Mountain Biking - Question on specs on some entry-level bikes.

I'm new to the sport. I race mx on a quad and recently had an accident, broke 3 ribs and collapsed both lungs. My doc wants me to start riding bikes some as therapy for my lungs and body. I have buds that ride some and I've thought about it and I think I want to get into it altogether for a new hobby.

My budget is around 3 bills. I want a full susp. setup but can't afford it. Is the hardtail sufficient for decent trailing and downhilling? My local shop has the following that fit in my budget currently:


Trek 3700
Specialized Hardrock XC
Trek 4100
Specialized Hardrock Sport


I realize there are 2 different levels there, but I'm having a hard time justifying the difference in the levels.

The Specialized XC uses an 80mm fork, the Sport uses a 100mm RST fork and the Trek 3700 uses an inferior RST fork and the 4100 has an InSync fork. Both Treks and the XC have 21 speeds and the Sport has 24 speeds, but I like the EZ Fire system on the Trek, seems easier to get used to.

I just wanted some opinions on longevity and ability for me to learn and still have fun on in the future. I will never be at the point that I will pay 3k for a bike, but I'm sure I'll have a need or want to upgrade some as that's what I do with every other hobby.

Is the 3700 or Hardrock XC a good enough starter or will the benefits of the 4100 or Sport be the bare minimum? Also, what's the better setup the Trek or the Specialized.

I'm sure this question is asked way too much and I searched around and read some posts but couldn't really find exactly what I was looking for.

Thanks,
Scott

your best bet is to go with the specialized hardrock sport.
i do 4-6 foot drop offs on a hardtail, so yes a hardtail is fine. and i no a lot of people on these forums probably do a lot more then that on a hardtail.

Go with the specialized hardrock sport, then later down the road wen u get into the sport more, look on e-bay or look around for a last years model fork and get a good deal.

either that or save up a lil more money and get a lil better bike.
trek seems to be more expensive, but i like the feel of their bikes a lot. not too much of a difference in the bikes your talking about.

i answered your questions, but this is what i think you should do.
save up $50 and get a trek 4300, or get the hardrock sport if you really want it.
a year later swap out the fork if u feel the need to.

I just found several brand new, still in box, GT Aggressor 3.0 bikes for sale for around $150 that are sized right for me. Would this bike be somewhat on the same level as the hardrock sport and/or be a suitable entry bike?

I'm not concerned with the longevity of the company or a few years down the road at this time, I'm more concerned with getting a bike that I can get started with.

Thanks for your reply mayor, it makes sense. I'm gonna head down to the shop first thing Tues. and get to goin on that, unless this GT thing pans out.

Later.
Scott