Mountain Biking - Bike recommendations

so i really HATE to do this BUT....

I just don't have the time to keep sifting through a mountain of information that i barely understand anyway, lol. i'm a complete newb when it comes to mountain bikes. I have no idea what to look for, or what to buy, what's good or bad, other than don't buy from a department store..

i want to pick up a mountain bike for average trail riding with the intent of feeling out how much i will use it and if it will be something i can stick with for a while. i've wanted to ride for a couple years but just haven't been able to pull the trigger. i would like a good beginner bike that has the ability to upgrade in the future while staying as far under $500 as possible. any suggestions?

TIA and sorry.

Go to local shops and say that to them, verbatim. Ride what they recommend, and choose what you like.

Go to local shops and say that to them, verbatim. Ride what they recommend, and choose what you like.

but that sounds too easy. :D

i just didn't know if any of you experienced riders had some recommendations of the top of your heads. :)

but that sounds too easy. :D

i just didn't know if any of you experienced riders had some recommendations of the top of your heads. :)

you can check out mtbr.com to find reviews on bikes in your price range. but I agree with rankin116 -- the best way to figure out what you'll like is to go to your LBS's and try them out first hand. the employees that i've met at my local lbs's have all been friendly and helpful and are not at all pushy.

All bikes in this price range are very similar component wise. Fit and feel are the determining factors. Go ride everthing you can, it's that simple!;)

One of my friends just got a Specialized Hardrock, you might like that bike. Most likely you will get a 'hardtail' bike, that means no shocks in the rear. No disc brakes in your price range most likely, go to a shop and demo different brands.

Different bikes have different feeling shifters, try them out in the parking lots. You should feel at ease with handlebar reach and bike height, lift up the bike too, if it's really heavy, think to yourself "can I ride this uphill?", the techs will figure out what size frame and seat height you need.

If you're not a regular biker opt for regular pedals first, clip-ins can be stressfull for a beginner, also if you decide you do want clip pedals, make sure they are adjusted to the most loose setting so you can pop out easily. Those are pretty much the basics, have fun with the demos. :)

thanks a ton for the advice! I will have to check out that model. i was reading reviews on mtbr and that one looked particularly interesting. i do ride regularly on my fixed gear including some brutal cincinnati uphills, haha. so i'm at least used to riding anyway. i've just never rode any trails or anything like that and the more aggressive nature seems fun (not that i'm going to be giving up riding my FG anytime soon, it's just a different type of fun). :)

Hardtail is the way to go, at that price. Also take a look around for a good used bike, 1 or 2 seasons old. If you have any friends that ride, have them help you so you know you won't get scammed.

what is the terrain like where you will be riding?