Trek 4900 vs. Cannondale F300 vs. Spez Hardrock Pro Disk

[lup]

I'm a roadie looking to to ride at night without trashing my expensive skinny tires in the dark; a little off road riding as well (can't say mountain biking honestly--I'm down in Houston). I'm 6'4" and ride a 63 cm.
road bike, so I'm figuring a 21 in mountain bike--that cuts down the field a little. I've looked at the 3 bikes above -- anybody got any opinions about them? I'm about 230 (on a good day), so durability and shock life may be an issue.

[cjb10350]

I've been helping a soccer player with a torn ACL find a decent bike he can ride while he heals up. One party says he should get a MTB, I'm all for road bike (even though I own and ride both kinds) but I've advised him for all-around-riding a 'cross bike is the way to go. Low rolling resistance for street, and beefy enough to take through our mountainous parks. 'Cross bikes are an excellent conpromise.

[jamieo]

But if your looking for a mountain bike, we sell a ton more Gary Fisher
Tassajaras than Trek 4900s. For not much more you get 9 speed so it is easier (and less expensive) to upgrade down the road.

[cjb10350]

If you aren't planning to really do much off-road, consider a hardtail bike. Less weight on the frame and fewer parts to maintain.

[yakmoose]

The 4900 would be a great bike (we sell lots of them!) but you might consider a non-suspension hybrid like the TREK 7300FX. It would cost less, weigh less, rider faster, and still be a lot sturdier (due to wider tires)
than your road bike.