Ok, I put the Treks down as possibilities (I've rode one of them and liked it but it's the only one I've ridden so no real basis of comparison)

Yes, rideaway is local to me and I did visit them when looking for road bikes - they had a specialized I loved, but it ws $1600 and just more than I could afford or wanted to spend on my first bike.

Anyway I went on their site and found these:

http://rideawaybicycles.com/itemdeta...ogId=39&id=560

http://rideawaybicycles.com/itemdeta...ogId=39&id=558

Is aluminum definitely the way to go? (no rust, lighter) If so that knocks out the first one. Is there any other specifics you can advise me to look for and need for my first, occasional, easy riding mountain bike? I know the V brakes, but anything else - it helps when I don't feel so dumb walking in the shop! LOL

Thanks !!!!!