Thanks for this thread! I ride 5+ days a week on the road for commuting and weekend rides but a few days a month it would be cool to hit the trials with some freinds. So I've been looking for a hardtail, but want to keep $ down since it won't see a lot of use ... but all of it will be on the trail. I'm pretty big, 6'2 200#and from reading this thread I was interested in the Rockhopper or a GF Tass on sale.

lbs carries both and was pushing the Tass saying the rockhopper fork wasn't nearly as good esp for my weight. I asked to take rides on both and when he brought out a 21" '05 Rockhopper which he said had a much upgraded fork, esp for my weight .. a Manitou Skareb Super he would definately get that over the Tass for $500. Is this a good deal for me?