Looking to start really "Mountaining" :)

[Irulan]

Well of course he is an expert, he has expert level skills.

But the original question was from someone who is looking to get into more serious mountain biking not an expert.

My concern with a person new to mountain biking is that FS does not seem to encourage development of skills. That concern is based on personal observation of new riders who were on full suspension bikes.

Veronica

what she said, V. says is much more succintly than I managed to with my elusive/incoherent comment about sofa butt...( which is a veiled reference to static, non dymanic riding)

Doctorfrau states her budget tops out at $1400. You can bet Lopes is not riding a $1400 bike. The big difference between a $1400 hardtail and a $1400 full suspension can be anywhere from 6-8 pounds of extra bike weight, with the FS being the heavier bike at that prices level. In addition, you will get a significantly better component package on a hardtail at that price range.

Irulan.