Spec. Rockhopper SL Comp vs Marin Hawk Hill vs Giant Talon 1

mattyjonsmith

Hi guys and gals. Was on here a few months ago looking for advice on buying a hardtail to get back into mtb. At the time was kinda fixated on Halfords (Fury's and Kraken's). Have now gone off the idead of Halfords simply due to set up and servicing. I don't know much myself so would like a decent bike shop to help and advice me with maintenance.

Anyway I have now got my choices down too 3 bikes. All of them are fairly similarly specced (I think) I just want to make the right final choice as i'm gonna be ordering this week on the cycle to work scheme. (I'm in Ireland and it works slightly differently over here).

I'll be honest and say that I am really leaning towards the Marin Hawk Hill. I used to have a Marin Bear Valley SE and absolutely loved it so I am really biased towards Marin. The Specialized Rockhopper also really looks well with simialr spec.....the Giant is probably my least favourite but if somebody were to tell me otherwise I would definetly consider it.

So my choices are:

Marin Hawk Hill

Specialized Rockhopper SL Comp

Giant Talon 1

Oh, and a final thing i'm wondering is am I crazy to spend this much money (£700-800) on a bike which will mainly be used for the work commute with off roading once a week? Originally I was looking at the Marin Bobcat Trail and the Specialized Hardrock Pro but gradually went more up market!! Would either of these lesser priced/specced bikes be good enough bikes. Again I much prefer the Marin here. Was a bit worried about derailleur set up though - alivio and altus on the marin.

Phew, well that message went on a bit. Just realised how far from a choice I am. Can't even decide how much to spend! Any advice would be much appreciated though!

The Spiderman

Of these the Rockhopper has by far the best spec for the money,and a good frame.
Marin and Giant have good frames but let down by poor forks.

Rich Hcp

You can't go far wrong with a Rockhopper

popstar

As an ex-Rockhopper owner, ... Rockhopper all the way! Hardrock not bad, same geo* but frame is heavier, and feel of bike isn't as agile.

Pudseyp

Agree with spiderman....however you will get more spec for your hard earned cash by buying a new 09 model...try the likes of Pauls, Lesiure Lakes, Wynstanleys, Evans etc...

Don't know what size you need, but Pauls have upto 40% off 09 Giant's....their service is great..I saved 33% on my Alliance from them...

This is a bargain at £850..great spec and 33% of the original retail..

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... 1b4s2p2290

The spec is way way better than the Rockhopper for just £50 more

mattyjonsmith

Is there really that much difference between the Sun Tour Raidon on the Marin Hawk Hill and the RockShox Tora SLite on the Rockhopper? I know that Rockshox are more widely known and a lot more trusted but Sun Tour seem to be making a fairly good fist of their forks and the Raidon seems quite a useful fork from what I can find out? Or am I completely talking out of my arse saying that?

The Spiderman

RS forks are fit and forget,easy to service and get parts for.See if you can find parts for Suntour.......

I still say go for the Rockhopper or take the advice about buying an 09.

mattyjonsmith

Well i'm just about to order this afternoon. Was almost going to get the Rockhopper but at the last second have decided to go with my heart and get a Marin. Really don't think I would be content with anything else. Have also decided to go for the next level up and get the Marin Palisades Trail. semms to have great gears (Deore and shadow) great brakes and a very useful Marzochi bomber fork. Hope i've made the right coice!! Only problem is it will take a couple of weeks to come in as it's a special order!!! Anyway guess i'll have to be patient.

Will pop some photo's on once i've got it and have broken it in!! Thank's for all the advice; even though I went with something different it's good to get peoples opinions on what is and isn't good.