Mountain Biking - Spec RH Pro or GF Tass

Looking at buying a new bike after being out of the sport for 12 years. Looking at $800 range.
Specialized Rockhopper Pro Disc 2007
Gary Fisher Tassajara disc 2008

Both are at $800. Spec is at a LBS 65mi away. GF is at LBS 15mi away.
Both have very comparable components. Yes, I tried them both and they are different but I can't tell which is more comfortable ect...

Is one frame better than the other? or is this a wash?

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=22174

http://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/model/tassajara/fullspecs

Generally speaking leftover models tend to be a better buy, for example the 2008 Pro Disk is listed on the link you posted as $1100. I'd assume a 2007 Pro is probably very similar to a 2008 Pro so you're basically getting $300 more bike "free". The MSRP of the GF is listed as $900, so you're getting $100 "free". I'm not familiar with these two bikes but typically big manufacturer bikes (Specialized and Trek in this case) in similar/same price ranges are fairly comparable. So knowing nothing of the bikes and your riding the best decision I could make is with the Specialized.

I suspect that there's nothing glaringly wrong with either bike.

The RH has the better fork, I like the Avid brakes better than the Shimano. So the Specialized gets my vote.

But...but...Specialized sucks, right?

Yes, and so do my skills!

I would probably go Specialized. Sweet color too!

If the LBS is a good one with good people you can count on,go with the GF. A good local shop will be a big help in the miles to come.

If the LBS is a good one with good people you can count on,go with the GF. A good local shop will be a big help in the miles to come.
I'd assume you could still use the LBS for parts and repairs, even if they don't sell Specialized. The only problem would be if you needed warrantee repair, you'd need to drive to the other LBS. But I'd think the chances of that would be pretty low.

Thanks for all the advice. I went for the Specialized Rockhopper Pro. The bike felt a bit more comfortable and the deal was hard to turn down, $760. The weather is starting to turn to spring so I will have to take it out on the single track and let you know how it performs.