Narrowed down to three possible bikes
 

I have been researching mountain bies for some time trying to decide which one to get. I'm looking about the $600 range. These are the three I have been looking at:

Haro V4 - Haven't found alot of information on Haro except for the fact that they tend to have better stock components than the other brands. The local bike shop has the '06 models on sale which is always a plus.

Trek 6000 - Lots of information on this bike and it appears to be a solid bike. However it seems that the components are crap and have to be replaced quickly.

Marin Northside Trail - Have found very little info about this bike, seems to be more popular in the UK but I dunno.

The type of bike I'm looking for is a bit of an all purpose bike light enough for trail riding and rugged terrain. However if I need to tip the scales in any direction, then I'd like to lean a little to the rugged side than the speed side. Thanks for any suggestions that any of you are able to put in.

Look into the Specialized Hardrock. It is a very vestal bike and can handle EVERYTHING! It is way beefier than the three you listed but of coarse will weight more.

The '06 rockhoppers can easily be had for that. I'm getting one. :)

How bout these?
07 GT Avalanche 3.0
http://www.gtbikes.com/mountain/cata...usa&brand=moun

You can change the brake from Tektro Linear Pull to Avid Single Digit 7. While if you have extra money you could buy a better front suspension maybe or as things starting to wear out, you could upgrade your crankset and after that upgrade your front suspension. Brakes is a must upgrade from my opinion.

I just ordered a 07 Trek 6000 today and it will be here in a week, I will let you know how it rides when I get it.

Where would you get such information?

Probably right here on BF. He's probably refering to those heavy, ugly, "bontrager" branded parts.

:roflmao:

Shut up.

Just an fyi, most people looking at buying new bikes in this price range do not want to buy one that they need to spend so much money upgrading. You get much more for your money by buying a complete bike in your price range than buying a bike and then upgrading it.

you're right, marins are very popular over here in the uk. probably a good readson for it too.
i would have bougt one myself, but i went with a self build specialized instead.
Of the 3 i would probably go with the marin, if you hadn't already guessed ;)

I think they are all good, they all beat the pants off any xmart bike. I'd look more at fit and feel since for that money they are all pretty closely spec'd.

Trek gets my vote..