What would you suggest...
 

New to the forum, havent done alot of mountain biking, I used to ride BMX for a while, and lately Ive been riding around on an old mountain bike, so much like everyone else, I am now looking towards a new bike.

Ive been looking at something like the Trek 4300, Marin Bobcat, Specialized Hardrock or maybe Rockhopper, disc brakes, obivously not looking for a full suspension bike. Would you guys go with something like the Specialized models, with the deore components and such? Also what would be the equivalent Norco in this class? Im obviously looking at the same price range, around $500 USD.

The bike will definetly see some pavement, but I'll be hitting local trails as well, and If possible Id like to be able to take it with me when I goto Jasper or Banff for some riding. Any input would be great, are there other models I should be looking at?

Jordan