Mountain Biking - Is this a good beginner bike?

The Gary Fisher Tarpon. It weights about 21lbs. My local shop is selling it for $340.

Previously I rode some crap walmart bike so this is obviously a HUGE upgrade for me. I'm not really an avid MTBer. I'm more or less using this for recreation, street MTB, commuting, and some trails and small dirt jumps possibly. Can anyone give me some pros and cons of this bike or something like that? Thanks!

http://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/model/tarpon

yes.

It weights about 21lbs.

Unlikely, but it's a good entry level ride.

Ok I know I am going to get flamed for this but I got a Forge Sawback 5xx for right around 320 shipped and I love it. Its mostly Deore with an Alivio FD, Dart1 fork (not great but better than the one on the GF) and Hayes MX2's. If you don't mind working on your own bike its a great deal. Forge has really go support if you need it too.

They sell them though target.com but they are not "target quality" bikes. If you decide to go that way PM me and I will tell you how to get the 10% off.

http://forgebikes.com/saw5blu.asp


I guess I should also say that they only come in 17 and 19 so they are only a good deal if they fit.

Ok I know I am going to get flamed for this but I got a Forge Sawback 5xx for right around 320 shipped and I love it. Its mostly Deore with an Alivio FD, Dart1 fork (not great but better than the one on the GF) and Hayes MX2's. If you don't mind working on your own bike its a great deal. Forge has really go support if you need it too.

They sell them though target.com but they are not "target quality" bikes. If you decide to go that way PM me and I will tell you how to get the 10% off.

http://forgebikes.com/saw5blu.asp

Tune it up, keep it in good working condition. Check all the nuts and bolts.

Otherwise, just ride. :beer:

I worked in a shop for a while and I dont know how many bikes I built that had lesser parts but cost more. The forge was a good deal for me.