i've narrowed down my two bike choices: the 2004 Jamis Durango SX, and the 2004 Diamondback Topanga Disk.

Jamis: https://www.jamisbikes.com/bikes/04_durangosx.html

Diamondback: https://www.diamondback.com/items.asp...temid=106&va=0

At the shop by me, the jamis is 100 dollars more than the diamondback, at 629 and 529, respectively. It has a different shock, jamis = manitou axel comp with 88mm, diamondback = RockShox Judy TT, MCU/Coil w/preload 100mm Travel. Which shock is better? They have different disk brakes, the jamis = Hayes HMX-2 cable-actuated disc brakes front and rear, Avid FR-1 levers, while the diamondback = Shimano Mech. Disc M475 with Deore levers. Which has better brakes? The jamis also comes in a 21 inch frame, which fits really well, but the diamondback comes in either 20 or 22 inchers. I'm a little stuck and am new at the MTB scene, could anyone help me out with my choice? Thanks

21 inch in one company is NOT 21inch in another. Try them. Thats the only suggestion I could give...

I think the Jamis's fork is better, but the DB's brakes are "slightly" better.

However, when buying a new bike, I consider the frame with more importance over the components. You can always upgrade components as they wear out or break. The frame is the frame is the frame. I feel the Jamis is a better buy with that under consideration.

L8R