If you're going to ride a lot and you can afford the extra $ a Rockhopper Comp would be my bike of choice - better, more durable components, more precise shifting.

If $500 is the limit I'd go with a base Rockhopper rather than a Hardrock to get the better components.

Here's a funny thought - Rockhoppers cost now about about the same as they did when we bought ours 10 years ago!

V.