Mountain Biking - trek 4900 versus gary fisher marlin

Hey guys, I'm a pretty big newbie when it comes to mountain bikes, but I'm trying to get into it. I spent most of today bouncing between bike shops looking for bikes that fit me (I'm 6'5)

The choices came out to be between a 21 inch gary figher marlin for 550 bucks and a trek 4900 22.5 inch for 460 bucks. The 4900 is cheaper because it is a 2004 while the gary fisher is a 2005.

Right now I'm leaning towards the 4900, but I'm wonder what all your opinions are on these two bikes. is 460 really a good deal or is 550 for the fisher better?

One thing to remember when comparing trek and gary fisher is that Trek owns Gary Fisher. So alot of there bikes at each level are very comparable to each other. It is kinda like comparing a chevy and a GMC truck. Both are made by GM and are basically the same truck. If i had to pick between the two I would go with the Trek, because it looks like the trek has a better fork. Everything else as far as i can see are almost the same. Fit and Comfort should also be a major factor that only you can answer.

How are the prices for the two? When I do decide to lean either way, should I hunt for better prices or are both of those prices pretty good from an LBS?

How are the prices for the two? When I do decide to lean either way, should I hunt for better prices or are both of those prices pretty good from an LBS?

The Marlin sounds a little high, but that is based solely off the only one I have seen which I think was 450 here for the 2005, same 21 inch also.

I went with the Marlin. It felt smoother after a few more test rides. Thanks for the help all! I went to a few different GF dealers and they were all asking 550 for it. So I ended up spending 550. At least I got 15% off a helmet.

Congrats on the new bike! When are you going to post some pics?