Mountain Bike advice, please

[Catrin]

First of all, I am just as new as you and apologize for the lengthy response I just learned how to ride a bike, period, 1.5 years ago - I have had a women's mountain bike clinic and a grand total of ONE trail ride outside of the clinic - but I am hooked.

It sounds to me like you are on the right track and just need to decide

There are differing arguments between HT and FS, but this is how I decided to get the FS. Some say that a HT forces you to learn better technique more quickly, but it will also beat your body up more than a full suspension. I am 51 and have multiple body parts that hurt. Everyone I know encouraged me to get a FS because it will give an overall more enjoyable ride and helps me to be more confident to try more things on the trail.

I purchased the Jamis Dakar XC Comp and am very happy with it. I don't know what your SO thinks about it, but it is a good solid bike that rides like a dream, climbs like a mountain goat when the engine is up to it, and though I have apparently been trying to break it have so far been unable to do so I also love the SRAM 10-speed drivetrain.

I don't know anything about the Santa Cruz, others here will be able to speak about that bike, I suspect either bike would be a good choice for you. I consider the Dakar Comp to have been a great first FS choice for me that I won't outgrow anytime soon.

See if you have an LBS that stocks the Jamis Dakota 14-inch. The dimensions of that HT is, basically, the same as the 13-inch Dakar XC Comp. That was what my LBS had me ride to see if the smallest Dakar would fit or be too small.

I must say that, on paper, the TT on the 13 inch Jamis Dakar XC Comp appears to be much too long for me. My fitter, who is also an avid mountain biker & IMBC instructor, explained that the different geometry and riding position made that possible. My road bike is VERY upright, (basically a rigid mountain bike with a road fork).

Frankly the Jamis is one size smaller than what he would usually recommend for someone my size, but because of back flexibility issues and a few other things, I require a short reach... and it fits fine. The point I am trying to make in my wordy way is the importance of finding something to test-ride, and your TT length may be quite different between your road an mountain bike.