I'm looking into getting A Norco VPS B-Line or a Norco Manik. Im getting into more downhill riding and north shore style. The manik has a 170mm travel fork (which would help absorb the stuff that I run over :)), but the b-line has a back shock rather than a hardtail like the Manik has. The prices are the same except the b-line is $9 more (big price difference huh?). I'm not good at making decisions so could someone help?

Can't really decide for you, but I can give you some advice.

If you personally have never ridden a bike, go with the hardtail and gain some more skill before moving on to a full suspension. A full suspension will only hinder your progress unless you have some background knowledge and skill.

I would personally go with the Manik. It has a better build and should be more benefical.

my 2 cents. Feel free to disagree.

what are the levels of components on both bikes? is the FS bike a bottom end FS bike?

I usually do dirtjumping and urban but I'm really getting into the whole downhill scene now but then agian I love the whole north shore thing. I have alot of experience in dirtjumping/urban so I think i might go with the manik. I can get the manik at my lbs but the b-line i'd have travel some distance to get to the shop that has it.

The FS is Norco's bottom end downhill/full mountain bike, but I've heard its pretty good for the price even if it is entry level.

just realize you get more bang for the buck on a hardtail.

Manik. Better "stuff".

Id go for the Manik and just save up for a FS frame afterwards.

Thanks for the help, Im leaning more towards the manik but I think I'd still like to test ride the b-line.

Buy both :)

On l@@ks alone, I'd choose the B-Line....

ya get the manik, and then save up and get an A-line or similar bike

Just wait and save up for an A line.

Or I'd just pick the Manik. A high end hardtail beats a low end FS IMO, but the Manik wouldnt be a great jump bike.

Manik all the way... Given an equivalently priced HT & FS, the HT is going to have better components on it. You're paying extra for the rear suspension. Plus, the Manik just plain looks better.

Get the Manik.

As many people have said the B-line is a low end downhill bike. The Manik on the other hand is a pretty high end bike. Id go with the Manik because it has better parts, but both are strong bikes.

Norco's Awsome!

Im going with the manik, mostly because it's a Norco and I like those big nasty 170mm shocks on the front :D. Now I'll just have to see how many are left at my lbs, last time I checked there were 7 but around this time they run out of stock, fast.

you say it "the big nasty 170mm fork" not shock, shock is on the back

to each their own.

Yeah, just ask any MXer.

sorry my bad... I was up late I meant fork not shocks.