Welcome friend. Either bike will serve you well, because even if they are "only"500-600 dollar bikes, they are from established brands. Given the choice I would choose the Cannondale, for purely emotional reasons. About 10 years ago I rode a Cannondale and out of all the MTB’s I have owned (about 6), that is the one I would like to have back. Giants, on the other hand, when they first came out was discovered to have been made by Chinese prison labor (slave labor, as they received no money). Maybe Giant has changed their ways, maybe not, but either way Cannondales are a mythic brand. Every MTB’er should own at least one, once in their riding life. That’s my 2 cents worth of advice, take it or leave it but always remember that MTB’ing is all about the fun, not politics.
Reply To: Cannondale vs. Giant Hardtail
Attack life! It’s going to kill you anyway.