I'm looking for a cheap MTB. I have posted here before and was recommended to get a beater from a thrift store/pawn shop as I will mostly be using the bike to commute to campus, and some trail riding on weekends. Well, I don't want to do that because I will not know if a used bike is defective when buying it, and a second reason is that I want to get a bike with the right fit and establish a relationship with an LBS for future tune-ups, etc. Bikes do get stolen on campus, but I see a lot of good brands too. So I figure if I use a bad a$$ lock, I should be good.

So, I visited 5-6 bike shops, and found a Giant Rincon and a Specialized Hardrock Sport both for approximately $330. The salesman in the shop selling the Rincon told me that the Rincon has better deraillers and components. But in this thread, the Hardrock is highly praised while the Rincon is hardly mentioned, even though Giant makes Specialized frames. Why so?

Also, I can get last year's Giant Boulder SE for $220. $330 is really stretching it for me, so is the Boulder SE a good option?

I would really appreciate any input.