Mountain Biking - Help a noob decide on a new MTB???

Hey all, been lurking for a while and need some help deciding on a new ride.
I'm going for a hardtail MTB and I've got it narrowed down to 2 maybe 3 bikes.

First: '08 Trek 6000 series (either 6000 or 6500)

Second: '06 Trek Police Version (slightly used and a good deal $500)

Third: '07 Fuji Police Special (found some discontinued models while researching the Trek for $575)

One question is: Since I will be using these bikes the way the police versions were intended (more upright position, city streets with occasional park/dirt trail) am I better off getting one of those? Or will any of the 3 be just fine?

Also since the Police bikes were originally priced higher, are they spec'd any better than the 6000 series?
I know higher price doesn't necessarily mean better, but just want to make sure before I pass on the deal. Which has the better components?

Specs for the models are here:
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/mountain_hardtail/6_series/6000/
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2006/archive/policebike
http://www.fujibikes.com/2007/bikes.asp?id=320

Another question I have is on the size. I'm 5'6"-5'7" @ 185 with a 29-30 inseam.
The '08 Treks come in 15.5 or 17.5. The used '06 Trek is a 15.5. The discontinued '07 Fuji is 17"
I went to the LBS and rode the Trek 6000's but not the Police versions. The 15.5 felt slightly cramped, the 17.5 felt slightly better, and I tried an 18" just for arguments sake and it was too high.
My problem is I rode the 2 bikes so much that after a while I hardly noticed a big difference. I actually got frustrated and left. I basically figured I'm in between sizes and can go either way.

So,
Is the '06 Trek police bike the better bike and too good a deal to pass? Should I suck it up even if its a little cramped?
Should I just get one of the '08 Trek 6000's in 17.5?
Or is the Fuji in 17" the better of the 3, and too good a deal to miss?

I'm leaning towards the '08 Treks but which models is the better way to go? 6000 or 6500 (does the 65 warrant the extra money?)

I'm sorry its long winded but any help/opinions are appreciated...I want to ride already

Generally with the Trek range, the higher model you get, the better parts you are getting for your buck. Its a good system, you just get the best Trek you can afford.

If it is possible to test ride these bikes, whether they all be at the same store or not, go for it. I wouldn't settle for the '06 Trek police bike if you think its a little cramped...in fact don't settle for a bike if it doesn't fit you.

The 6500 is a nice bike, and the '08's are really nice. Just get out an test ride some.

:)

Thanks for the info.
Unfortunately the '06 Trek and '07 Fuji are out of state so I can't ride them. I did however ride both the 6000 and 6500, but like I said I went back and forth between models and sizes that they all felt the same after a couple of hours. (probably those damn uncomfortable seats!) plus I really can't tell the difference between what component performs better than the other and if its worth paying more.
Maybe someone has a comparison between 6000 & 6500 with pros/cons?

Thats why I'm wondering if someone with experience knows if the parts/components are that much better on the 6500 over the 6000 or is there only a negligible difference that would go unnoticed to a newb.
Same thing on the police bikes, I know they use better quality components, but if they are not better than what I can readily buy at the LBS, I'll pass.

I like the 6500, actually have put 500 miles or so road biking it, with street tires of course;) I have an 2006 6500.

Unfortunately after a recent trip it became damaged during shipping, so I replaced it with a Cannondale F5, personally I like the F5 ride much much better (off road, haven't put the street tires on it for riding the road). It fits me better, plus the sram rear derailer just shifts instantly compared to the shimano counterparts on the trek. Overall, besides going through the hassle of the shipping claim for the 6500, I'm glad I got a second chance at another bike.

HOWEVER, if you're gonna do alot of road riding, that lockout on the 6500 was very nice to have! My 6500 is still ride-able, I'm replacing the damaged rear-wheel, and the only other real damage is the rear triangles are pinched in by about a 1/4". If you're looking for a 21" frame I'll give you a heck of a deal!

It fits me better, plus the sram rear derailer just shifts instantly compared to the shimano counterparts on the trek.

Funny thing though, the '08 trek 6000 seems to have the sram sx5 derailleur like your cannondale and the 6500 comes with the deore lx

Go for the 6000! ;)

I noticed some votes for the Fuji Police bike in the poll.
Any reasons why? (for those that voted for it)

probably a vote against trek at least that's my guess

lol, I guess they think anything as long as its not trek...