Hello,

I have been riding flatland freestyle BMX for many years, and I am now interested in trying mountain biking. I anticipate that I will ride the bike on trails on weekends. I don't have any plans to ride too hard, just to enjoy the outdoors when the good weather finally sets in.

I am looking for a hardtrail in the $500-600 range, with decent components and mechanical disc brakes.

I have done some research, and based on my preferences , I have norrowed down the bikes that I am interested in to the following ones. However, I am having a hard time deciding which one to get. I am hoping that the experts on this forum can provide some advice.

- '03 Specialized Hardrock Pro ($530) with Shimano gears and disc brakes, and RockShox Judy TT forks: The bike seems nice, although I have read that some components, particularly the forks, are not that great.

- '03 Marin Hawk Hill ($525), with Shimano gears and disc brakes, and InSync Grind 523 forks: I am under the impression that Marin makes good mountain bikes. The top and down tubes seem thin, but the salesperson told me that their unconventional shape makes them very strong. The bike seems really nice except for the InSync forks. I have found little info about them, and the little I found was not very good. That concerns me.

- I was offered a '02 or '01 (can't remember, the frame is blue with yellow accents) Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc, with Shimano gears and disc brakes, RockShox Judy TT forks, and Mavic rims. The salesperson told me that this is a $1000 bike that I could have for $699. It's a little more that I want to spend, but I wonder if I should jump on the opportunity as it seems like a really good bike, except for the forks.

I have also looked at Giant Iguana Disc which seems nice. However, it does not give me that warm fuzzy feeling when I look at it.

Anyway, thanks for reading, and most importantly, thanks for any advice suggestions.

Nicolas