Starter MTB: GT or Specialized

[Salvo]

Hi All,

 

I am planning on getting into the sport, but not competitively as yet.

 

I have been looking and asking around and been getting lots of confliciting information as to what to buy initially.

My budget around the R6000 mark but will stretch it a little.

 

I have 2 options currently that I have done some reading on and seem like pretty decent first time buys :

 

1. GT Avalanche 1.0 2012 (R7500)

 

2. Specialized Rockhopper Comp SL (R6000)

 

Specs seem pretty simmilar on both,...

 

Also, I've been told by some to start off with cleats, and others suggest to rather change to them later.... ?

 

Please could anyone give some additional advice on the above or an alternate choice I could consider.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Phil