Hey guys. New to the forum, new to the sport. Quick background... 40y/o hadnt ridden since highschool. Bought a cheapie last year, put 2500km on it. Want to buy another for this year. Options are limited in my price range (still off work from covid, 14months and counting) basically I need advice on the components between 2 options. Cause I don’t have a clue yet what I’m dealing with. I would say I ride 4 days a week on paved trails and 2 in the forest. There’s simply no road bikes available or id go that route instead and keep the cheapie for in the bush. I was told that if I stick with shimano components they’re at least quality... but I’ve read that microshift are likely comparable.???
im really outta my depth here


diamondback ridgeback I pay roughly $300

• FRAME
• Frame: 6061 T6 heat treated aluminum frame
• Rear Shock: N/A
• Fork: Vaxa 28 100mm travel, with adjustable preload
• Cable Routing: External with full length housing
• DRIVETRAIN
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Tourney TY300, 7 speed
• Front Derailleur: Shimano TY500
• Shifters: Shimano Tourney ST-EF41 EZ Fire 3x7
• Cog Set: Shimano TZ500 14-28T, 7 speed freewheel
• Chain: KMC Z7 3/32"
• Crankset: ProWheel Alloy, 9/16*170MM
• Bottom Bracket: Ginyeh BB73-68, Sealed Cartridge
• COMPONENTS
• Front Brake: Jak 5 Mechanical Disc, 160mm rotor
• Rear Brake: Jak 5 Mechanical Disc, 160mm rotor
• Brake Levers: Shimano ST-EF41
• Headset: Neco H-148, semi-integrated
• Seatpost: CAVU Alloy 27.2mm * 300mm
• COCKPIT
• Handlebar: CAVU, 31.8mm*680mm
• Stem: CAVU Alloy, 31.8mm*28.6mm, 7 degree rise
• Saddle: CAVU MTB
• Pedals: 19/16" Resin Body, Flats
• Grips: CAVU Lock-on
• WHEELS/TIRES
• Rims: CAVU Aluminum Double Wall, 650B
• Front Tire: 27.5" * 2.25" for all-terrain
• Rear Tire: 27.5" * 2.25" for all-terrain
• Tubeless Ready: No
• Front Hub: Steel quick release
• Rear Hub: Steel 3/8" nutted

option 2 GT aggressor pro pay roughly 520

• FRAME
• Frame: 6061-T6 Aluminum Triple Triangle™ Frame, w/ Replaceable Derailleur Hanger, and 1 1/8" Head Tube 27.5 Design
• Rear Shock:
• Fork: SR Suntour XCE-28 DS, coil spring with preload, alloy lower legs 80mm travel
• Internal Cable Routing: No
• DRIVETRAIN
• Rear Derailleur: MicroShift RD-M26L 8spd
• Front Derailleur: MicroShift FD-M20M
• Shifters: MicroShift TS38, 8spd
• Cog Set: Sunrace, 11-34T, 8-Speed Cassette UPC
• Chain: KMC Z8, 8-speed
• Crankset: All-Terra Forged Alloy 42/34/24T
• Bottom Bracket: Cartridge Sealed
• COMPONENTS
• Front Brake: Tektro Mechanical Disc W/ 160mm Rotor
• Rear Brake: Tektro Mechanical Disc W/ 160mm Rotor
• Brake Levers: Tektro Disc Brake Lever
• Headset: 1 1/8" Ahead
• Seatpost: Alloy Micro Adjust
• COCKPIT
• Handlebar: 6061 Aluminum Riser, 640mm Width, 12mm Rise, 31.8mm Clamp
• Stem: Alloy 1 1/8" Threadless, 4-Bolt W/ CNC Face Plate, 10° Rise, 31.8mm Clamp
• Saddle: All Terra MTB
• Pedals: GT Slim Line Flat Pedal
• Grips: GT Statement logo grips
• WHEELS/TIRES
• Rims: All Terra Double Wall, 32H 27.5, disc specific
• Front Tire: Innova 27.5X2.10"
• Rear Tire: Innova 27.5X2.10"
• Tubeless Ready: No
• Front Hub: Alloy Disc QR
• Rear Hub: Alloy Cassette Disc QR