Mountain Biking - Rocky mountain decision

Hey guys could u assist me in choosing my first decent mountain bike. I am having a bar mitzvah soon and I am looking to spend around 700-900(at most) on a mountain bike although I may be able to get a bargain at L.L. Bean factory store(where i live) i am trying to decide between the grind and the flow. My first choice was the grind but i realized it had alivio. How much does that matter? also are there any other bikes you would reccomend?

Personally I would get the Flow. Decent bike with good parts. The EXR fork on the Grind is also much lower end then the dj2 on the Flow. I can't actually feel a difference between Alivio and Deore except that I believe Alivio is 8 spd while Deore is 9 spd. Of the two I am 99% sure I would grab the flow. :)

If you have a choice you may want to look at some other bikes. Rm tends to be overpriced. I know my Kona Roast was just about equal to last years flow and 500$ cheapet. Just something to think about.

any other reccomendations for a a different bike or would you vote for the grind(Its looking like I might not have enough for the flow unless I can find it for a deal)

What price range are you looking at?

less than 1000....but I would really like to get the best for my money I am only 13 and money doesnt come in easy for me(not old enough for real job). I looked at the 2003 rockhopper fsr today. It seemed like it might be better than the grind for me considering I also need to use the bike as transportation. Although I am interested in trail riding a little bit of freeride(nothing outrageously dangerous)

thank you

Which one felt better. Both are great bikes for decent prices. Also try the Kona Roast or Kona stuff (I assume you mean american pricing) Those are great bikes in that range,