Quote Originally Posted by SadieKate View Post
Why do you want steel?

If it's is to provide more cushion for your hands, buying an absolutely lush fork like a dual-air Reba is the way to go.
I hate the aluminum buzz - and I notice it a LOT. So if I get a hard tail like I am thinking then steel would be my choice. I also like steel in general because it can be repaired...so that would probably also be my preference for a FS bike - but I can change my mind on that one. The Karate Monkey, unless I am mistaken, is only a 29er - at my height I think that would be difficult - but time will tell. I will check into the Instigator - hadn't noticed that one before.

Assuming no physical issues that might keep me from trying out mountain biking, it would be nice to get something good enough to learn on that would last me for a few years without spending big bucks. At this point I would certainly lean towards a hard tail - though Cataboo's point about a full suspension being kinder on my hands is well taken.

I am still working on the ABC's of cycling, I only have 1,600 miles under my belt and most of that has been since June My skills certainly aren't there, yet, to try it out, but I am thinking about it. I do love long-distance road cycling, but mountain biking also looks like a lot of fun of a very different kind - and NO cars

Thankfully both my fitter and my personal trainer are both expert mountain bikers - so there is a physical limitation for me eventually trying this they will NOT be shy about telling me