Hi. I'm also new to this sport, and glad I found this thread. Heres a little background.

I was in the market for a ~$300-350 entry level mountain bike. I rode a few around, and went to 6 different LBS. I am now stuck between the Hardrock Sport and the Trek 4300. I was getting ready to buy the Hardrock Sport, only thing stopping me was the ride position I was in. I felt a little too upright. My LBS told me that it can be fixed with another stem. So while that was going on. I went to another LBS and rode the new 2005 Trek 4300 but in a small 16" frame. I felt great on it. However, my test ride was on paved roads and hills. But now I am leaning towards that. I just wanted to throw that out in case someone should recommend otherwise.

Here is the '05 4300 that I want.