I absolutely discourage online bikes. So Ibex Alpine 650 is out. I am no so crazy about IBEX frames.

Rest of the bikes look pretty decent. I have personally riddend/owned a few of them : Tass, Rockhopper, Zed 4.0, GT Avalanche 1.0, and Kona Caldera. In terms of RIDING QUALITY (not spec list) following is my order of preference:

1. Kona Caldera
2. Specialized Rockhopper
3. Gary Fisher Tass
4. GT Avalanche 1.0 (1.0 and 2.0 has the same frame)
5. K2 Zed 4.0 (the sizing and geometry did not feel that great to me)


Now I have ridden the Giant hardtails and if you compare specs, the are a pretty good value. And, I like Cannondales cause they are made in USA. Although the oversized tubing does not suit my weak lower back.

Again, I would strongly discourage you to go with an online bike. The best bike for a rider is one that rides well for him/her, not the one that looks good on paper.