Mountain Biking - Which entry level clearance bike to get, Napa, Wahoo, Mamba, Tarpon, Nav200, 800Sport

Which would you choose?
Gary Fisher Napa (http://www.emerys.com/fisher/napa.htm): $370 > $339.95 (discounted price) > $289.95 ($50 coupon)
Gary Fisher Wahoo (http://www.mtbreview.com/reviews/2002_Hardtail/product_85158.shtml): $349.99 > $200 (coupon)
Gary Fisher Mamba (http://www.mtbreview.com/reviews/2002_Hardtail/product_85142.shtml): $199 > $179
Gary Fisher Tarpon (http://www.mtbreview.com/reviews/2003_hardtail/product_121344.shtml): $250 > $219.95 (discounted price) > $169.95 ($50 coupon) (15 minute drive, the rest of the bikes are about a 30 - 45 min. drive).
Trek Navigator 200 (http://www.roadbikereview.com/2002+Cruiser+Bike/Trek+Navigator+200/PRD_102904_4226crx.aspx): $330 > $299.95 (discounted price)> $249.95 ($50 coupon)
Trek 800 Sport (http://www.mtbreview.com/reviews/2002_Hardtail/product_85764.shtml): $250 > $199.95 (discounted price)> $149.95 ($50 coupon)
GT Aggressor 3.0 (http://www.getawaybikes.com/Detail.cfm?Categoryid=87&BrandID=1&ProductID=573&CFID=2251788&CFTOKEN=24288062): $329.95 > $229 (discounted) > $267.75 (shipping)


These are all pretty much 2002 models, being sold at a clearance price. I used to BMX 6 years ago, and would like to get into mountain biking. I don't want an awesome bike, just a good value, entry level bike to see how serious I am about it. If I get into the sport, I'll just hand this bike down to my brother and go for another bike. Of the bikes listed above, I'm really interested in the GF Wahoo. Any points of interest to point out for me? I'm totally new at this, read that the GF Genesis geometry is a bit weird. I tried out a few bikes, fit pretty well on 16.5" to 18" bikes. I'll be heading out on Friday morning to pick up a bike... LMK! Thanks for any insight!

Check some more prices and options here:
http://www.bikeswholesale.com/


Check reviews written by the actual riders on all of your options here:
http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/

Yeah some of the links I posted up were MTBR review sites. I was hoping someone could compare the bikes to me and to their relative costs since I'm new at all this.

I check the site you listed, the GT 2002 Agressor 3.0 will run me about $262.75 shipped. $229 for the bike itself and $33.75 for shipping. I'll have to do some partial / light assembly, but won't really have any place to take it to for service. However I've dealt with the GT brand before (Mach 1 BMX bike) and was very impressed with the feel of the bike, felt much more solid than my Mongoose Solution (aluminum framed BMX bike). In addition, of the bikes listed, I think this is the only one with an aluminum frame, though with shipping it does cost a bit more than the other 'deals'.

If I can go ahead and do pick up (a little over an hour drive) I can save on the shipping... =T... probably won't do that though. I guess for even $267.75 it's a pretty good deal on an aluminum GT bike...

The GT that was is no longer. They were bought from bankruptcy by Wal-Mart favorite Pacific. <shakes head>

Of the bikes you've listed, two are comfort bikes. Great for riding around the neighborhood, but not intended for regular riding off-road.

The Trek 800 is entry level and has no suspension and is steel.

Of all the bikes you've listed, I'd narrow it down to the GT or the Wahoo!

The Wahoo is the same price as the Tarpon as you've listed (if that's correct) and is the next level up. Has a slightly better fork and components..etc.

Get that one!

L8R

Found the GT for a cheaper price on EBAY, and it's from the same town in Ohio:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2715907933&category=27947

$202 + $33.75 = $235.75

If I were to get the Wahoo, I'd have to drive about 45 minutes each way and pay:
$200 + $17 (tax) = $217

Very close... what to do... is the 2002 Wahoo an aluminum frame bike? I keep reading that it's CrMo. I guess they switched to aluminum for 2003?

In the end:
GT Aggressor 3.0 ? speed, aluminum frame: $235.75 shipped.
Fisher Wahoo 24 speed, CrMo?: $217 and 45 minute drive each way.

If you make the drive, is it from a bike shop or just a supply house? If from a bike shop, I'd suggest making the drive. That way you'll have a warranty. If you buy on-line, NO WARRANTY! Plus, you don't have to go to the same shop you bought it from if there is a warranty problem.

BTW, don't know if the '02 is alum or chromo.

L8R

For the Wahoo, it'll be 45 min. to a bike shop.
For the Aggressor, it's an hour and a half to a supply house. If I were to order the GT, I'll probably just have it shipped.

Man I drive two hours to my lbs sometimes...45 minutes is nothing haha :)

Drive thee and get thee the Wahoo young man!

L8R

What's the reasoning behind that? =D... still deciding.
GT, nice frame, nostalgic reasons (BMX GT Mach 1) aluminum
GF, better components...