Mountain Biking - Noobie looking to buy a new bike

Hi, I'm new here so I hope this is in the right forum. I am lookong at buying a new bike. I am not a hard core rider, I just want something to ride around the neighborhood, maybe on some dirt roads, or on EASY trails. I went to my local bike shops and one recomended a Raleigh Venture 4.0
http://www.raleighusa.com/items.asp?deptid=6&itemid=308
and the other recomended a Del Sol LXi 6.2
http://www.delsolbikes.com/lxi62.html
I would like to stay below $400 and both of these fit that bill. I know that these are both entry level bikes of similar design, but does one have an edge over the the other as far as brakes, shifter etc? Should one or both of these be avoided? Is there another bike of that design and price range that I should look at instead? Your input is appreciated.

Thanks
Steve

I would suggest looking into Specialized and Iron Horse bikes in that price range as well.

Yes, look at the Hardrock and Trek 3700 and 4300.

I have added a Trek Navigator 200 to the bikes I am considering. Any coments?

http://libertybikes.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&sort=branddesc&id=3531

First of all, what are you after. The bikes you listed are what I call "neighborhood" bikes. They really aren't mountain bikes, they are Comfort or Hybrids.

Great bikes for older or more relaxed type riders.

If you are young (and that's a relative term), I would go with a full flegged mountain bike. Entry level bikes (@$350) are more upright and more comfort oriented, but with a quick stem change you have a racier bike. Bikes in the $500 range already are set-up this way.

As mentioned, Specialized, Trek, Gary Fisher, Giant, Iron Horse...etc. are all good brands.

Visit a couple of different shops in your area and test ride as many different bikes as you can.

Diamondback Sorrento. cheap. reliable. not alot of maintenence. works great for me.
Good luck with your new bike:)

First of all, what are you after. The bikes you listed are what I call "neighborhood" bikes. They really aren't mountain bikes, they are Comfort or Hybrids.

Great bikes for older or more relaxed type riders.

That's what I am looking for. I'm an old fart that is carrying a few extra pounds if you know what I mean:eek: So I am looking for something comfortable to ride around the neighborhood or on some EASY trails.

I just don't know one brand from another. The bike shops will push what they carry. A salesman will not say "we have brand X, but brand Y is a better buy." If one has an advantage over the others, then I will drive the distance to get it, otherwise, I'll buy what's close to home.

So tell me... Are those three (Raleigh, Del Sol, Trek) OK bikes? Should any of them be avoided?

Thanks
Steve

so are the light trails like ... paved roads and a little dirt/gravel?

if so i guess those bikes are fine.

i never heard of a delsol though. out of those i would probably take the raleigh or the trek.

The Del Sol's are made by Haro, and when I was working in a shop, we sold them. They were a great deal for the money.

All the bikes you've listed are good bikes. Test ride them and buy the one that fits the best.

Just realize that once you lose those xtra lbs, and want to hit some tougher trails you might be limited with a comfort bike vs. buying a mountain bike, and setting it up as a comfort bike (Upright stem, and semi-slick tires).

I just bought a Trek 4300 a week ago and I love it. It was $385 with out tax but I have see it elsewhere for $350. Great bike for the money.

Great, thanks for the input. Keep it coming.

Steve

I love the 4300, awesome bike and feels great.

Great, thanks for the input. Keep it coming.

Steve

Before you buy a hybrid, try a Trek 3700 or 3900. I have a freind who thought he wanted a hybrid, tried a lower level Trek and bought it. The advantage is, these bikes are better designed for off road riding, while remaining comfortable on the road.