Mountain Biking - Buying my first mountain bike.

Need help guys, I want to start mountain biking and don't know what kind of bike would suit me best. I'm 6'0, 200Lbs. I won't be taking monster jumps or going on downhill courses, but I will be riding over logs, hopping creeks, etc. What is my best bet?

Go to your local shops and ride everything in your price range. Buy what feels best.

Plan on a $300-$400 budget minimum. If you can't go that high, check for name brand (Trek, Specialized, Giant, etc) used bikes on Craigslist. Stay away from department stores if at all possible.

I have $1000 to spend. Basically I'm not sure what category of MTB I should look into. XC or Trail?

do what mobaar said...go to a bicycle shop, as many shops as you can, test ride as many bikes as you can. get the one that is most comfortable for you that you can afford. let the bike choose you, you don't choose the bike.

I have $1000 to spend. Basically I'm not sure what category of MTB I should look into. XC or Trail?

For your use, either category would be fine. "XC" tends to be racier while trail is burlier. Are you looking hardtail or full suspension? Even at $1000, hardtail is probably your best bet for a good all around bike. If you want full suspension, you'll want to find a sale/closeout/used bike to get into something solid.

:twitchy:

Hold on there, i will give in my 5 cents(inflation) as soon as i finish watching the Royal wedding....
20 hrs later....the wedding was good but now i am sick of looking at it.As for the bike,can't be wrong with a hardtail if you don't do any fancy stuffs with the wheels.