Mountain Biking - Looking for a MTB

Hello. I'm looking for a somewhat basic mountain bike. I doubt I'll be dropping off boulders or the like, but I need something with better off-road capability than my Cannondale Silk Path 300 (I'll be keeping that, so this'll be a 2nd bike).

I *hope* to do good off-roading, but the immediate plans are limited to dirt trails on Long Island, NY (some not entirely unimpressive), and use down near the beach; jumps will be if I drop off something I don't plan to. I've biked areas where the Silk Path simply fails: some dirt hills that are too steep and the rear tire just spins, for example. Trickier, I've done areas down near the beach with a LOT of sand, and end up walking the bike for 1/4+ mile at a time. I know sand may well foil any bike, but I was hoping to at least have a fighting chance.

With the beach in mind (not ON the beach, but NEAR it), if possible, something that does well in sand would be good. I've been looking at the Trek Fuel 70, but I'm not sure how well it's suited for my intended use--I doubt I need rear suspension. For my use, disc brakes are desirable, mainly because of the issue of grit (sand) damaging rims.

The bike shop I frequent sells Gary Fisher, Specialized, Cannondale, Trek, and Giant.

Any help would be appreciated.

Have you thought about just replacing your tires? That sounds like it may be the ticket and much cheaper. The problems you describe don't sound like a "bike" problem. Now if you just want a new bike that is competely understandable as well.

You don't need a full suspension mountain bike. In fact there may be some debate if you even need front suspension. Keep in mind that adding suspension to a bike adds weight, in some cases it adds a LOT, especially on less expensive bikes.

You could get an awesome hardtail mountain bike for the price of that Trek Fuel 70, and it would be significantly lighter and more efficient. Remember that weight is utlimately the driving force behind more expensive bikes.

I'd suggest that you look at a good hard tail mountain bike. There are tons of threads on these forums about which bike to buy, just search. Far too often, people just recommend a bike because they own it. That is pretty prejudiced and there is more objective advice out there, you just have to search for it.

Also the LBS is the ultimate place where the decision needs to be made. Ride lots of bikes. You basically need to understand the different component levels that are available for bikes so you know what you are getting, when you look at a bike. Tons of threads on that subject as well.

The stock tires are 700 x 38c( IRC Grip Glide). I don't think I can put anything on the rims that will be significantly better--and even with new rims/tires, the frame clearance isn't much to speak of, so I couldn't go much higher there.

For sand, I think I need wider tires as well as knobblier ones.

I think you'd do well with a Trek 6*** series hardtail, or get a Specialized Rockhopper. A Giant Rainer would be a great choice as well.

Try out some cyclocross tires. You can get wider and way knobbier.

The bike shop I frequent sells Gary Fisher, Specialized, Cannondale, Trek, and Giant.

Any help would be appreciated.

I would check into a Gary Fisher HKEK. That's what I bought and love. Most importantly, ride a few and see what you like.

As far as sand goes...have your local bike shop measure the frame of the bike you liked the best, and see how fat of a tire will fit. My HKEK will take a 2.35" alright...that should float across sand pretty well.

how bout a Trek 8*** series