Mountain Biking - New to MTB: What do I want?

My first bike was a TT bike which has since been converted to a commuter. I want a mountain bike for winter commute and perhaps some light recreational riding. I have my eye on the Giant xtc2 [$900cdn]. Is this a reasonable-can't-go-wrong-for-the-money entry level bike or should I be making some other considerations? Keep in mind, I just like the way it looks.

what type of recreational riding are you going to be doing? There are so many different options it really depends on where and how you will be riding. MTBs even hardtails suck on the road. If all you will be doing is light offroading and bad weather commuting you may want to consider a cyclocross bike. Considering getting one myself. All the benefits of a road bike, but not afraid to hit the trails as well.

As far as MTBs I have a 2001 entry level Trek hardtail that I have had for years. It has seen some pretty brutal trails and survived them all...even the ones I did not. Unless you are planning on competing this will likely suit your needs. I also had a giant road bike that I was not overly impressed with due to sizing limitations, not really familiar with their MTBs

MTBs even hardtails suck on the road.

I have to disagree there. A good HT XC MTB can move itself pretty good on the road. I know because I always ride to the trails instead of mounting my bike on a car.

If all you will be doing is light offroading and bad weather commuting you may want to consider a cyclocross bike. Considering getting one myself. All the benefits of a road bike...

False. If it had all of the benefits of a road bike, it'd be a road bike.

Hardtail bikes work fine on the road with the right tires, not like a road bike but not bad. I would much rather have a hardtail on the road than a 'cross bike on the trail.

I see your points but cervelo48s post it sounded as if they were interested in "recreational riding." Not sure what was meant by that but I would assume fire roads, grass gravel, etc. Cyclocross bikes are not meant to be hitting technical trails, although alot of people do that. I have both road bikes and MTBs. Yes you can ride a hardtail on the road with the right tires but the geometry is not right and more than 10-15 miles you will find yourself very tired and uncomfortable. If you are about 85% road and just want something for bad weather and light offroad a hardtail is overkill in my mind. But to be honest it doesn't really matter. Ride whatever the hell you want..just ride!

False. If it had all of the benefits of a road bike, it'd be a road bike.

"many" of the benefits, seating position, weight, etc. again depends on what you are using it for.

"many" of the benefits, seating position, weight, etc. again depends on what you are using it for.

Right, but you said "all" in your post.

Right, but you said "all" in your post.

yes I did thanks for pointing that out twice. I obviously hit a nerve or you are just unfriendly. Either way I was just trying to help.

New to MTB: What do I want?
Rigid 29-er SS.






Hey, no one said it yet!

Rigid 29-er SS.






Hey, no one said it yet!

holy crap that is bada$$. I am realizing I am out of my league in the MTB forum. you guys are nuts. Those are fixed? or just SS. Either way that is legit.

sorry sometimes the search button helps. May have to rethink my next purchase these 29ers are pretty sweet.