Completely new to bicycling--What bike?

[scarletfire]

Hello everyone. I'm 18 and want to start mountain biking. I know nothing about bikes so I come to ask you all for recommendations on a moderately priced yet solid bike. I will be riding mostly on concrete and hopefully some dirt trails as well. If it matters I'm 6 foot, 185 lbs.

[spandexboy]

Jeez, no one here to help you yet? What's gotten into these people...

Ok, here:
1) get a hardtail, you don't want a rear suspension at a moderate price point.
2) go to the local bike shop. They'll make sure the bike fits you. That is more important than brand choice.
3) depending on what "moderate" means to you, you might want to also look at lightly used bikes.

[SAINT_X]

...a few weeks ago on this very subject. Go up to the top of the page and click on "forums", then go to "bicycling"... there should be a topic in there about a guy looking for advice on bikes.

I have a nice TREK 4300, it's a hardtail...$300.00 range....I like it alot.

[RoJoGo]

Originally Posted by scarletfire

Hello everyone. I'm 18 and want to start mountain biking. I know nothing about bikes so I come to ask you all for recommendations on a moderately priced yet solid bike. I will be riding mostly on concrete and hopefully some dirt trails as well. If it matters I'm 6 foot, 185 lbs.

Have you considered a cyclocross bike? Have all the comfort of a road bike, but can be ridden on all types of terrain.

It really depends on what you are looking to do with it... if only mt biking, then check eBay for a hard tail and suspension fork. But I wouldn't get a mt bike if you will be mainly riding on concrete... I would suggest a cyclocross bike.... the best of both worlds.

[scarletfire]

Wouldn't it be nice to have some rear suspension? Without it, doesn't your ass get beat?

[jaded9999]

Yeah, I agree with spandexboy, definitely go to a local bike shop. They'll be much more knowledgeable and more willing to help.

Personally, I prefer a full suspension bike. However, that's going to increase your cost quite a bit (full-suspension bikes usually start around a grand).

Also, get involved with a local group (i.e. Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association, SORBA), get to know the members and pick their brains for info. Check imba.com (International Mountain Bicycling Association) they will have links to groups in your area.