I am looking at Mountain bikes. I was in the LBS 2 days ago. I've had good luck with the Deore deraillers that I have on my Trek 7500 so I was wanting a Montain bike with at least Deore. I was looking at the Trek 4500, 4900 and 6700 models. The store also sells Gary Fisher bikes (which I didn't realize was owned by Trek). The GFs seem to be a better buy. A GF with the same components seem to be in some cases a $100 cheaper. I wonder why the GFs seem to be cheaper. They looked to be compareable quality atleast.

My question is one of the models I looked at was the Marlin. It was a 2003 model. It was marked $469 was is the current retail list for the Marlin. The 2003 used the GF Silver series frame. The 2004 uses the Gold series frame which I think may be the one on the Tassajara. Is there a a noticable difference in the 2 frames. Should I try to negoticate a lower price on the 2003 or just order a 2004? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.