i just bought myself a hardrock pro disc, the brakes on the comp are eh according to past posts. You can always upgrade later. I was overwhelmed myself with the close similarities of these bikes and perhaps the best piece of advice (courtesty of Raiyn) is to go test ride them, see which one feels the best, then go off of the componentry, around page 18 or so there are some very helpful charts that tell you which components are ok, and which you should compeltely avoid, i am really liking my bike so far its a great solid bike with good components, only thing is have to get the skills to tune it up (adjust the brakes and derauilers (sp?)