In summary, what Alex is saying is listen to Brant, because he is a wise old man...

 

I'm 80% on the NORCO. But like you all said it's all about the frame. Components can be upgraded easily.

 

My experience with Rock Mtn. is that their suspension bikes are quite comfy, but also too flexy. That means that bearings are going to wear out more often and that's not good. The Norco seems to be similar to the Specialized setup with some pretty stout links, so I'm guessing it'll hold up pretty well over time.

I'm assuming you've test ridden the two bikes?

 

here are my collection when i was in college :





and then i graduated :



i've sold all my mtb and i only ride road now
i still miss the mtb days, but i got so busy now that i don't have time to head to the trail any more.

 

That's Mongoose's Ti frame, isn't it? I've seen it, but never ridden one. I like the fork. I'm shopping for a new fork for my Quintana Roo, because mine's been beat up pretty bad over the last couple years and I'm worried about fatigue life...

 

here's a pic of my bike:


it's pretty much stock except for the terry women's butterfly ti saddle:


and a set of michelin wild gripper comp s:


i haven't had the time to take a pic of my actual bike...i will try and post one up soon...

 

I'm actually about to get the men's version of that Terry saddle for my road bike...

I'm getting SO jealous of all these mountain bikes!!! I either need to step up to the plate and get a new mountain bike or cyclocross bike or rebuild my old mountain bike so I can hit the trails!!

 

My college beater bike...

 

That's the same saddle I currently run on my road bike!

 

Tight Ass bikes...lol