Figured I would bump this thread since I am still looking. I have a thread in general but just in case.

I am brand new to biking so I know nothing. I figure to start my max is 500+tax though I could go 600+tax if truly worth it. I have about 4 LBS in the area but only two that have been extremely friendly. Then again it may be due to the fact I am still uncertain about buying or was when I was looking. Most of my riding will be road for now and maybe some packed trails since I have a couple close.

At the two shops so far I have looked at the Trek 4500, Fischer Marlin 2005(now sold), Raleigh 2.5 I think and Fischer Wahoo. So far I am leaning towards the Trek 4500 since it was the best fit. The one shop is getting in a Trek 4900 and possibly a Fischer Piranha. The one shops who was really not helpfull carried Specialized, Raleigh and I am not sure who else. Basicly when I told them I was looking they showed me the Raleigh and said thats the one for me and had no interest in showing me the other models when I asked. The other one who was a little more helpfull carries the GT Avalanche, Giant and Schwinn.

Is the 4900 worth the price jump for a noob such as myself? The 4500 is $479.99 and the 4900 is $599.99. The piranha would be $649.99 so a little more than I want to spend.