Mountain Biking - What do you think?

OK, im trying to find a good bike for me for about 1500$ or so. I have a 300$ bike right now that just isn't cutting it. I'm look for a good All-Mountain bike that can take about a 3-4' drop with a nice feel and can take everything a trail will throw at you. I want a bike that will get down a hill fast, but fairly easy to climb with also. Nice components and a nice fork too.

Another idea I have is just buying a nice FS All-mountain frame, and either sell some stuff or just wait until i can upgrade it.

Either way, im looking to buy a bike that will last me for awhile, and is dependable. Whether it be me buying a complete HT or buy an upgrade worthy FS that will last a "lifetime", if there really is such thing:D

Try and find a deal on last years model which should be reduced now of a "Santa Cruz Heckler" They go for around 1400 - 1600 depending on the options and they are a Great starter that can do almost anything from what I've read about.. And if you Upgrade it after and down the road it can only get better..

I want a bike that does everything well too... good luck

Either way, im looking to buy a bike that will last me for awhile, and is dependable. Whether it be me buying a complete HT or buy an upgrade worthy FS that will last a "lifetime", if there really is such thing:D

Well, it won't last a lifetime, but the Cannondale Prophet is a nice all-mountain bike with a single-pivot rear triangle. Basically less complexity means less problems. Way cheap (2007's started around $1300 I believe, 2008's might be more) + a great USA made frame.

I like both of the cannondale's, but if i bought one from last year they all had lefty forks with i just don't really want. I wouldnt know where to look for a Santa Cruz, and it seems that a good set up from Santa Cruz will run your way higher. Also, i climb a lot of hills where i ride, and was wondering if these FS bikes would make it more difficult to climb. I know they make some read shocks that lock out but wasnt sure if the 2 bikes listed had these. Any other suggestions to bikes?

for a FS i dont need a full set-up, just a frame so i can build it up from there. Anything come to mind? (It doesn't have to be a FS, I would really like a nice HT just as much as a FS, also if you think of a great deal on a fully set up FS that would be great) im just looking for a quality bike. thanks

Maybe you should consider making one. My friend made one for around that price, from warehouse parts on the net, and from what I gather, you get a lot more bang for the buck that way.

making it as in designing and building the frame, or buying all the parts and frame from a warehouse? If he did the 2nd one can you give me a link to the website he did it at. Also what websites do you recommend to start looking for good bikes a deals. And what are a list of some of the best AM bike companies you know of? thanks

Is there any companies you would recommend me looking at or any websites that could help me find the bike for me for a good deal?

Santa Cruz chameleon

Banshee Sirocco

Cove stiffie
nice bikes but may be a few hundred over your price range.

I window shop here all the time but have never tried them out. Free shipping over 350 and click on the us dollar option.http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Default.aspx?HomePageID=301

http://www.pricepoint.com/

there is also the site sponsored ones as well

Always remeber that the ideas that you get can only go so far, you have to go with what works for you.

Is there any place I can go to to read up on the basics of mountain bikes. Like the components and forks a frame and all that stuff. You know just somewhere I can find some stuff so i can understand mountain bikes better. Also I don't know what size frame I need or anything.

Is there any websites with a bunch of bike companies so I can look through and try to find the right bike for me. I really just know what im looking for, Anything will help. thanks

Look at mtb review's site. They have lots of reviews on just about everything. Sift through the info, and decide what's worthwhile, or worthless.

Well, talking to the guys down at your local bike store might be able to give you some info about mountain bikes.

As well, if you want reviews on parts/bikes/whatever, you can check out www.mtbr.com

If you're looking for an all-mountain bike HT, check out this thread:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=357173

Is there any place I can go to to read up on the basics of mountain bikes. Like the components and forks a frame and all that stuff. You know just somewhere I can find some stuff so i can understand mountain bikes better. Also I don't know what size frame I need or anything.

Is there any websites with a bunch of bike companies so I can look through and try to find the right bike for me. I really just know what im looking for, Anything will help. thanks

Go to some bike stores and ask questions. Feel free to disregard the "BLANK" brand is the best-est bike ever! Excepting toys there are no bad bikes. You may fit great on a Jamis but Tom really grooves on Gary Fisher, Dick gets hardcore (aha ha ha) over Specialized and Harry thinks Rollerblades are the bees knees. Why ride on two wheels when you can roll on eight thinks Harry. Your Local Bike Shop can answer all fit/size questions, offer suggestions based on your needs and wants. Please try and seperate the NEED from the WANT. You can buy a super *****in' cool downhill sled but only ride the local out and back xc trail. Plus you will get to actually ride and try out the things you want instead of looking at cool pictures and listening to Goober Ted prattle on about how Giant blows the goat but Trek just rips sh*t up.
The internet is fine and dandy for research but as evidenced by the previous Tom Dick and Harry story (which WAS friggin' neato thank you very much) every body has an opinion. Some of these brain trusts will seek to confuse you because they are stupid. Do not fall for this. Get yourself to at least three different LBSs. Or at least two. Hopefully you'll manage to hit at least one. ASK A BUNCH O QUESTIONS. You will have knowledge when you leave. Hopefully. Stupidity similar to the internet can be found in some LBS. Be wary.

How about a Bruzza? Around $1150, I think.

http://www.brodiebikes.com/2007/2007_bikes/bruzza.php