Bike Forums - Newbie needs help-can't decide btw the Cannondale F400 & Specialzd Rockhop comp. disc

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Newbie needs help-can't decide btw the Cannondale F400 & Specialzd Rockhop comp. disc

Hi everyone I need some serious help. I apologize if this comparison has already been made but I could not find one. I am having trouble deciding which bike to buy...either the Cannondale F400 or the Specialized Rockhopper Comp. Disc. I am very new to the sport, I am looking for a bike that will be decent on the mountain but will also get me home. I had the pleasure of test riding both bikes but I am torn. The Cannondale is nice because it has the front lockout, and the suspension is different, it has the Headshock Fatty. On the other hand the Rockhopper is nice because it has disc breaks and I believe a better suspension. I honeslty dont know too much about components but the salesman said the Cannondale is better because of the lock out. Money is not an issue here because I can get both bikes for the same price.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am 5 foor 11inches and weigh 160 pounds, was thinking of a 19inch Rockhopper or a Large Cannondale F400. Thanks for your help

I'm leaning towards one of these two bikes myself. Also being a newb I'm looking foward to reading some of the responses. Would you mind sharing what prices you've been quoted on the bikes? I am going to be visting a couple of my LBS tomorrow to compare prices. Thanks!

Rockhopper. The headshock is proprietary and God help you if you want to upgrade.

So far ive seen the rockhopper disc for about 900 and the f400 for about 750. Kona makes a nice bike to in the same price range called the blast but i don't know anything about it. Anyone know anything about the Kona? Does it compare or dominant over the rockhopper or f400?

Unless you're really going to be throwing the bike around, I'd definitly get the Cannondale. The headshock is really pretty sweet, and if I recall this year they're stocking the F400 with SRAM. I was a big CDale guy, but I have converted to the Church of the Kona recently--So I have to second the poster who recomends the Blast.

If you're still unable to make up your mind re-ride both these bikes--they really do ride a lot differently.