Originally Posted by sherpaPeak
if the trek 4500 fits you the best go with it. its a decent bike and fit is the most important consideration for selecting a bike. if the Piranha fits you, that is a great choice, and in my opinion worth the extra money.
have you considered Kona, 2006 Cinder Cone retails for $699 (you may get some discount from the local shop). Also, the Blast is $599. I know they are down-speced from 2005, but I find Kona frames absolutely amazing. Kona frame construction, handling and durability is top class. give it a try if you can and want to.
Avalanche and trek 4900 is also pretty good. I really liked Diamondback Response Sport 2006. its around $400.
sorry for adding more confusion. best of luck.
Turns out they won't be getting in the 4900 or the piranha anytime soon. They did leave a message stating they have or could get a Fischer Tassajara and give me about 10% off which would bring it close or a little cheaper to the $649.99 of the Piranha. I will have to check the Kona since I believe they actually carry Kona or so they say on their site.
EDIT: they do carry Kona but had no Cinder Cone or Blast that I saw. They have the Fire Mountain.
I plan on going in tomorrow most likely after work to test ride the 4500, Tassajara and anything else in my size.