Hi All,
Apologize in advance for [yet another] bike buying advice question

So I recently got into biking after purchasing a Dahon folding bike for light commuting. I am looking to get more into the sport- e.g. riding on long paved bike paths and some offroad trails (gravel and forest), but not very interested in the extreme side (downhill, ramps, etc.)

IIUC, a hardtail would be best for my needs and after looking at several options I got excited about the Specialized Rockhopper 29 Sport since it seems to have a good specs and fits my budget (and looks pretty awesome IMHO). Looking a bit more into it, I noticed the Merida Big 7 300, which is on the same price level, but seems to have a lot better component specs (XCR vs XCM fork, better Shimano parts, and maybe the 27.5 tire size would be lighter and better for my "hybrid" use).

Is there a reason that the Rockhopper is the same price with "worse" parts? Is it for the name or are there frames better (or something else)?
Also, are there any other bikes I should be considering?

Thanks in advance for your help!
Speks

Frame quality I doubt there is any real difference between any of the big names. How it fits you and feels to you is a different thing, and while I prefer the 27.5 but that also is as much personal preference for where and how you ride as anything else. I also prefer hydraulic disc over mechanical so if the price was the same I would lean toward the Merida, but they both should work fine. Then there is the Giant Revel 29er, it has about the same components as the Rockhopper 29 for a bit less.

If you can you should really ride both of them. I just sold my Rockhopper 29er as after getting it on the trail I never really got in the zone like would on my old 26inch Stumpjumper. I got my first Rockhopper back in 1986 and first stumpjumper in 1988 and still have both. Will never ride anything but Specialized. Now that being said the bikes you are looking at are all good choices so really comes down to what feels right to you. Remember components will wear out so get the fit and feel right is top priority.