Mountain Biking - Specialized vs Giant vs Trek

I am new to this and I really dont understand all the geomety and what parts are what.
these are the 3 bikes I have narrowed it down to can you guys please help me and tell me what is going to be the most bang for my buck. these are all the low end bikes but at this point its all I can afford.
first we have the
04 Hardrock Sport (http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?minisite=10080&spid=5970)
then the
Gaint Boulder SE (http://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.000.asp?dealerid=&dealercountry=&lYear=2004&bikesection=8841&range=145&model=10765)
and finaly
Trek 4300 (http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/mountain/4300.jsp)
thanks for your help in advance.

whats your budget? Out of those I would pick the specialized, It seems like a better deal than the trek and it comes with better components than the giant.

You could try buying used. Im sure there are great deals on e-bay for $350 or under.

Do you climb a lot? Get the one with the shorter chain stay (part of the frame from the bottom bracket to the rear drop out.) Short chain stays climb better.

Do you descend a lot on fire roads? Get the one with the longer chain stay.

Assess the difference in top tube length too. Get the one that fits your torso the best. That is a biggy right there.

I agree with forum*rider. Once you have a handle on the geometry thang like chain stay length, top tube length, head tube angle, seat tube angle ...then go to ebay and buy a ride that retailed for twice the price your willing to pay right now on a new off-the-floor bike. You'll be psyched you took the extra time to learn about geometry. You'll be really psyched with how far your money will go on a used bike.

A good local bike shop will "fit you" (calculate the ideal top tube length and so forth) for a nominal fee. Or you can go the cheapy route and pretend that you're buying one of their bikes for the purpose of getting a fit and learning something about geomtry. But remember, you LBS is prolly gonna be fixing your bike. So I recommend the former over the latter. Besides, it's kewl to support the local LBS where you can afford to.

Having said that... Subscribe to a few mail order bike company catalouges. They offer closeouts and other various deals. Colorado Cyclist, Excel Sport, Supergo ...many more. You'll need shoes, pedals, saddle because many people keep their saddle and peddles when offering their bike for sale.

My budget is around $300-$350. I guess i am just looking for the best all around bike out of these 3 cause I would like to buy it this weekend. I want to use it for about 6 months to a year and then upgrade into something nice with a dual suspension cause i really liked the way those feel on the trail. So out of those 3 what would you guys pick

I'd go with the Specialized.

CHEERS.

Mark

I'd go with the Specialized.

CHEERS.

Mark

Good call

I'd go with the Specialized.

CHEERS.

Mark


Agreed!

However, I will add what I'm sure everyone is expecting me to respond with!

GO TEST RIDE ALL THREE BIKES! Numerous times, even if this means going to different shops back and forth and back and forth. It's your money, test ride the bikes until you absolutely know which one is the best fit and you'll be most comfortable on.

DON't worry about which has a better fork or a better derailleur. At this price point the differences in components is miniscule. REALLY! I've been in the bike industry for close to 20 years. The differences are frame geometry, decals and paint!

If the one that costs $20 more is the one you are most comfortable on, SPEND THE $20 extra dollars. This is hopefully a bike you'll have for at least a couple of years. Let's see 365 *2 = 730. $20/730 =.027 per day! Spend the $20!

Now, if you really can't decide between the three, buy the one that comes from the better shop. Your bike shop is a place where you'll want to establish a good relation with the owner, mechanics, sales people (in many shops these are all one person). Find out who'll treat you best. Who has organized rides. Who is involved in racing (if you might get into that)....etc.

L8R

I would also vote for the Specialized... we sell a lot of these bikes and they are very solid for the money, with a decent fork and good components overall. I don't sell Giant though so I am not qualified to really disqualify the Boulder... I am sure the Giant is pretty solid too as they have a good reputation. The Hardrock is going to have more aggressive geometry so it won't be the best climber but that can be partially remedied with a longer stem.

I have one complaint about Giant's sizing. Their Small, Medium, Large sizing doesnt always fit everyone. I fall between the medium and the large. Take it for a ride and see if it fits.

Well I ordered the Specialized today :) it should be here by this weekend

good choice! Have fun riding!

Well I ordered the Specialized today :) it should be here by this weekend

Good choice, I have the 03 hardrock. I have an estimated 2000-2500 miles on it and it has held up very well. Almost all of the miles are on the road and I just started mountain biking, but it seems solid off-road