Mountain Biking - 09 Trek 4300 vs 08 Hardrock vs 08 Rockhopper

I just got back from the bike store and was shown three bikes in my price range. The 09 Trek 4300, the 08 specialized Hardrock and the 08 Specialized Rockhopper. Both the 4300 and the Hardrock had the disk brakes. I tested all of them out for a bit and liked all of them. I was just wondering if there was one that is obviously better than the other or if it was mostly just personal preference. Also, I don’t know much about the disk brakes so any info on that would be appreciated.

Just recently went through same situation...the specialized seemed to handle a bit better and was a more responsive ride...however, if your LBS sells Trek then they probably sell Gary Fishers as well. Take a look at the piranha and tassahara. Believe these bikes are in the same price range and are better equiped. Wife ended up chosing the piranha over the specialized...she actually didnt like the ride of the Trek...may just be her preference...i thought it rode alright. Anyway, fisher turned out to be a good climber and handles well...and for the price they were the best equipped bikes for the price at that level.

i like the piranha as well , out of the 3 you listed I'd take the rockhopper. the hardrock is for the younger crowd if that's you go for that, but anyone over 23 on a hardrock I just think what a dork.. the trek is good, you just need to swap some stuff immediatley like the tires seat and grips which are bad on those.

Thanks for the advice. Now what about the disk brakes vs the v brakes, because the Trek and Hardrock have the disk and the Rockhopper has the v brakes. Should I take that into consideration or is that not really too important?