Introductions - Newbie from Atlanta

Howdy everyone, I just joined the forum today. I was told to introduce myself to everyone. So here I am. I don't have a bike yet (bicycle that is, I do have a couple of motorcycles). I am looking to get one soon. Mountain bike that is. that is why I joined, so I could get some help on making a decision. I will be doing pretty much trail riding and leisure riding. Nothing competitive at this time. So I am trying to find out the best bike I can get for a good price. Bang for my buck.

Thanks for having me.

Welcome!

What's your budget???

around $500.00

Make sure the components are fairly good, I got a Norco Wolverine for $500 CDN, the frame is great, but the components are all being replaced now as they wear and tear to nothing. The Shimano components go from Alivio (the worst) to XTR (the best) with Deore, Deore LX and Deore XT in between. There are a few others below Alivio too, but you won't get them on a $500 US bike. Deore offers the best bang for the buck. If the components aren't Deore or better all around, find a different bike. That's my opinion anyways. I regret getting a bike with Alivio and stuff, I've replaced it all because it just doesn't have the strength that the Deore I've got now has. As for the rest of the bike, just about any frame will be good. For the wheels and fork, make sure what you get is good. You'll be glad when you don't have to true the wheels all the time or replace the fork when it falls apart. That's my opinion anyways, but if I had $500 US to spend on a bike... that's what I would base it on. Good luck in your search for your bike...

hey, hey, hey! Welcome :D

Welcome to the forums.
Atlanta has some good MTB trails. I live in Marietta so I frequent Sope Creek and Blankets creek trails. these are good beginner trails or nice After work trails to do a couple loops. these will give you a good feel for Mountain Biking. Warning Sope creek has a lot of Walkers and Runners on the trail. And I'm not talking about the gravel road trail that everyone walks their kids and dogs. the back trail that goes up to the little pond by paper mill rd.

Just make sure you try out many bikes so you get a good overview of what you like and dislike in a bike. then come here and everyone here will give you good advice on many of the feature you may have questions about.
Good Luck!

Sounds good. I may go over to the bike shop in Stockbrige and see what they have. Maybe ride some.

Hi gawarrior and welcome to BikeForums.
Sorry I can't help you with the mtn bike decision. I just ride road bikes. But there are plenty of folks here with the best advice available. :beer: