First of all thanks for all the information, I’ve been through all the pages in this topic a couple of times and I now feel much more educated on buying my first mountain bike.

There is a mapped roadcourse route that passed the front of my house and a nice beginner to intermediate MTB trail about 15 minutes from my house. The trail surrounds the lake and should have some nice views. I’m looking forward into getting into the sport.

I have a budget of $500 out the door and visited my first LBS in my area yesterday. They showed me the Rockhopper, 4500 and Gary Fisher Marlin. The Marlin did not feel as good to me as the 4500 and they did not have a Rockhopper in my size (17-18). So I’ve ruled out the Marlin (ugly green).

I would told I would get free beginner courses, two tune ups a year and 15% off any accessories at my purchase. I was quoted $489 or $499 for each of the three bikes. Is this a good price? I was hopping to have enough left to buy a helmet, few tools and a basic computer. They do not have any 04 models left so everything is a 05.

I was also seriously considering the Motobecane 600HT for $400 on ebay…

The Motobecane 600HT has a 7005 Aluminum frame with detachable rear dropout . Also you get Shimano LX RR & DEORE FRT 24 Speed with Shimano RAPID-FIRE shifters (button type), 7005 Aluminum TrailTuned frame, ROCK SHOX JUDY TT FORK, PROMAX DISC BRAKES, Black Anodized ALEX Aluminum Double Wall rims with Machined CNC Sidewalls, Stainless Spokes , TRUVATIV ALUMINUM Crank, M-Wings hubs, M-Wings Aluminum Bar, Threadless Stem and Micro-adjust Seatpost, WTB Blackwall tires and all kinds of other high quality stuff - ONE OF THE BEST SADDLES EVER PUT ON A MOUNTAIN BIKE (very comfortable) WTB SPEED V SADDLE

What are your thoughts on these 05 models for me and should I be prepared to pay full retail for these at my LBS?