Do I need a mountain bike?

[mudgirl]

Sounds like you need a mountain bike.

Seriously, I bought myself a $400 Specialized Rockhopper just over a year ago and I love it!!! I was only going to do rails to trails in the beginning, but suddenly, with the help of peer pressure, I found myself out on sweet singletrack, rolling over small logs, lots of roots, and even doing some small (6" at most) drop offs! Heck, I even took it up to Whiteface Mountain this past summer and did some lightweight downhilling with it!!!! Doooo iiiiitttttttt.

[sundial]

You guys are not helping me. I see dollar bills floating away.

OK, I am going to pick up a set of 'cross tires and put it on my Sequoia. If it still doesn't satisfy my riding experience I may shop for a mtb.

Is that Rockhopper heavy?

[sundial]

Ok, the Rockhopper looks really cool. Should I go with disc? compact disc? I like the burnt orange color.

[wannaduacentury]

I just traded my hybrid in for a mtn bike in sept. Go get one, you'll love it. I don't do techie stuff either, but I don't care. I got the mtn bike to go through rougher areas off trails that the hybrid tires would get a flat on. Jenn

[onimity]

every time I see the title of this post on the front page I think to myself

YES!

My first MTB was a Kona Fire Mountain, a great entry-level MTB. My sis got a Novara MTB (from REI and it was great as well, and cheaper...you can get a great deal with one of their 20% off coupons!)

I don't do any seriously technical rides but love what I can ride on the MTB. There are few things that I enjoy more than a commute home on singletrack, and a bike with suspension makes rough terrain a lot more manageable.

People have different opinions about disc brakes but I *love* them. I commute in all sorts of weather so they are nice to have for that reason alone.

Do you have an LBS that will rent you a MTB? Just to let you try it?

I love my road bike, but my MTB as a really special place in my heart. It will just go *anywhere*

I know, I'm not helping!

Anne

[sundial]

Well, the enablers did a GREAT job of encouraging me to spend $$$.

I ordered a Specialized Rockhopper in candy red. Here's a link to the bike:

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=33092

I can't wait to ride Carmine down these gravel roads and trails in our parks. Thanks everyone for encouraging me to take the plunge.

[onimity]

Congrats!!!

You will love having a mountain bike!

Anne