Mountain Biking - Road -> MtnB (((HELP!!)))

Hey, I'm new to these forums but i've been reading them a lot. I'm a roadie, but i was thinking of getting a mtn bike to ride around on the trails. i've done as much research as i could, and i've narrowed my bikes down to about 6 of them. i have about a $900 price range.

the 6 bikes i have are:
Specialized HardRock Pro Disc
Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc
Gary Fish Genesis Hardtail Tassajara Disc
Kona Cindercone
Giant XTC 2
Trek 6500

I can find all these bikes are LBS that are within 10 miles away, so i could test ride all of them, but because im used to riding road, i dont know the geometry or what a good frame material is. hehe, i would get a carbon fiber mtnb, but then i read that they're bad.. and i guess you dont want that light of a bike? its good for climbs but downhill will probably suck, but im 180lbs, and 5'9". any advice or suggestions on which bike to get, or even on different bikes would help.

Thanks!

Of the list you have, two look better than the rest - the Giant XTC 2 and the Specialized Rockhopper comp disc. The Giant has a really good frame, easily worth upgrades later on. The Specialized has 20mm more travel than the Giant, so its down to you there. Personally i would go with the Specialized as although its a bit heavier, it has a slightly stronger frame, and with the longer travel fork, will take a bit more of a hammering. If you are looking for solely trail speed, then go for the Giant, but if you want the ability to ride a bit harder and maybe a bit more aggresively, go for the Specialized.

good luck with your choice!

by the way,
i'm getting back into road cycling after a break for three-ish years. I used to do touring, but have recently got more into the racing aspect of it. i have been using one of dads old tourers (31 pounds, ouch!) to train on, but am getting a racer for my bday. I've basically decided on a Bianchi Nirone (2005) at £555, are there any better bikes to be had at the same price range? Thanks, and sorry its off the point!

the 6 bikes i have are:
Specialized HardRock Pro Disc
Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc
Gary Fish Genesis Hardtail Tassajara Disc
Kona CinderconeGiant XTC 2
Trek 6500


Thanks!

From those of us that have them, If you try a Kona, you will stay with a Kona.

If you ask 10 people, you will get 10 different choices. Try them all, if you can, and go for what is comfortable for you. All these bikes have something going for them, so get the best deal you can.

THE KONA!!

It is teh pwn. Lol. But I'd say that the Tassajara and the Rock Hopper and the Cindercone are all on the same level and that all 3 are fantastic bikes. Don't know much about the Trek, the Giant or the Hard Rock.

What kind of things do i look for in a Mtn Bike? I know the basic components, cuz they have the same brand as some of the roads and also I'm used to riding road bikes, so anything above 10lbs would be REALLY heavy for me, imo. so whats considered to be a "light" Mtn Bike? also, whats the geometry of the mtn bike?

okay - basic fit is important, just needs to feel right, especially when controlling the bike in turning, balancing and wheel lifts/handling. as far as "light" mtb's go, i feel any hardtail will be close to as light as you can get on a mtb. dont fret about weight anyway, not really an issue as strength/flexibility of frame is more important. geometry - w/o being a loungeroom professor, steeper steerer tubes allow for more responsive handling, and you wont need anything that's too swept far backwards unless you're doing dh. what else... good warranty & service, go for better fork over disc and drivetrain.

i'd say you're shortlist is already pretty good. personal preference kona but that's more out of brand loyalty

I have heard quite a good amount of stuff about the kona. I dont mind specialized but they were a bit pricey for my liking (Not much availability here) . After all the research i did i found the best bike for my money was the Giant xtc 2 Le (yay arrives in a few days) but i didnt have the chance to get a kona.

I would definetly recommenend the xtc but would check out the kona.