Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - quick and dirty-Specialized Hardrock or Diamondback Wildwood?

I am looking at buying another bike. Ive had a Specialized Hardrock (90s era) in the past and loved it after some minor mods to grips and tires. The same seller I purchased that one from a year ago has another Specialized of unknown lineage, and a DB Wildwood (http://lincoln.craigslist.org/bik/1188061839.html) but I know little about Diamondback other than they 'used' to be good bikes according to some.

This seller takes GREAT care of his stuff, so either way Id be getting an almost new bike-I just don't know enough about the DB. Its a comfort, vs. the Specialized MB geometry, im 265-but the MB position didn't bother me that much on the other one. Ill be commuting with it, around 7 mi one way, mostly pavement/street/trail. No Panniers, just a rack of some kind.

Thoughts? Ill get years on them if he emails me back-I know that would help.

Hardrock Ultra, late 90's era. What is the difference between the several hardrock flavors? BIkepedia just lists the hard specs with no commentary. The Sport that I used to own and the Ultra are listed there at 100.00 price difference, but no explanation of why.

components, primarily. Ultra was better equipped.

I am looking at buying another bike. Ive had a Specialized Hardrock (90s era) in the past and loved it after some minor mods to grips and tires. The same seller I purchased that one from a year ago has another Specialized of unknown lineage, and a DB Wildwood (http://lincoln.craigslist.org/bik/1188061839.html) but I know little about Diamondback other than they 'used' to be good bikes according to some.

This seller takes GREAT care of his stuff, so either way Id be getting an almost new bike-I just don't know enough about the DB. Its a comfort, vs. the Specialized MB geometry, im 265-but the MB position didn't bother me that much on the other one. Ill be commuting with it, around 7 mi one way, mostly pavement/street/trail. No Panniers, just a rack of some kind.

Thoughts? Ill get years on them if he emails me back-I know that would help.

Try both, see which one you like better. One thing to check though, if one of the bikes will accommodate a rear rack and fenders and the other will not, that will work better for commuting, if you need to take stuff with you. Commuter bikes often need fenders (in case of rain or wet roads) and full fenders work the best. Bikes with suspension forks can be jury rigged for a front fender, using heavy gauge AL wire or pipe strapping and a bolt, but not CF ones. You need the bracket at the back for a rack.

Thanks for the info. My other Specialized I used a Seatpost rack and slicks, with no fenders ( I was brave). To muddy the waters, the same guy also mentioned that he has a Cannondale, looks to be a 3.0 frame) which I have owned in the past as well. My old Canny would take a rear bolt on rack no problem, so for 150....do I go Specialized Ultra again, or Cannondale? Both frames are the right size, but one is Aluminum (Cannondale) and the other is Steel.

Heres a pic of his Cannondale. My other Specialized was purchased from him in almost new condition (it was a mid 90s and Mint!) so im not worried about either one physically, just which is the better overall bike, and is the Alum frame anything I should take into consideration being 265.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_owE8taVCo58/SiLJDeqJN_I/AAAAAAAABEI/WoGfuQ4dBvw/3k73pd3ocZZZZZZZZZ95v3089bc77ed141cc5.jpg

Don't sweat the frame at all. ;) The Canny or the Specialized would make a good ride, either one. The cannondale would be lighter, and the main factor here is which one fits you best? They will hahve some differences in geometry. The other factor is real simple......which one triggers the lust?

Im leaning towards the Cannondale because the current owner has already installed an adjustable stem so it rides more upright. That is an issue a bit, being a little heavier and it concentrating all around my midsection.

I got there and someone was looking at the cannondale and bought it. So....he had a GT Outpost new old stock, mid 90s and sold me that for 125. Cro Moly 18 speed, Tires still with the fuzzy's on them. Feels nice, though Ill have to put a set of semi slicks on there and a rear rack.