Looking for a new mountain bike

[kabewyou]

I posted this over in the bikes area and thought I would post it here as well. I have a Jamis Dakar full suspension mountain bike that I have really enjoyed for the past five years. I have made it work hard for me and it has come through very well until recently. Its most recent ailment is the back shock breaking and it does not appear as though it can be rebuilt. It will cost about $270.00 to buy a new one and install it according to two LBS I visited. So..... I think it may be time to invest in a new mountain bike. I understand there are lighter bikes out there and have seen the shocks that can be easily adjusted. I rode my son's hardtail two days last weekend and admit it handled great, but I started feeling really nauseous from all of the bumping. I am also getting older and noticed that means more aches and pains, so think I want to stick with full suspension. Does anyone have any recommendations for a full suspension mountain bike and does one's body weight make a difference in how they handle? I am 5'6" tall, weigh 120 lbs. and have a 33 inch inseam. I noticed someone else's post noting difficulty with the front wheel coming off the ground when climbing and I have the same problem on a steep hill even when leaning over the bars.

[Aggie_Ama]

After just buying a new full suspension I would completely recommend riding and if possible renting bikes you are interested in. I thought the Specialized bikes were the best for me based on the parking lot test ride, until I took one on a trail and discovered the cockpit it was too compact. I ended up ordering a Gary Fisher Hifi Deluxe GS which I was cautioned many hate the geometry. Well, I love it. I was lucky that my LBS rents the Specialized Safire and gives a one week guarantee on bikes. Since I couldn't rent the GF I was given the piece of mind that just because it felt magical in the parking lot it didn't mean I was stuck with it. Luckily, I love my new bike.

With your height you could easily get a men's bike but you should look at every option before spending your hard earned money. ;)