Mountain Biking - Brand new to MTBing and looking for first new bike

Lil about me, lil over 6 feet, currently 205 lbs, and I do have herniated disks in back and some have said this would help me make a decision. Used to be 280 lbs and just working on being healthy. :)

Since im looking to be more active Ive wanted a MTB for some time and think im going with a specialized. I was originally going with a hard rock but after talking to the guys there, seem real nice btw, they started suggesting that maybe i could go with a Rockhopper. Either way they have no issues selling me either. Their concern from what they were saying is the hardrocks lesser forks may be an issue for my weight and forks may wear out a lil faster then normal. I asked about upgrading the fork down the road and they said something about the hard rock isnt really built for upgrading while the rockhopper can be or is more built to be???

I would say i would be 50% trail, 50% road atm. Trails would be mostly pretty flat stuff but I would like to grow into, think you call it single track, but nothing crazy. Just would like to take the bike, well on NON trails, through woods and stuff.

I like the concept of disc brakes, love rain, so looking at these two below. I would appreciate anyones comments on what they think I should go with. also, if in those models, they got like a 29 in the rockhopper per say, if u think i should bump up to another model please let me know. My price range is really like $400-$800 (higher range is more so if the better bike makes more sense for me) on bike plus another $200 on stuff I need, helmet, gear, etc. Also any thoughts on newb gear would be cool. ..and sorry for rambling!

as far as size, i fit into a 19 and 21 pretty well but they say a 21 would be better for back, sit higher, and a 19 better for technical stuff. i dont see me getting to techical.

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=45803&eid=4340&menuItemId=9253
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=45757&eid=4340&menuItemId=9253

I am fairly similar build to you, 6'1 and down from about 215lb to 197lb and have a 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc, it has been a perfect bike for me to ride on local trails (mostly gravel tracks) and even on the pavement with the fork locked out. Mine is still stock apart from some SPD pedals and upgraded brake levers (hoping to upgrade to BB7 brakes at some point soon).

It does kind of sound like the shop is simply trying to sell you the more expensive bike though, I imagine you can upgrade the Hardrock as much as the Rockhopper. The Rockhopper does have the better frame, M4 vs A1, and that alone would probably be enough for me to choose the Rockhopper.

For newbie gear, ummmm depends on what you need? Along with the helmet, you will want to get some gloves, either water bottles and cages or a Camelbak, pedals and shoes (I chose Shimano M520's as they are a good beginner pedal) shorts, sunglasses, pump, lube and a multi tool.

thx for the reply...i will take more info as it comes in!

I was the one that walked over to the rockhopper after i told them i wanted to pay under $500 and was looking at the hard rock models. matter of fact they were telling me not to worry about disk brakes cause for me i prob wouldnt get use out of them as much as mor exp riders or harder riders may. :)

still curious if a hard rock fork could be upgraded down the road like if i needed something stronger. need to read the site more.

looking to maybe pick something up for this weekend!

I also am pretty similar size/weight to you and am planning to get a Rockhopper (probably this weekend as well). I've got an on the road bike so this is mostly an off-road purchase for me. IMO check out the Rockhopper Comp 29er if they've got one. Since you're a big guy you might appreciate the slightly "faster" ride and stature of the 29er. If you've got the money I'd say go with the Rockhopper just because you'll be questioning yourself later if you don't.