I'm closing in on purchasing one of three mountain bikes from an LBS: a 2010 Specialized Rockhopper Comp 29 Disc ($760) ; a 2010 Specialized HardRock Sport Disc 29 ($569); or a Cannondale F7 Hardtail ($618). I'm accustomed to riding a hybrid or road bike. I test road all three and honestly I did not feel a huge difference between them (although I must admit my test ride was around a parking lot).

What do you think of these three models? What about these prices? Will these models stand up well to light offroad and some single track? Are they the kind of bikes I might quickly outgrow, or are they all solid, durable bikes on which you could later add upgrades if necessary? I welcome your ideas. Thanks!

That's an excellant price for the Specialized. Funny you should ask, but I rode the Expert 29r yeaturday at the local Specialized LBS (also just around the parking lot). It was priced at $989. and the Comp 29r was $829. The main difference I see in the two is the front derailer. The comp has an Altus and the Expert has a Deore. I'd be interested to know what kind of price your LBS has on the Expert. Also interested in the comments from others concerning these bikes as I'm also very close to pulling the trigger.

Thanks for your response, spoke50. I'll be glad to check with my LBS about what price they offer on the Expert. I don't remember seeing one in stock, but I'm sure they could provide a price. I'll get back to you when I have info.

doesn't the hardrock have a suntour fork? vs. the rockshox dart 3 for the rockhopper?

Like one is better than the other? Both suck rotten nadsax.

Some people don't want to spend the asking price of a bike on a fork, or need to.

"Will these models stand up well to light offroad and some single track?"

They should definitely hold up to light offroading.

go with the rockhopper comp disc. much nicer frame than the hardrock and i really like the sliding dropouts on the rockhopper. That hardrock 29er is a dog, it's really heavy feeling and sluggish on the trail. The F7 is nice also but i'd still recommend the rockhopper.

My LBS has the 29 RH comp disc for $749.

I'm going to go with the Rockhopper Comp 29 disc at $759 from my local LBS. I'm going to add clipless Shimano pedals for $60. Once I pick it up and get it out for a couple of rides, I'll post a review. Thanks to all for your insights and opinions. This is my first mountain bike, so I'm looking forward to some variation from my steady diet of road biking.