Originally Posted by
BluesDawg
There is no full suspension bike under $1K that I would think of recommending, but plenty of hardtails. I use the Thudbuster suspension post on my Rockhopper and the only times my bad back (herniated lumbar disc) hurt was when I raced.
Full suspension bikes that work are a lot more than you expect. Even Good name manufacturers bikes that do not cost enough are not worth getting. Can't tell you the US price for a good one but they start at around£2,000 over here.
I do have a back problem but not on the bike. The thudbuster Suspension post is expensive and I do have one on the Tandem. It also fits the MTB so long hard rides will have the thudbuster fitted for comfort.
Now on the bikes- For a beginner- Basically any bike will work- but Specialised- Kona- Giant- Bianchi all make good basic bikes. Couple of points that should be born in mind though. At your price range- The forks will not be quality. They will work but are often not that good for an experienced rider and will probably not have any adjustment- so look for an upgrade within a couple of years. And I can assure you "V" brakes work well but if going for Disc brakes- At this price range they will probably just about outlast the forks.
And I do still have some pretty Gnarly rides on my Bianchi Hardtail. For a cardio workout- you cannot beat a 15% rock strewn slope that goes on for about a mile. And as for the Downhills- No better way of getting a full body massage.