Mountain Biking - Looking for my first mountain bike

I want to buy a mountain bike for my wife and myself. We are both a little overweight and haven't really done any real biking. I ride and race (amateur) dirtbikes so for me terrain isn't really a problem. It'll be the aerobics that will wear me out.
I'm looking to buy something used so we don't spend alot of money until we see how much we really like it.
We own some property that we can ride on with some trails laid out from dirt biking.
A little hilly but nothing big.
Looking for some advice as to what type of setup would be best for some REAL beginners.
Thanks in advance for your help.

I guess real beginners start with hardtails... that's just my opinion.
What's your price range?

I guess real beginners start with hardtails... that's just my opinion.
What's your price range?

And real beginner poseurs start out with $3,000 fs bikes. ;):D

I guess real beginners start with hardtails... that's just my opinion.
What's your price range?

Hmmm don't know for sure.
here (http://dallas.craigslist.org/search/bik?query=Mountain%20Bike) are some used bikes for sell in my area. Some are real cheapo's others seem to be decent bikes but I really don't know which if any are good bikes.

Before anyone can really offer you any solid advice, we kind of need to know a price range so we can give you links to bikes for you to consider.

Something used Under 1K for sure.

You can get a good hardtail for 1k.

You can get a good hardtail for 1k.

+1

Lots of decent hardtails for $1000.

http://www.konaworld.com/bikes/2k7/CALDERA/index.html

Kona Caldera = $900 brand new: Good fork, decent components, proven frame

Also:

http://www.specializedbikes.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?a=b&minisite=10029&spid=16831&bikeTab=features

Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc = $880


The specs on the rockhopper aren't quite as good as the Kona, but either bike is a good bike.

1k for yourself or AND your wife?

1k for yourself or AND your wife?


oops i just noticed that as well.

If your budget is $1000 for TWO bikes, then that limits things down a lot.

I'm thinking two TREK 4300's or 3700's or something like that.

+1

Lots of decent hardtails for $1000.

http://www.konaworld.com/bikes/2k7/CALDERA/index.html

Kona Caldera = $900 brand new: Good fork, decent components, proven frame

Also:

http://www.specializedbikes.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?a=b&minisite=10029&spid=16831&bikeTab=features

Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc = $880


The specs on the rockhopper aren't quite as good as the Kona, but either bike is a good bike.


Ok.
So what kind of used bike can I possibly find for the same money? What are the pros and cons of full suspension over a hard tail other than a softer ride.
What about this bike (http://dallas.craigslist.org/bik/212682470.html) or this one (http://dallas.craigslist.org/bik/212656790.html) or maybe this one (http://dallas.craigslist.org/bik/212496646.html) ?

At your budget, rule out a full suspension. Just forget about it.

As far as those bikes in the links go, they look ok. The problem is do you know they will fit you? Do you know what size frame to get ?

All three have different sized frames

You might want to start looking at a local bike shop at some new bikes to get an idea and even some test rides to get an idea of what you want and need. The LBS will be able to help properly fit you as well, so you dont end up buying the wrong frame size. If you end up going with a used bike, at least the trip or 2 to the local shops will help give you an idea of what to look for. Also at the LBS you can get a look at some Women specific bikes for your wife. The more comfortable you 2 are with the bikes, the more likely you will be to keep biking.

Edit cause Avidmtnbkr beat me to it. :p

I'd recommend looking at the Specialized Rockhopper and the Hardrock. Both are solid bikes no matter which model level you choose.

At your budget, rule out a full suspension. Just forget about it.

As far as those bikes in the links go, they look ok. The problem is do you know they will fit you? Do you know what size frame to get ?

All three have different sized frames
So are you saying that I won't find a decent "Used" full suspension bike under 1K?

you might.

I am saying, you don't want to risk it (or I wouldn't)

Generally, a full suspension bike has a lower life span than it's hardtail counterpart. the rear triangle has more pivot points and a shock to worry about.

Who knows how the other person was using it? Were they using a XC bike to take repeated drops? Were they taking care of the pivot points of the suspension? has the rear shock been serviced?

