I have no idea what mtb bike to buy-

[bcipam]

Buying a bike is such an individual decision - my only advice is to not rush into something or settle 'cause that's all there is.

For the record I ride both a hardtail and a full suspension bike. I like them both, equally. They serve different functions. The hardtail is lighter, quicker more responsive and climbs like a goat. The fully is heavier but allows me to take tough descents alittle easier. I ride the hardtail when mostly doing fire road and there's alot of climbing. I also use it on flatter, quick single tracks. I use the fully on singletracks, trails with steeper, gnarly descents, when I need a smooth ride etc.

If your money is limited, I suggest you get a good hardtail. If you have some money to spend, then consider a good "all-mountain/cross-country" fully. There are alot of good brands out there. Rocky Mountain, a Canadian company, makes a good bike. I love the Specialize mountain bikes (my hardtail is a Specialize M4 Stumpjumper) but the newer Spec. bikes are not as good as some of the older bikes and the price has gone way up. Trek makes good road bikes but I am not convince they make good MT bikes. I've heard alot of complaints.

Check around for these: Cannondale, Turner, Santa Cruz, Ventana, Ibex, Gary Fisher (my fully is a 2002 Fisher Suger 3+), Kona, GT, Giant, Titus and Rocky Mountain.

Try and ride each fo the bikes you want. Don't assume you need a bike with WSD geometry. WSD bikes don't work for me. It works for a woman with longer legs shorter torso. And don't assume that since you ride a small/medium you ride a small/med for all bikes. Geometry is different with each one. Make sure the shop is measuring you.

Good luck and take your time. Do some online research. Check with your bike friends. maybe they have a bike you can borrow and ride.

[Jennifer]

Hi, I'm new, but this is a topic dear to my heart, so...

I love full suspension. I have had lots of bikes, and I am simply a faster rider on dual suspension. a good one ( read light ) will cost you an arm and a leg. but i think its really worth it. I find that when I'm climbing technical climbs the dual helps me get better traction. and men have such an advantage when the trail points down hill, full sus really helps you keep up. My last hardtail was a womens Specialized Stumpjumper. I've got a Jamis Dakar Pro, which is about 27 lbs. It's a few years old. I just got my new bike, a custom DEAN baja. It's titanium, and I don't have it built yet (not in a huge rush being 9 months pregnant) but it should be considerably lighter.

I would say that if you have a hardtail, keep it and buy full suspension and ride the appropriate bike for the trails. but i garauntee the hard tail will gather dust.