Hi I posted this in the introduction forum but thought I'd paste it here as well in case someone misses it there.

I am from Vancouver, BC. I have been riding a Jeep Comanche MTB that I bought on sale from Sears a couple of years ago. It is a bit heavy and I find I cannot keep up with other people even though I seem to be pedalling a bit faster then them In any case, some scumbag broke into my building's bike parking area and stole a few bikes and also the front wheel off my bike. I was thinking of buying another better bike anyway so maybe now is a good time. What I am looking for is something that I can ride around town, commute to work in (about a 3 KM ride to work so not very far at all) and also get the front wheel in the air, do some jumps, etc (couldnt do that easily with the Jeep) and also maybe take it to some local trails (nothing fancy) on ocassion. I was thinking of a freeride hardtail type of bike. Would that be something to consider? Are Specialized bikes any good? I cant really spend more then $800 including taxes on a bike.

Thanks!!

specialized hardrock is a hot right now for that kind of stuff. and if you want to spend a little more there is the p series.

kona also makes a good line of hardtails, i would check them out.

some people say norco makes a good bike, i dont know about them but i bet someone can tell you more.

specialized hardrock is def. the choice from me

OuchNot surprising at all Did you a favor by forcing your handYup. There are closeout deal's on the 05's right nowI've never had an issue with mineAs the others have said the Hardrock is hot right now, as is the Rockhopper. Either of these will make a fine multitasker