Mountain Biking - could use some help

hi,
I'm new to the boards, from NY, and relatively new to mountain biking. i'm planning on buying a Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo-- http://www.fisherbikes.com/bikes/bike_detail.asp?series=genesis&bike=HKEK . Can anyone tell me what their view is of this bike (would it be good for a beginner but still be able to handle harder rides?). Also, what would be the equivalent of a Hoo Koo E Koo in a few different companies if I were to go with something else? Oh, and I did look at that $500 bike sticky but that isn't my price range.

Because im new to this stuff, can someone tell me what the advantages are to having those skinnier black pedals compared the wider ones? I prefer the wider ones because that’s what im used to, but it looks like I would be changing over to the skinny black ones with the Hoo Koo E Koo (even though you can change the pedals).

Thanks a lot for your help! :)

The Gary Fisher is a very good mountain bike for the money. I would reccomend it. As for the pedal question, I'm not sure quite what you're asking.

If you mean the difference between clipless and platform pedals theres a huge difference. One requires special shoes and the other doesn't. Clipless pedals (the smaller ones) are used for XC and Road racing. Platform pedals are for Freeride, DH and well just about anything.

Does that answer your question or did I read it totally wrong and get confused like Endo did?

haha, sorry for confusing you guys, i got that question answered anyway. what would be the equivalent of a Hoo Koo E Koo in Trek or Specialized?
I was also looking at the Rockhopper Pro Disc from Specialized, but I don't know if that's as good as the fisher...
The only downside I have so far with the Hoo Koo E Koo is the color, it's BORING.

I would still reccomend the Fisher because of the awesome Genesis geometry (possibly the best.)
And the Bonty Maverick rims are very good.

Oh, and I'm sorry about misunderstanding your question, but for the type of riding you'll be doing the clipless pedals will be much better and more enjoyable. The wider pedals (platforms) only really have a place in freeriding and downhilling.

... but for the type of riding you'll be doing the clipless pedals will be much better and more enjoyable.

This is true once you get the first few falls out of the way;) Since you are a beginner it is inevitable, even the expierianced riders fall when first using clipless.

:beer:

Some of the pro DHers in the world cup use clipless pedals, and ride fine. So really, don't make generalisations. You just need to get used to clipless before you did anything lik that.

In case your wondering I use platforms and don't think I could ever use clipless whil doing DH, Fr or DJ.

The Kona Caldera is in your price range.