I just picked up a 2004 Specialized Rockhopper today. After visiting many LBS everyone I talked to said to stay away from the GT's now that Wallmart (or was it Target?) bought them out. I was pretty interested in a GT Avalanche 1.0 at first and it seems like a very nice bike for the price range but I was told most LBS won't service GT anymore. I am very happy with my Rockhopper though, it's a very solid bike.