Mountain Biking - Kinda new to mountain biking (moving to Co)

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Appolion
03-22-11, 09:13 PM
So I'm 5' 9" and weight 170 lbs. I want to be able to keep the trails interesting. With all the research I've been doing, it looks like I'll be buying an AM bike. I'll be moving to Fort Collins, CO in two months. I'll probably be riding trails close to town and sometimes going out to places like Keystone. I was looking at these bikes (I've heard Jamis is good): http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/BI279B01-Jamis+Xam+10+Bike+08.aspx
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/BI272B10-Jamis+Dakar+Xct+20+Bike+09.aspx
I don't really know which brand to get or if there is something better.

Zephyr11
03-22-11, 09:27 PM
What's your budget? Wheatridge Cyclery has an insane amount of bikes you can try out. Seriously, I've never seen that many bikes in one store before (maybe Bicycle Village, but Wheatridge's quality is a lot higher). Then there's a crapload of awesome stores in Boulder (though admittedly, that's a bit of a drive). Seriously, there are so many stores on the Front Range. Don't buy something online where you don't even know how it'll fit. And the Boulder, Denver, and FoCo Craigslists have stuff on them all the time. Plus, Fat Tire Fest in Fruita is coming up in about a month, and several companies will be out there with test ride bikes. Finally, if you're riding Keystone, you may want a dedicated downhill bike.
Appolion
03-22-11, 09:35 PM
Keystone and the others like it will be a once a month thing. I'd like something that can go both up and down comfortably. More like a tough XC bike I guess.

Are bikes from previous years typically on sale throughout the year? My price range is $1000-1300.

Zephyr11
03-22-11, 09:44 PM
My price range is $1000-13000.
Can buy damn near anything with 13 grand. ;)
Appolion
03-22-11, 09:58 PM
Heh, oops :)
Daspydyr
03-23-11, 02:53 PM
I know a few people who ride Jamis and they are a quality product. Both bikes listed seem like good offerings. I would check the local bike shops for some clearance bikes and even Craigslist for a quality used bike. The advantage of buying LBS is you then have a friend in town who will help with trail and ride connections. Good Luck.

There is always something better around the next turn, or so legend tells us. But you can miss out on a lot of riding trying to find the absolute best bang for your buck. Get a good set up and get sweating.