Mountain Biking - 1st Timer in Need of Objective Opinions (not emotional rhetoric)

I am a middle ager who is new to MTB. I have been doing some homework and am reaching information overload on what I should get in the way of a bike. I have finally ruled out the local Marts.

I saw locally a used MOAB 2 (1998) in excellent condition for $450 -(Shimano Deore XT rear Derailleur,
Shimano Deore LX shift levers, Avid SD-1.9L V Brakes, Mavic X 221 rims,Rock Shox Judy T2 Front Suspension, Aluminum 7005 Alloy Frame)

Then I go to the Schwinn website and see the new 2004 MOAB HT for $700 (haven't priced it anywhere else yet).

I have read the MOAB is suppose to be a good bike.

Should I be considering something else? TREK? SPECIALIZED? ? ? ? I would prefer to stay below the $600 price level, but don't want to feel like I need to upgrade to "something better" anytime in the near future.

Sorry for being so vague...and feeling lost in a world of wheels and accessories.

Kind Regards,
MT

I'd look at a Specialized RockHopper.

I currently am at a Schwinn shop and am thoroughly disappointed with Schwinn's MTB offerings. They cut a lot of corners on the stuff around the $450-600 range it seems. Haven't built up a Moab yet, but the Rockets, Frontiers, Sierras, and Mesas I build are pretty sub-par. They like to skimp where its not noticeable, and I am amazed at how poorly built the wheelsets are.

Just ride a few bikes see what fits, and remember you are buying the shop as much as you are buying the bike--so make sure you feel comfortable with the shop and their services. I personally don't think brand matters TOO much anymore, as most companies are sourcing their frames from the same factories in Taiwan (Taiwan produces excellent frames... avoid Chinese stuff though). Some other brands to perhaps consider would be Jamis, Raleigh, and Fuji. You typically get a lot of bike for the money in those three brands, but finding shops that carry them can be a bit harder.

If you can spend $500+ thats a very good price range to be at as a newb because you are looking at the base model mid range bikes, some of which will have 9spd components vs. the 8spd on lower models, and you start to see some decent wheelsets and cranksets on these bikes. I also would call and ask on prices, shops do have a little room to play.

Another good option is to buy last years model... typically hardly any changes, and often discounted $100 or more just because its sat on the floor for a year. You can talk these down even more sometimes.

Good luck!

that used bike seems like a good deal, just put a new fork on it, new wires and good as new

Another vote for the Rockhopper
Here's more threads on this oft asked question
http://www.bikeforums.net/search.php?searchid=285665

Kona, Trek, Specialized and Giant all make a good rigs in the 600$ to 700$ range. Yeah that is a bit above what you want to spend but you will be getting a new bike w/warranty and most likely free tune-ups from the shop you get it from.

Go ride a few and then decide.

:beer:

MT,
I also am a middle ager new to mountain biking. I bought a Specialized Rockhopper last month after doing some research and asking alot of questions. I have been enjoying my bike enormously. I read many reviews of it on the internet and 99.9% of them were favorable, raves even. Many people praised the solid but light-weight frame which is worth building on in terms of upgrades. I paid $419 for mine and consider it a good value.
I am still learning the ropes (and how) but am riding on ski trails and snowmobile trails in the Catskills and Adirondacks here in New York. These are novice trails, but full of rocks, roots, mud, climbs, downhills, blow-downs, etc. To me, very challenging. My bike is handling it all gracefully.
Good luck!
ecc

You might also check out DiamondBack bikes if you have a local retailer. I found that they offer great bang for the buck.

a bike that i got when i started biking was the kona shred for $600. its really nice and hasnt taken much damage considering what i put it through. if u want a good beginner bike u could check out the kona dirt jumping bikes including: shred, stuff, etc. also a good bike that u could get used for close to $600 is the specialized p2.

the moab is a cool bike but i wouldn't pay $450 for a used one. the rockhopper would be my other choice as well.

Used is a great way to go when you consider depreciation. I just sold my old Gary Fisher for $300. It had too many upgrades to list but the forks alone were worth $300. If you decide to go with a new bike Giant offers great bang for the buck. I would definitely stay away from the "----Mart" bikes and go to a reputable bike shop. Most importantly, choose a bike that fits you well, as long as you stay with the name brands, you're not likely to go too far wrong-besides upgrading parts is fun.

"die trying"

Bla, I would @ 300-350. Say you put the 'savings' toward a new shok, will need if the one on the bikes been really ridden.

@ 450....Few bucks more and you have nice\new bike. Make an offer, point out wear\ depreciation.
and CHECK IT OVER NOSE TO TAIL!

Moab are nice, not awesome. Better bike IMO probably than you can walk out with new @ $450. Just get it for $350.

Good luck.

Jef.

i just had my bike shop order me a khs alite 300. the bike shop guy says they're good durable bikes. but he doesn't sell much else at the low price range because he has no show room.