sturdy that is?

The Marin might be more up your alley, the Norco is built a little more aggressive and might be a bit heavier, whilst the Marin is more suited for easy going XC and road (although don't get me wrong, the Marin will easily take the same kind of beating as the Norco - my 93' Marin has an even skinnier frame (steel) and has taken a huge beating no probs).

Discs are better then V for the most part, especially if you find yourself riding through pouring rain, deep puddles and some mud also discs also allow for out of true wheels without losing braking power. I've just started riding discs and they are definitley a huge improvement !