spackler

B/f we get to my post:
I have this same post over in MTBR.com so my apologies to those that visit both sites and have read this twice.
I have an earlier post here on BF.net where I asked about bikes in the $500-$600 range, as you'll see below, that topic is dead.
I have ridden both bikes that I'm asking about and I like them both, I'm posting b/c I want to get the best bike I can and not have to upgrade in a few years.

So, onto the post...

I'm having a tough time deciding. I've looked at the bikes in the $500-$600 range and I don't think I can find what I'm looking for there so I've resigned myself to upping the ante a bit. Now, I think I've narrowed it down to either the Marin Hawk Hill or the Cannondale F4.

My issues:
I'd prefer to buy the C'dale b/c it is at the local shop and the owner has always been great to me and I am thinking that the Fatty Fork is probably better than the fork on the Marin.
However... price is a big factor and the fact that the Marin is $200 cheaper is weighing heavily on my mind considering I'll also want to buy a pair of baggy shorts and mountain shoes (I already have the pedals) and a couple of other items.

In fairness to the shop that has the C'dale, I asked the owner if there was any wiggle-room in the price and he said no, not now, but maybe in 4 months or so when they have their anny sale. He "couldn't" tell me which bikes would be on sale or for how much though. Ideally, he'd have the F4 on sale for 20% off which would be the same price as the Marin and it would make my decision a whole lot easier. I'd like to at least put the thing on layaway now though so while time isn't of the essence, it is also playing a role.

So, is the C'dale worth the wait and possibly the extra money? Is the Marin just as good? Could I be giving the F4 fork too much credit and the fork on the Marin is just as good?

As you can probably tell from this post, I'm really a newb here. I'm really a born-again mountain biker getting back into it after an 11 year hiatus.

Any thoughts you all have would be appreciated.

Thanks!

IAMTB

Assuming you have ridden both of the bikes and they both feel as good as the other. I would go for the Cannondale. Overall is has nicer componants than the Marin. The Headshock is a nice shock, although I'm not familiar with the Marz on the Marin. The F4 has a better drivetrain and much better brakes. But the standard disclaimer applies, you can't go wrong with either bike.

As far as being more expensive. At this price point a couple hundred bucks buys quite a few nice upgrades. I think you are getting some nice upgrades for the extra money. Talk to the shop owner and tell him what your thinking. He should be helpful if he wants to sell you a bike.

Temeraroius

I would go for the cannondale but, as great as the fatty headshock may be, i still wouldnt like having only 80mm of travel. I woul later upgrade to a fork with 100mm+. Really all depends on the riding you are doing. Cannondales are great bikes and it seems like a good deal.

Sterley

I have to agree with IAMTB ... I initially was looking at lower priced bikes, but ended up forking over a couple hundred more than I had intended ... considering how long I'll ride the bike, how many years of fun I'll have on it, that extra money has not concerned me at all after the sale. When you get into the componentry on the C'Dale, you'll find that the desire or need to upgrade is greatly reduced, and you won't necessarily feel like you have to run out and spend a bunch on upgrades in the future. It's better to spend the extra money now, than later, I guess is what I'm suggesting. For what it's worth, I found myself in a similar situation, and haven't had a single imoment of buyers remorse after spending the extra bucks.

Hope this is helpful. Now get out there and ride!