Best Bike for around $500 (Norco, GT, Trek, Specialized only)?

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PsYcHoSyS

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I am a student that will need a bike to commute to and from school (8 km there and back) every day. I can also only purchase, Norco, GT, Specialized, Trek bikes only considering those are the brands that my local bike shops carry, So what brand and model of bike would be my best option?

I think ive decided on a mountain bike since they can all take a beating. but any and all info would be appreciated
 
All the brands you list are all about equal in performance and specs with a couple exceptions: the GT Avalanche 3.0 here: http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1074126_-1_51000_20000_51506 has lock-out fork and disc brakes.
The norco Scrambler: http://www.norco.com/bikes/mountain/adventure/scrambler/ does not have the lock-out .
Trek's 4300 disc option is ok but again the 09 version does not have a lock-out feature and
Specialized hardrock disc: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=45759&eid=4340 does have lock-out on it with disc brakes as well
Now, why lockout on the fork? Makes for a better commuting experience on a mountain bike and while we know Bob A is against a mtn bike for this purpose it does happen to work for many who cant afford but only one bike at a time. If you ever felt the need to go off road you would still have that option too. Most hybrids and mountain bikes can "take a beatting" but you have to be careful with even these low end mountain bikes too, they are NOT invincible either. The wheels are generally the weakest link on any bike sold new these days. Tires may not be the best suited for your commute either and a lower rolling resistant tire may be in your future too. Take better components too such as Deore over Alivio and Suntour forks over RST Gila- yeah they work but I would rather have a Suntour anything over that RST crap!
 
I own both a Trek MB and a Specialized road bike. I am pleased with both. My mountain bike is a Trek 4500. I swapped out the tires for smoother ones as I ride hard packed trails and roads rather than off road. I also own a hybrid that I never use and candider it wasted money. It is the end of the bike season so you maybe able to get a great year end deal. It was because of price that I choose the 4500 over the 3500. Never regretted the extra $$. Good luck and happy riding.
 
I would forget about a mountain bike, you don't want to look like a newb. Something like a trek 7100 would be a better choice.
 
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