Mountain Biking - Trek vs. Specialized vs. Cannondale vs. other

So I'm wondering wether it's worth trying to fix up my Schwinn Moab or if I should sell it and try to get something better. It has Rock Shox, Mavic rims, bald tires, and Shimano Avid components.

I have a Trek dealer close by and I would want to buy local so I can get a bike that fits. The Trek 4300 Disc (http://bikesplus.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&id=412) is about 500. That as much if not more than I want to spend. So, is the Trek good or should I look for another dealer?


Thanks again

do you mean shimano alivo? or avid brakes? i would probably just stay with your bike, since that trek only comes with maybe a nicer frame, same derailleurs, if not worse, and most people here would say rockshox>rst, since rst...not many people like because of their placement on low quality bikes.

What year is your Moab? What needs replacing on it?

It needs new tires and the Rock Shox rebuilt/thrown-away. Also it seems there isn't enough travel in them(about 2 inches) for what I do. As to the year I'd guess 2000 or thereabouts.

Oh, and the brakes are Avid and the gear shifter/gears are Shimano Daore XT.

You could look here for a fork.
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/sub/138-Forks.aspx
If everything else is in good working order a new fork could save you some cash.

Any idea what a good fork would be? How hard would it be to put one in?

I have a 99 moab disk, except for the shock, it's a great bike. You should look into replacing it. Go get a fox or one of the new roxshox......

As far as price is it definitely 'you get what you pay for'? I checked out JensonUSA and got lost looking at the hundreds of forks available. Are all brands pretty much equal in the same price range?

I'd prefer adjustable and maybe with a little more travel than the one I have now. I read that getting a fork with too much traveol can put to much stress on the frame. True?

Sorry for all the questions, but It's definetely a help.