what is more important for climbing?

[fatbottomedgurl]

Get a hardtail and ride the h*ll out of it. It will make you a better rider.

[crazycanuck]

I ride a hardtail & find no problem with them..

My Scott & I enjoy the hills

[alpinerabbit]

Most handle bars can be chopped if they turn out too wide.

[bike4ever]

I think a hard tail is an excellent way to learn to climb. It also forces you to learn your bike for the fun aspect of going down hill. I agree with what others have said - you will get more bike for your money with a hard tail. If there are any FS bikes under th $1000, they will be tanks.

Do you have any other LBS (local bike shop) around you? Honestly, REI and Performance are not known for their bike fits.

[Gertruda]

ok-ok, will think more about getting a hardtail, but I will try not to overthink

I hesitate to go to "professional" stores; I better buy something from "popular" store, as they have free tune-ups and maintenance for sometime.


Alpinerabbit, you are right, I was told that they can narrow the handlebar for me.

[alpinerabbit]

er - ?? any "professional" store should just as much give you a free first tune-up. and they'll definitely do some tweaks for you. What makes you think they wouldn't? It's good customer care.

The second tune-up / overhaul will start costing you at any store.

[Zen]

The second tune-up / overhaul will start costing you at any store.

If you buy a bike from my LBS it comes with free lifetime tune-ups

[Irulan]

er - ?? any "professional" store should just as much give you a free first tune-up. and they'll definitely do some tweaks for you. What makes you think they wouldn't? It's good customer care.

The second tune-up / overhaul will start costing you at any store.

eep
This is a whole different discussion, why you might want to support your local specialty store over large chain conglomerate.....