I've Narrowed My Choice To Two Options...Looking For Input
 

So after weeks of doing research and visiting the LBS several times, I've narrowed the choices for my first mountain bike to the following two:

The Giant Talon 27.5 5 Talon 27.5 5 (2014) | Giant Bicycles | United States

or...

The Specialized Hardrock Disc 29 Specialized Bicycle Components

I realize that the "feel" of the bikes is going to be subjective, but I'd like some input from other Clydes and Athenas on the "on paper" aspects of these two bikes. I live in an area that has a plethora of bike paths, greenways, singletracks, and various other mountain biking trails. As I have no experience with either a 29er or a 27.5, I'm interested in the performance differences between those two wheel sizes when it comes to us "heftier" riders on various types of terrain. Also, the biggest reason I am considering the Hardrock is the fact that is has double-wall 36h rims while the Giant has double-wall 32h rims. Are the 36h rims THAT much of an improvement for a 300 pounder? Other than the rims, I think the Giant wins out on the spec sheet, and I really like the idea of being able to lock the suspension on the Talon.

Any thoughts you guys/gals can provide will be greatly appreciated.

CPH

how much do you weigh and how tall are you?... I'd personally lean towards a 29er but i'm both tall and frugal... 29ers have been around for a while now and have a ton of good and inexpensive options when it comes to tires and wheels... if you prefer to stay on the road/greenways 29ers also are the same rim size as road bikes and CX bikes so that opens up a number of other options... 650b (27.5") doesn't have near the options...

with that being said... you mention the lock out on the fork being a sway... again if you are a big boy neither of those forks are going to be very good... coils are pretty garbage for the big clyds as the companies just don't make stiff enough springs for big guys... IMHO you'd be better off if the shop replaced the fork with a rigid fork... learn to ride smoothly and adjust the pressure of the tire to get the most comfort that you can... when you do get a decent suspension fork you'll be a much better rider... I wish we still had the rigid factory 29er options we had just a few years ago :-/

as for 32 vs 36h... more goes into it than just 32 vs 36... but 36h does build in a bit more forgivness...

this is all said based on the thought that you intend on actually riding it as a MTB and not just around on streets/grass... if streets and grass are the case then I would push you in a bit of a different direction for what bike to choose... but either way the "ride it and see how you like it" mantra holds true, while both bikes have fairly low end parts you might find that you prefer one or the other.

I am 6'1" and weigh in at 299 lbs. I, too, am very frugal which is why I have narrowed my decision down to these two very entry-level bikes. My fiancée just bought a hybrid so I will probably split my time between riding with her on greenways & paved paths and doing some light to moderate trail rides.

at your height (smidge shorter than I) a 29er is spot on but in reality either bike should work for you... but seriously consider seeing about getting them to install a rigid fork in place of the crappy suspension fork

another option is keeping your eyes open on craigslist... you may well come across something that works well for you

Thanks for the input, donalson!