Quote Originally Posted by surlypacer View Post
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I ended up buying a new 13" Jamis Dragon complete for $1k. It was an '09 model at a pretty good discount...
I have heard good things about the Jamis Dragon, know several who have one. I guess they use Reynolds 843 steel for it's weight and strength. Niners use the same steel, but of course they are all 29ers - which I suspect are all too large for me.

There is a Midwestern Women's Mountain Bike clinic next June in Brown County State Park - and many of the women who come are either at the beginner level or have never been on a mountain bike before. They also have free mountain bike rentals if you register early enough and they have certified and professional instructors. I am thinking this would be the best/safest way for me to get a taste of things.

They start with a "fun skills assessment" to make sure you are with the right group. My fitter is one of the instructors, so he told me all about it. From the sound of the clinic, it would also enhance my road cycling skills - a winner all the way around!

Surlypacer, I see you have a Gunnar Sport as well as the LHT. How do they compare with each other? Is the Gunnar Sport a full touring bike like the LHT or is it different?