I hope its appropriate for me to post in this section. I'm trying to figure out what would be a good bike to commute with. I'll be going at least 6 miles a day round trip, maybe more. I've decided to get a mountain bike because its pretty hilly in Pensacola, FL, and for the money I'd be paying for a hybrid, I could get an equally good or better mountain bike (or so I figure). I'm also going to be riding around campus, so I'm not sure how well a road bike would work.

Having recently decided this, I find it to be a little overwhelming. There are just a lot of different choices, but I'm not sure which one is the best one for me. I'd like to keep it around $500, willing to go to $600 if ts well worth it, but I'll still need to get other stuff for it. I would like something that's light, but I don't expect it for the price (my other bike is a Magna from Target, and that thing is HEAVY). Obviously looks aren't important, but I don't want anything super flashy because I will be at a college campus (though theft isn't much of an issue), and will be leaving it outside at other places. Finally, I would really like a lock-out fork, but by the looks of it at that price range, I should expect one. I also think disc brakes would be nice. Most importantly, I would like something built a little more for road travel/commuting, as that is what I will mostly be using it for. I'll have slicks on it, and I figure if I get some free time I could go hit up some trails.

As of right now, I'm considering the GIANT Rincon, GIANT Yukon, Specialized P.1 Disc, and so far that's all I've processed. There's a really good GIANT retailer where I am now, so I'm leaning a little more towards GIANT. However, if I decide to wait until I move out to Pensacola to get a bike, then I know there's a Kona and Raleigh retailer out there (not so much in Jacksonville). I'm also looking at Marin.

Any and all suggestions are appreciated. If one is better than the other, please explain why.

On a side note, there's a BikesDirect shop near my house. Should I also consider those bikes? I kind of assumed that it being on the internet, it won't be as good. But I guess if the components are just as good or better for the price, I would have the advantage of getting it fitted to me.