Mountain Biking - Mountain or Comfort?

I currently have a 12-yr-old (at least) Specialized Hard Rock, but have hardly ridden at all in the last 5 years or so due to being more involved in distance running, which takes up a lot of time. I'm backing off on running now and have the itch to start riding again on a more up-to-date bike.

Most of my riding is on bike paths and improved rail-trails, but I might also be riding some unimproved, rougher rail-trails and occasionally some single-track stuff. But no extreme climbing, downhills, jumps, or anything like that. I'm 57 now and don't enjoy getting bounced around like I used to ;) . On my current bike, I replaced the knobby tires with inverted-tread tires that have a lot less drag on pavement and hard-pack and are suitable for 90% of the riding that I have been doing. Since I still will not be riding all that often, I also want to stay within a reasonable budget (IOW, no full-suspended MTBs).

I've looked mostly at Trek and am trying to decide between a "comfort" bike like the Nav 300, or a mid-range MTB like the 7400. A test ride is in order, but right now I think the Navigator might be better from a comfort standpoint and would be more suited to my type of usage. Any comments?

Well, comfort bikes are merely modified (specialized) mountain bikes.

Since so much of your riding is on-road and as you described, I would recommend a comfort bike. I will add however, that 57 isn't OLD, and my 63 year old Father-in-law is an avid mtn. biker and can ride some pretty trechorous (sp?) stuff. So it all depends on how you intend to use the bike.

L8R

what's your budget?

I know you said you wanted to not spend much and I too would recomend a 'comfort' type bike. but they have some REALLY functionaly full suspension bikes that aren't ment for crazy jumps/hills but are designed to cushion mild off road riding.

You may be able to find a close out one for right around $1,000.00. I wouldn't spend less then that on one. If you look at the bike your currently riding and divide the years you've had it by what you paid it was a good investment.
if you think this is the last bike you will purchase I would suggest spending a bit more then you want to get a bike that will hold up for years and years as well as fit and be comfortable to ride.

Originally posted by DougG
I currently have a 12-yr-old (at least) Specialized Hard Rock, but have hardly ridden at all in the last 5 years or so due to being more involved in distance running, which takes up a lot of time. I'm backing off on running now and have the itch to start riding again on a more up-to-date bike.

Most of my riding is on bike paths and improved rail-trails, but I might also be riding some unimproved, rougher rail-trails and occasionally some single-track stuff. But no extreme climbing, downhills, jumps, or anything like that. I'm 57 now and don't enjoy getting bounced around like I used to ;) . On my current bike, I replaced the knobby tires with inverted-tread tires that have a lot less drag on pavement and hard-pack and are suitable for 90% of the riding that I have been doing. Since I still will not be riding all that often, I also want to stay within a reasonable budget (IOW, no full-suspended MTBs).

I've looked mostly at Trek and am trying to decide between a "comfort" bike like the Nav 300, or a mid-range MTB like the 7400. A test ride is in order, but right now I think the Navigator might be better from a comfort standpoint and would be more suited to my type of usage. Any comments?

I have a Trek Navigator 300. I am 60. Just riding for exercise. This bike has done everythin I wanted it to do.:D

Originally posted by a2psyklnut
I will add however, that 57 isn't OLD, and my 63 year old Father-in-law is an avid mtn. biker and can ride some pretty trechorous (sp?) stuff. So it all depends on how you intend to use the bike.

L8R

I know that 57 isn't too old for most things -- I've run three marathons in the past four years and am also a motorcyclist. I mainly meant that I'm not planning on competing or getting into any really aggressive riding. As a runner and biker, I do know how much longer it takes to heal when you're over 50! :D

Not every dealer carries them, but if you look around, you can find a Trek dealer with a Police model bike.
http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/police/police.jsp
I bought mine three years ago for @$600.

It has stood up to much use and abuse.

I'm thinking about adding a suspension seat post to it.