Any mountain bikers out there?

[Matthew Currie]

On hard tail vs. full suspension - make sure not only that you suit your intended riding venue, but also your pedaling style. If you have a choppy pedaling style, a full suspension bike will bob up and down under high effort. You'll have to learn to spin smoothly. If you are accustomed to "mashing" high gears and low cadences, you're probably best off without it.

On aluminum vs. steel - some people rag on al. because of the harsh ride, but it's less of an issue in a mountain bike, especially if you have front suspension. It's often a matter of taste, so try both. Many people hate the old Cannondale bikes, but I love my 87 Criterium road bike. It's an ass-buster, but I can stand up on a big hill and know the weight I put on the pedals is going to the road, not to flexing the frame, and I can ride down the other side at 45 miles an hour and know exactly how it will behave. In terms of frame technology for the buck, it's hard to beat a Cannondale, but if you want the best components for the buck, you may do better with other brands. Whatever you get, if you intend to do serious trail riding, make sure you like the warrantee on the frame, and make sure it has a replaceable derailleur hanger.

 

[Atl XJ]

Whatever you get, if you intend to do serious trail riding, make sure you like the warrantee on the frame, and make sure it has a replaceable derailleur hanger.

Very good point. I used to have a bike that would not shift worth a damn due to a bent derailer hanger. I had a lifetime warrany on the frame though so i was fine, it was just a PITA.

 

[argalaviz]

I have spent too much on bikes over the years, but if you were looking to get back into it and spend a grand get a full suspension. Your back and knees will thank you. Look at the Giant Warp or the cheap Specialsed full suspension bikes. What ever you get should have Avid mechanical disk brakes. If you can spend more, say $1500 you could get a bike with Hayes hydraulic brakes.

Even the low end Shimano Deore shifters and derailuers work excellent.

Giants, KHS, Iron Horse and Specialsed will give you a darn good bike for the price.

 

[XJClassic]

If you are looking for steel, try a Jamis Dragon. 853 Reynolds makes for a great ride, if you want to spend more, Independent Fabrications make killer frames in steel and titanium. Basically if you get a good component group (someone else said XT, which is excellent for all riding), a good fork, and frame that fits properly, you'll be happy. Maybe you'll get hooked ....kinda like inchitis! Then, let the wallet open!

 

[Hunter-LynchburgVa]

my daily commuter bike is a steel trek 930 that i paid 200 bucks for, it came with clipless and flat pedals, and cantaleiver brakes, i added a rock shock psylo that i dug up used for 150. now i feel i have a pretty nice commuter/ mountain bike for a very low price. dont be in a big hurry to buy and see what comes around. it took about a month to get the bike and another 3 months to dig up the shock. im glad i started out with a fully rigid bike and upgraded to the shock after some mountain riding, i think it helped my hanging on ability on the down hills and tire placement on the up hills. this is the direction iw as pointed in by some friends at the local bike shop, and i think its the way to go if you've not ridden in a while and want to get back into it.

Hunter