Hi Guys;
Thanks a lot for all those who responded to my Diamondback thread. This morning i went to another Bike store and looked at the 2006 Specialized Hardrock comp:
It has a lot of good features, although it is still an 8 speed, i can get it for $479.96, is this a good deal?
Now i am stuck between deciding one of the following in my order of preference:
1)Specialized Hard30ck Comp $479.96
2) Giant Yukon $400.00
3) Diamondback response $400.00
I have not seen any of the giant bikes, the shop that sells them is under renovation, but he said that Giant make the specialized frames, is that true?. he also said that i could get a full suspension bike for teh same price as the harcrock?, which one would you guys pick and why. I will test ride them all again before i make up my mind.

Again, any input will be really appreciated.

thanks;
ravi

Hi Ravi,
did you consider Specialized Rockhopper. You may get a good deal on a 2005 base model if any of your local bike shop still has it. I recently found one on sale for $450. I hate hardrock with passion. its just me. to me, the rockhopper is a much better bike. from your list, I would go with the Response 2006.

dont pay too much attention between 8 and 9 speeds. its the gear ration that matters. both the 9 and 8 speeds can have cog count of 11-32. so, it does not really make a big difference. and at this price point, dont get misdirected by disk brakes. A good set of V brake can do a great job on the Rockhopper.

but ultimately, the fit and feel will decide which bike is the best for you. good luck and advance congrats on your new bike. best

to answer your question, NONE, I will spend 200 bucks more on a Trek 4900 or sth

There's no reason you have to start with a 4900. Any of the bikes you mentioned would be ok to start with but it would really help if you knew which of them you were comfortable on. Was this a shop that deals only with bikes? It seems odd that he'd say you could get a FS for under $500. Sure you could get one for $100 but anything under a grand isn't going to be worth buying. Stick with a hardtail and see if you can ride some of your choices to see what you like best.

dont get a full suspension for 400 dollars. it would be a piece of crap

Thanks a lot for all the replies, i test drove them all and could not resist the hardrock comp, i think its a decent bike for what i need right now. Maybe, once i really get into Mtn biking i would go in for a higher end bike.

Thanks again;
ravi

the yukons good, my first bike was a yukon and i've had nothing but good experiences with it

I have the 05 Yukon, haven't had any major issues with it yet. All i have had to replace is the grips and tires. Had the bike for more then 2 years now.