Originally Posted by Thmaxxer

PanPanX, the Hardrock might not give you the best bang for the buck depending on what you think is most important. Take the DB, deore up front LX in the rear, where the hardrock has Acera up front and Alivio in the rear. Also the DB and Giant are both 9 speeds, whereas the HR is only 8, but on the other hand I think the hardrock has the best fork out of the 3. So I don't know, I suppose the hr has the best name out there as well. I am still researching and tossing things back and forth.
Thanks.