Mountain Biking - Motobecane Vs. Specialized?

Hello all, I am a newbie here and this is my first post. The main reason I joined is to share my passion for bicycling. I also joined to learn and help out where I can, I know a lot about BMX and not as much about mountain biking which I have a specific question about.

You see I have to make a choice between a Motobecane Phantom Comp DS and a Specialized Rockhopper Comp.

I am more attracted to the Motobecane because of the full suspension although the Specialized is in better condition. I don't know a whole lot about the components but I think the Motobecane has slightly nicer components although it would need some minor repairs to get it riding to it's full potential.


Here is a list of the components on each bicycle...

Motobecane Phantom Comp DS:
-Pilot Rock Shox(front)
-Air Rock Shox(rear)
-WTB Speed Disc rims
-Ritchey Comp headset
-WTB handlebars
-TruVativ isoflow cranks
-ProMax disc brakes
-Shimano Deore shifters
-Ritchey seatpost
-WTB seat

Specialized Rockhopper Comp:
-Tora front suspension
-Specialized Alex rims
-Specialized headset
-Specialized handlebars
-Shimano cranks
-Avid disc brakes
-Shimano Deore shifters
-Specialized seatpost and seat


Which do you guys think is a better bicycle in general? I can post pictures if that would help.

Thank you!

They're similar but I'd always go with the Specialized.

The Tora fork trumps the Pilot.Avid disk are waaaaay better than the Promax.

If it were me, I would pick the Specialized.

Apples to oranges. The similarly priced hardtail will always have better components. It all depends on what you want.

They are both great bikes and I actually own both but am needing to sell one of them. I have been riding the Specialized a lot lately and just today got on the Motobecane and the rear shocks had me thinking of keeping it more than anything but I ride in town a lot so full suspension is not a necessity.

The Specialized definitely rides better and smoother as it is a newer bike and the brakes don't work at all on the Motobecane because the calipers are completely worn. I love them both but want to keep whichever is nicer and will require less maintenance but don't have the knowledge to make that call so thanks for the responses.

The Tora fork trumps the Pilot.Avid disk are waaaaay better than the Promax.

If it were me, I would pick the Specialized.

What he said. Tora + Avid trumps the Pilot + ProMax any day. Plus, like you said, you ride around town alot and do not need full sus.

I'd pick the the Spec too.

Plus if you buy a bike from a LBS most of them do free tune ups on the bikes they sold.

Another vote for the Specialized.

Keep em both, throw out wife/GF thats making you sell a bike...

Post the pics, maybe you could swap the forks if it doesn't whack the geometry too bad.

Specialized. no question.

RVD.

Agreed with victim...swap the fork and the breaks and keep the dual suspension. Later on get a rear shock with a lock out and you are all set. :)

Keep em both, throw out wife/GF thats making you sell a bike...
LOL


I'll get some pics up


Is there anything else you guys would recommend swapping? like the seat post or rims or handlebars?

I like the swapping idea a lot. I wish I knew more tho cause I would like to do it myself but I would want to make sure it's done really well. It would really suck to take things apart and then be in a mess of bike parts, unable to put it back together. I am mechanically inclined but this would be my first time customizing a mountain bike. Do you guys know how difficult it would be for a first timer to do this? lol if that is an answerable question.