What Hardtail Bike should I buy?

Question

I don't really know which one of the following bikes is the best deal for me. I was thinking of which of them has the best brakes in this price range (under 600$ before taxes) and also a better fork and maybe a decent derailleur.

My choices would be:

1.Marin Northside Trail - 600$

http://www.marinbikes.com/bicycles_2007/html/bikes/bike_specs/specs_northside_trail.html

(on this one I don't actually like the fact that the marzocchi fork does not have a lock-out and I think that will be a disadvantage when going uphill)

2.Norco Wolverine - 550$

http://www.norco.com/bikes/mountain/adventure_x/wolverine.php

3.Cannodale F7 DISC - 520$

http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/08/cusa/model-8FS7D.html

4.Giant Youkon - 500$

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-CA/bikes/mountain/1751/30733/

5.Rocky Mountain Vapor - 520$

http://www.bikes.com/main+en+01_102+Vapor.html?BIKE=181#2

6.GT Avalanche 2.0 Disc - 520$

http://www.gtbicycles.com/usa/eng/default.aspx?fuseaction=product.displaySubcategory&&id=19#5597

7.Norco Kokanee - 530$

http://www.norco.com/bikes/mountain/cross_country_ht/kokanee.php

8.Rocky Mountain Soul - 600$

http://www.bikes.com/main+en+01_102+Soul.html?BIKE=179#2

I have no idea which one is the best deal. I've ridden each one and still can't decide, so I'd really appreciate your opinion to help me make my decision.

Answer 1

i would not buy any of those i would buy a cannondale f5 though it is only like $630 without taxes but it is of much higher quality and you can also get a trek 6000 or 6500 for about the same price and would you be able to answer my question

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...  

Answer 2

from the list you gave me i would choose the cannondale!

but please consider de specialized p 1 it's marzocchi DJ3 in the front disc brakes hussefelt crancks (i think) it's very good specialized tyres(front thicker than rear) it's got all good equipment and it's brilliant cromoly frame(if paint comes out repanit quickly or it will get rusty) weighs about 15 kilos but can take any trail and jump!

Answer 3

All decent bikes.  I'd favor one of the Rocky Mountain bikes.   I also wouldnt worry about a fork not having lockout and hill climbing.  I find it easier to climb tough hills with my fork as 'sloppy' as I can get it.  By moving and 'pumping' the bike, I can climb better.   I know this goes against the conventional thinking, but I've spent a lot of time on one particular hill that I failed to climb the first several times with my fork locked out.   When I unlocked it completely, I got further up the hill and eventually after several more tries, I conquered it.