roccobike

I am trying to decide which sale bike to buy, it's time to move from my old chro-moly converted front suspension bike to a newer unit. I've narrowed the choice to three, a Trek 6500, a Specialized Rockhopper and an Iron Horse Warrior Trail full suspension. All are on sale at an LBS with a price difference between the lowest price Rockhopper to the highest price Ironhorse of $180. The Trek is $50 more than the Specialized Rockhopper and both are used, rental 2005 models with full warranties. The Ironhorse is a new, not used, 2005. I have to decide quickly between these three since the Trek and Specialized bikes will probably be sold within two or three days.
I'm over 50, and my riding style is not as aggressive as my son's, but I still ride on trails that range from level paths to those rated as Intermediate, with plenty of roots and a few logs, dips and climbs.
I've taken the Trek and the Specialized on a test ride with my son. We both agree, the Specialized felt more comfortable than the Trek mostly due to the handlebar and stem arrangement. The advantage of the Trek is the hubs are disc ready.
I have not ridden the Ironhorse, but find the oportunity to own a full suspension bike intriguing. But I'm not sure about this particular full suspension unit. If anyone has any advice about these three selections, please let me know. Thanks in advance.

sparks_219 

Stay away from rentals because most of them have been ridden hard. So in your case, the only new bike is the Iron Horse, and I don't know anything about its compoents, so, more info would be nice.

Ming

Dannihilator

Choose which ever one feels the best to you.

EJ123

hey kona you changed a lot of stuff lol.

Brian

Kona, Warning was better.

Rocco - What were the rental bikes used for? And what kind of warranty does the shop offer on them? They may not be bad, but I'd be inclined to avoid them. The Iron Horse line looks pretty good. My advice? If you've got the fitness to haul the extra weight of a full suspension bike, get the Iron Horse. You're over 50, you deserve to be able to spend a little extra on yourself.

Dannihilator

I prefer Operation Mind Crime, I just like the graphics off of the greatest hits cd and the song empire is probably a favorite of their songs.

Pheard

Also, think that whatever bike you buy. Your going to get used to it in a month, and what seemed comfortable at first ride wont matter. Once your used to your bike it feels comfortable to you. I would go with the bike with best components. Meh, I know the 6500 has pretty good lineup of components, because I bought that one too.

roccobike

Thanks to everyone who responded to my request. I reviewed every comment and they were very helpful. I purchased the RockHopper. Please let me explain how your comments helped me make this decision. NoF3ar made a comment about the excellent components on the Trek 6500, but the ex-rental bike I tried out did not have the Deore XT rear and Deore front deraileurs as stated on the Trek web site and I think the fork may have been a downgraded unit. I decided to stay away from this bike.
I considered the Ironhorse Warrior DS, but Expatriate's comment about weight caused me to ask, how much the Warrior DS weighs. A LOB weighed a floor unit at over 36 lbs. My upper body strength is not what it used to be and I'm trying to reduce my bike weight to allow me to maneuver better. I decided to pass on the Warrior.
I chose the Rockhopper, the bike that felt the most comfortable, as per Konarider24's comment. I also considered Sparks 219 comment about component abuse. I asked the LOB to check the chain for stretch. The LOB did and sure enough, it was just outside of spec. The LOB provided new replacement SRAM chain and Shimano cassette. Additionally, I received a full, Specialized new bike warranty and deraileur tune-ups from the LOB for as long as I own the bike. I guess I could have done better, but after looking for 3 months on ebay and constantly being out-bid, I decided to buy a one year old bike I could see and ride before buying for 30% off MSRP with full new warranty.
Thanks again to everyone who responded.

sparks_219 

Well, congrats on the purchase, and you made the best out of the situation. Now enjoy your ride and try to have fun out there!

Pheard

To be honest with you, If I had a place around where I live that sold specialized I would have gone with a rockhopper too. But all they carry at performance and other lbs' are giant, trek, iron horse. =/

roccobike

Actually, my choice was the rental Trek 6500. But your comment made me stop and think about the components on this bike and realize, they were not the components advertised by Trek. I don't think those downgrades would have seriously affected the bikes performance, but it just turned me off.
When your looking at a new bike, it's hard to see the flaws through the stars in your eyes. That's why I posted here. The responses caused me to focus.

Pheard

Well when you rented the 6500 was it an 06? It might not have been an 06 6500. I would think if you had your lbs order a 6500 it would come with the advertised components.

Killer B

I would buy the Haro, oops that wasn't one of your choices, huh?