Mountain Biking - Noob to bikes... Need help deciding which to buy...

Which better?

Trek 4300
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/mountain_hardtail/4_series/4300/

or

Specialized HardRock Sport
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=32576

Thanks :)

Specialized Hardrock Comp Disc. I'm biased. ;)

It's worth saving for, if you have to do that.

But if not, get the Spec'd that you can get.

Specialized Hardrock Comp Disc. I'm biased. ;)

It's worth saving for, if you have to do that.

But if not, get the Spec'd that you can get.

x2

I vote for the Trek 4300 Disk but I'm biased as well. Whatever you get, you should get it with disk brakes, they're just cooler.

you should get it with disk brakes, they're just cooler.

No. Low end mechs are garbage. The V's will stop just as well, and you'll get better components with them since those crappy mechs cost more money.



However, you could get the disc version and then buy BB7s as an upgrade. Also, Specialized.

However, you could get the disc version and then buy BB7s as an upgrade. Also, Specialized.

That's what I did.

Normally i would start this post off by making fun of your canadian funny money but U.S. economy is a piece...

Go for the hardrock disc.

the hardrock has a more agressvie feel/frame than the trek.

Rim brakes will be fine.

Normally i would start this post off by making fun of your canadian funny money but U.S. economy is a piece...

Go for the hardrock disc.

CADs are like 97 cents now.....

No. Low end mechs are garbage. The V's will stop just as well, and you'll get better components with them since those crappy mechs cost more money.

Really? Avid mechanicals are garbage?

(Have you checked the Hardrock Comp Disc component list?)

The spec for this bike reads:
============
Frameset
Size: 17" FRAME / STAND-OVER 30.9"
Color: SILVER / BLUE
Frame: 6061 DOUBLE-BUTTED ALUMINUM, HYDROFORMED GUSSET, WITH DISC AND RACK/ FENDER MOUNTS
Front Suspension: ROCKSHOX DART 1 W/ADJUSTABLE PRELOAD, 80MM TRAVEL
Wheels
Rims: WTB SPEEDDISC 559X17, 541ERD, 24MM, PRESTA VALVES
Hubs: JOYTECH ALLOY QR DISC 32H
Spokes: 14G STAINLESS STEEL
Tires: KENDA K890 26X2.1"
Drivetrain
Speed: 27
Shifters: SHIMANO DEORE SL-M511
Front Derailleur: SHIMANO ALIVIO FD-M410
Rear Derailleur: SHIMANO DEORE RD-M531
Crankset: TRUVATIV ISOFLOW ALUMINUM TRIPLE 22/32/42T
Bottom Bracket: VP SEALED CARTRIDGE
Cassete: SRAM PG950, 34-11T, 9 SPEED
Chain: SHIMANO HG73
Pedals: ALLOY PLATFORM
Components
Saddle: WTB PURE V SPORT
Seat Post: ALLOY 30.8X350MM, ADJUST WITH QUICK RELEASE
Handlebar: MTB �ALLOY 600MM
Stem: MA � ALLOY 105MM
Grips: WTB MOTO W175
Brake Set: HAYES MX2 MECHANICAL, 6"� ROTORS
Brake Levers: TEKTRO ALLOY
Extras: PRESTA VALVES, CATEYE REFLECTOR SET, WATER BOTTLE MOUNT, STORAGE RACK & FENDER MOUNTS CLEAR COAT PAINT FINISH AND OWNERS MANUAL
========
This costs me around $320 online, minus shipping & Taxes

LBS guys too agree that the specs are good and they can't provide anything closer for that price!
The hindrance is that it's "unknown"...no one has heard about it (except couple of threads on mtbr)
Should I still go for it!?

Really? Avid mechanicals are garbage?

(Have you checked the Hardrock Comp Disc component list?)

Ewps. I assumed they were generic Tektro trash.





Get the Specialized.

QUOTE "No. Low end mechs are garbage. The V's will stop just as well, and you'll get better components with them since those crappy mechs cost more money."


Oh I don't know, My brakes have been working damn well for me. I suppose if and when they do fail, I'll upgrade.


And in reality, both of the bikes you're looking at are pretty much equal. Pick the one you like, I don't think you can go wrong with either.

QUOTE
And in reality, both of the bikes you're looking at are pretty much equal. Pick the one you like, I don't think you can go wrong with either.


I'd agree, it's what feels more comfortable under you - not what people say. I love my 4300 Disc though.

-Roger