opinions please
 

i just purchased some property in maine that has a nice atv/snowmobile/rec trail very close to the property. so i thought it would be a good idea to purchase a bike to ride on the trail. at first i was looking for a used bike because i will most likely only ride the bike about a dozen times a year. well, i've been searching for a few weeks and have come to the conclusion that it is almost impossible to find a used bike that would fit me (i'm 6'3").

i've decided to buy new.
i went to a local bike shop over the weekend and looked at this bike.
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkM...89&language=US

and i've also seen this bike on the internet.
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ne_500HT07.htm

i'm no expert on bikes and components and would like to know which bike had the better components.
i'm also open to suggestions on other bikes that would fall into this price range or a little more.

thanks for any input/suggestions that are provided.

the motobecane has better components, you can know that without looking at the site. However, there are other considerations, mainly the frame. Does it fit you? And how would you know if you can't test ride it. Whereas the Hardrock has bike shops to support it, and you can get a test ride. (I haven't seen any bike shops that carry motobecanes)

My vote is for the Hardrock.

would you say the motobecane has substantially better parts? or just slightly better parts?

slightly

I just bought a HardRock Sport and so far I like it. I agree on choosing it, especially since you can try it out and have the lbs back it up.

And ask the store about free tune-ups. When they tune it up try to check out what they're doing so you can get an idea and start doing it yourself.

hardrock

thanks
 

thanks to everyone for the help/opinions