Mountain Biking - What kind of MB do I need?

Hi, 7 or 8 years ago I got a basic "klunker" mountain bike and used it on some of the trails we have up here in the Adirondacks. But, as it had zero suspension, the bumps, ruts and roots beat the **** out of me!
I know that technology has advanced hugely in the last few years . I'm a "Clydesdale"-type and have seen the last of my 50's, but I'm in decent shape and want to get another mountain bike to use on the trails. So what features do I look for to get a decent bike with out spending 3-5 grand? Full suspension or just the front forks? I'm not intending on doing any jumps or wild stuff, just something I can take out on trails and single tracks and feel like I haven't been beaten with a baseball bat when I finish.

What do you want to spend?

Full suspension trail/all mountain variety. 4"-6"rear travel.
If you want to go hard tail get a 29er. They really do roll a little smoother.

I just built one of each. They cost me about $1,500 a piece.
here is a list of the companies I used to build them so cheap.
JensonUSA (http://jensonusa.com/)- BMC trail fox 2.0 frame is a good deal here.
pricepoint (http://www.pricepoint.com)
Wiggle (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/d/Cycle/7/1/1/)- this place I get most of my stuff from

+1 to the 29er. My pops is a clyde and he got a karate monkey with a reba29 that he loves to this day, even though he later got a fsr 29er.

I'm thinking maybe around $1000 - $1500. So what can I get that'll be a good ride and not be looking for something "better" in a season or so?

OK, like I said it's all new to me..... so what's a 29R? Is that the wheel diameter or frame size or ?

29" wheels, as opposed to the smaller 26" wheels on most mtbs. The Surly karate monkey with a reba fork and decent components should (almost) fit your budget, and will provide many, many years of whoohoo!! service

Adirondacks= PUGSLY

Test ride 29ers and 26ers. For your riding style and (presumably) height, you may like a 29er. And yes it refers to wheel dimater. In your budget I'd stick to a hardtail. Best option might be a hardtail 29er with good tire clearance. Pop on some 2.3s and you've got a fairly smooth ride.

Bang for the buck (http://www.rscycle.com/2008-Iron-Horse-MKIII-Sport-All-Mountain?sc=7&category=4959)
You should probably Go test ride some bikes at you Local shops to see what fits.

Bang for the buck (http://www.rscycle.com/2008-Iron-Horse-MKIII-Sport-All-Mountain?sc=7&category=4959)
You should probably Go test ride some bikes at you Local shops to see what fits.Finally - - a voice of reason.

I really wish people would shut up about 29ers - - especially in recommending them to people who are new or newly-back to the sport. They intrigue me too; and I may own one someday. But they are a specialty, "niche" bike and not for everybody or even for most. They are an off-mainstream curiosity that is suited more for the person who has "done it all" and now wants to have some fun trying something different.

Finally - - a voice of reason.

I really wish people would shut up about 29ers - - especially in recommending them to people who are new or newly-back to the sport. They intrigue me too; and I may own one someday. But they are a specialty, "niche" bike and not for everybody or even for most. They are an off-mainstream curiosity that is suited more for the person who has "done it all" and now wants to have some fun trying something different.

I understand where you're coming from. The main reason I would recommend a 29er for the OP is that he said he was a clyde, and in the shop we've seen a pattern of clydes buying 29ers and loving them.

I do not think they are a "niche" bike anymore. In cross country racing I see about 15% of the riders in a givens bracket on 9ers. maybe 5 years ago they were "niche like" but they are here now. they don't take any special riding style to use them either all the parts are the same except wheels, tires, and forks. Everyone sells those and are easily found, so whats the big deal?

The only beef I have with the 9er is tubeless rim selection. tubeless tire selection is fine and getting better every year but rim build selection is crap.

That being said the bang for the buck deal is the best deal. I like the DW link and you couldn't put a bike together with those parts for that price. Good find born2bahick

I do not think they are a "niche" bike anymore. In cross country racing I see about 15% of the riders in a givens bracket on 9ers.
XC racing is just a niche of the whole mountain biking spectrum. How many 29ers are they running in 4x or up ay Whistler?

That being said the bang for the buck deal is the best deal. I like the DW link and you couldn't put a bike together with those parts for that price. Good find born2bahick
Thanks