Road to Mountain. How do I pick a bike?

[Irulan]

You should test ride a few bikes, and maybe even rent/borrow for a few rides. The reason I say this is that the mountain bike position is different enough that if you aren't familiar/comfortable with it, there is a good chance you will purchase a bike that is too big for you. Road riders are used to riding with the arms much more extended than a mountain biker. This can make for choosing an incorrect length in the top tube, for starters. How do I know? My first mountain bike was fit for what felt right after 20 years of road riding, and it turned out to be a full size too big. When I got on the correct mountain bike, it actually felt small in the cockpit until I got used to it. I see this with mountain bikers still - someone has a bike that they love, and a fit that they refuse to give us, but in reality they are struggling as mountain bikers because it is a road bike fit, which has limitations for growth as a mountain biker, Hope this is not too confusing and helps!