Mountain Biking - Fuji Nevada 2005 - Opinions please

Hi I'm a newbie considering purchasing a bike for street & some offroad capabilities.

I like the look of the Fuji Nevada,
http://www.fujibikes.com/2005/bikes.asp?id=47

Can anyone advise on this, as to whether its a good starter bike & how the specs compare versus a Trek 3900 or a Giant Rock SE or Boulder ?

Apologies for my complete lack of knowledge in this area - thats why I'm asking for your expert opinion.

thanks.

If anyone needs a link for comparison of the bikes,
the Trek 3900 is here;
http://www.trekbike.co.uk/2006/?sec=overview&MainCatID=2&SubCatID=8&RangeID=0&ID=210#

and the Giants are here;
Rock SE
http://www.giant-bicycle.com/uk/030.000.000/030.000.000.asp?model=10210
Boulder
http://www.giant-bicycle.com/uk/030.000.000/030.000.000.asp?model=10211

As I really don't know the technicalities of it all, I would much appreciate if anyone could give their opinion on the pros & cons of the different bikes & their specs.

well i have a nevada 04 and its holding up well. definately an entry level ride tho. one thing: very bulky 1pc. shifter / brake combo

Have you test ridden any of the bikes you've mentioned? Also did you read the FAQ's at the top of the main section?

I've had a quick ride round the car park beside the bike shop on all of them. They all seemed similar enough, but I liked the Nevada straight away, it felt better than the others I though & IMO it looks great.

Had a glance through the FAQ, seems to advise a hardtail for starters, so I think I'm going the right way.
Raiyn - Just spotted the piece about 80% feel 20% everything else - in that case it seems like the Nevada wins.

Anyway, if anyone has ridden both or can give me some info on whether the components are similar, or if theres a big difference on these bikes, I'd really like to hear it.

Thanks.

my 99' fuji has held up quite well. Been on the trek as well as the fuji, i too like the way the fuji rides, and i fell comfortable buying a fuji because my own has served me well.

I've had a quick ride round the car park beside the bike shop on all of them. They all seemed similar enough, but I liked the Nevada straight away, it felt better than the others I though & IMO it looks great.

Had a glance through the FAQ, seems to advise a hardtail for starters, so I think I'm going the right way.
Raiyn - Just spotted the piece about 80% feel 20% everything else - in that case it seems like the Nevada wins.

Anyway, if anyone has ridden both or can give me some info on whether the components are similar, or if theres a big difference on these bikes, I'd really like to hear it.

Thanks.
The differences at this pricepoint are minor. You may get a slightly better bit in one area but you'll pay for it in another. Fuji makes a decent bike and since you like the way it feels it's certainly got a leg up in the contest.