Stick with a hardtail.

+1, full-sussers have more to go wrong

Also, I dont reckon a beginner needs a full-susser especially as you said that the terrain on your land isnt too hilly. I'd go for a hardtail, lighter and IMO more fun and manageable. And

you might.

I am saying, you don't want to risk it (or I wouldn't)

Generally, a full suspension bike has a lower life span than it's hardtail counterpart. the rear triangle has more pivot points and a shock to worry about.

Who knows how the other person was using it? Were they using a XC bike to take repeated drops? Were they taking care of the pivot points of the suspension? has the rear shock been serviced?

Stick with a hardtail.
Good point and noted!

Besides, riding on a hardtail will probably give you more appreciation of a full suspension if you ever do get one.

A $300-600 hardtail to break your teeth on would be plenty; in my experience, people tend to buy more bike than they actually need or can make use of.

dirt bike single track is tthe best for mtn biking
i would look at this bike http://dallas.craigslist.org/bik/212646627.html

dirt bike single track is tthe best for mtn biking
i would look at this bike http://dallas.craigslist.org/bik/212646627.html
Yea I saw that one.
Is that a decent price for that bike if it's in good shape?

Looks like a good bike, but how tall are you? That bike is a size 16 and just to give you an idea, I'm 5'6'' with a 29'' inseam and most size 15.5 and 16 bikes fit me perfectly. You really have get the right size or you'll be truly unhappy with your investment.

Looks like a good bike, but how tall are you? That bike is a size 16 and just to give you an idea, I'm 5'6'' with a 29'' inseam and most size 15.5 and 16 bikes fit me perfectly. You really have get the right size or you'll be truly unhappy with your investment.
Hmmm I'm 5'10" and if I just measured it right my inseam is 32".

Well, I can't say forsure since all brands vary slightly in sizing, but I think a 16 might be too small for you. I'd take others advice and go to a local shop, sit on some bikes, and at least get a good idea of what size/s fit you well. It is worth it in the longrun.

I would second the 4300 idea. it comes in a WSD version that your wife could use. You could get discs for both of you and still be under 1 grand. They also come in a variety of sizes because it's a "recreational" mountain bike. It has dual purpose tires so you would be able to ride it on the road too without having to worry about ruining knobbies.

What about Schwinn Locura Men's $450 and Schwinn Women's Hera $450 u can always upgrade and Schwinn is pretty good for the money.

http://images.canadiantire.ca/media/images/Template/English/top01_c6e9.gif Schwinn Women's Hera
http://images.canadiantire.ca/media/images/Template/English/top02_c6ea.gif [71-1351-8]
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http://images.canadiantire.ca/media/images/Template/English/top01_c6e9.gif Schwinn Locura, Men's
http://images.canadiantire.ca/media/images/Template/English/top02_c6ea.gif [71-1350-0]
http://images.canadiantire.ca/media/images/Template/English/top03_c6eb.gif http://images.canadiantire.ca/media/images/Assortments/PrimaryAssortments/Recreation/BicyclesAccessories/BikesAdult/0711350_450_CC_52799.jpg
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Excel, stop recommending x-mart bikes.

It's not x-mart you idiot

http://www.canadiantire.ca/index.jsp

What kind of store does that look like to you mate? Stop recommending these bikes to people. They're junk, and you don't know what you're talking about.

Canadian Tire is a *-Mart. The bikes they sell there are bike-shaped-objects and not real bikes. They are put together by non-bike industry people and fit the description to a tee.

Schwinn used to be a real bike brand and ended up in Pacific Cycles hands and was then sold to the Dorel Group. The Dorel Group is a company specialized in car seats, baby furniture and toys.

It's not x-mart you idiot
x-mart refers to bikes sold in department stores ... just like the ones sold at canadian tire.

As a child shwinn was the bike to have but then Studabaker was a good car as well!!:eek:

I saw a couple of stumpjumpers on there and a pretty nice cannondale. but you would have to make sure that they are the right size for you also.