Mountain Biking - Rockhopper Comp Disc vs. Fuel 70

I don't know much about bikes and after searching for a month, I decide between the 06' Rockhopper Comp Disc and the 06' Trek Fuel 70. They both cost less than $1k and the Rockhopper is an hardtail while the Fuel is an full suspension bike. The weight is about the same, but I can't decide please help!!!!

Is the Fuel Disk? I know the earlier models were or werent then they switched or something.
Id go with the Rockhopper though.

I'd go with the Rockhopper Comp Disc since you are starting out, a hardtail is a much better investment at the same price. FS also causes bad habits on people starting out, you'll become a better, more active, less lazy rider in the end if you start on a hardtail and if you'll do any kind of dirt jumps and small drops, a hardtail will teach you how to land correctly (HTs are less forgiving than FS on jumps and drops) which will be a valuable skill when you get into more serious stuff.

Besides, the Rockhopper probably has better components (J2 against RS Tora, mechanical Shimano against the BB5/7 on the Comp disc) and overall i think it would be a better beginner bike than a FS like the Fuel 70.

Both nice bikes, the real question is: Do you want a hardtail or full-suspension?

I wanted to spend about 1k and was facing a similiar situation. I went hardtail, because although I used to be pretty into riding, it was 7 years ago and I wanted to regain my savvy on a hardtail before I plow over everything with a FS. Besides, my old bike was full-rigid, so even the front-suspension on my hardtail is feeling plush! :)

i have an '05 rock hopper comp disc and i really like it. it feels like it has no trouble handling my 220lb body, although being a hardtail it is rough at times. and it is heavy. +30 lbs i think. i know trek makes good stuff too, so you'll have to ride both and see which one calls to you louder.

When i was looking around for my new bike a few years ago, i had the choice between a Fuel 80, and my Cannondale F600. Both the same price, Cannondale was much lighter, better components. The Fuel really appealed to me because it was dual suspension. After careful thought, i choose the Cannondale.

I'm so glad i chose the hardtail!

Moral of the story i guess is dont be impressed with a bike because it's a full suspension.

Tough call! I know several MTBers that just changed over to dual suspension and love it. But none of them purchased a base line dual suspension MTB like the Fuel 70. All I can recommend is, be sure to consider the weight of both bikes. BTW, I like my basic Rockhopper and recommend that frame, (but I just purchased a 05 FSR XC Comp). Good luck with your decision.

I don't get why you are choosing between a Fuel 70 and a Rockhopper Comp Disc because they are different bikes...one is a FS and the other is not...Fuel 70 is the cheapest Trek FS XC bike there is
The rockhooper comp disc is USD $880,,,,Rockhopper is the second lowest end in Hardtail of Specialized...cheapest is Hardrock

The parts as in drivetrain, brakes is better on the Rockhopper as trek is about the same price but giving you a FS bike...the trek have Shimano brakes where the rockhoppper have Avid which is the best wire brake you will ever get...the trek uses SRAM VS rockhopper Shimano...

I can't say which one is better as they are different bikes