Mountain Biking - roadie looking for mountain bike

Hey all,

The wind has been so brutal here in central Tx (not to mention the heat) I was thinking it might be cool to try mountain biking to switch things up. Looking for bike suggestions. I was going to go with a Giant XTC 29'er, but thought I might start off with something a bit more affordable until I figured out how much I'm going to be doing this. I have friends at a local bike shop that are recommending this:

http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/mountain/talus-sport-29-11/

http://www.raleighusa.com/wp-content/uploads/post-images/RB_2011_Talus-Sport-29_Silver_LG.jpg

Just wanted to get your opinions. :) Let me know what you think.

wow. mtb'rs suck. duly noted.

You know how to work on bikes? I would get a used hardtail, then you can spend what you would on the Raleigh but get something way better which will also hold its resale value if you decide you don't like it.

thanks - I know how to work on road bikes a bit. Never touched at mtb though.

That would be a OK bike for Walnut Creek in the ATX, for the money I would look on CL and get a little better bike for the same or less money plus you could sell it without taking much of a beating if you don't like it. Deore level is like 105 on road bikes, a good place to start. Lots of great places here in the ATX to ride. I still road ride a lot, but I find in general the MTB's folks are a lot more laid back than my roadie crew. Welcome and enjoy

I second the advice of going used. I've bought all three of my MTBs used from locals and I couldn't be happier with then. Each time I was on a budget and I got way more bike for my money....you just might have to be a little patient.

Recently I did some traveling thru Central/West Texas, and I was able to take my road bike with me on the trip. The one thing I do remember was a strong head wind. Felt as if I did twice the milage...I feel your pain. :)

Honestly, it sounds like your budget is up in the air, maybe ride a couple and see what you think(think of someone showing up in the 41 and asking if they should get a Raleigh with Tiagra or a Giant with Ultegra and all carbon fork; it's really a personal choice. The Raleigh would do the job, but the Giant is a nicer bike.)

I just finished up shopping for my first mountain bike a little bit ago. I went through a similar dilemma with NOS bikes, 2010 Spec Hard Rock Sport for $400 or 2009 Trek 6000 for $650.

For instance, I could feel a difference between Tektro Novela and BB5s; and a Suntour XCM and Dart 3. You may see similar differences between the Raleigh and the Giant. It's up to you what you want to spend in the end. Will the Giant probably be more enjoyable? Yes. Will it be twice as enjoyable? Probably not.

In my experience, I've been happy I went with the Trek. No upgraditis. It's performed great.

wow. mtb'rs suck. duly noted.

heh - sorry about this, btw. Thanks for the advice. I'll take a look at CL. I also looked at BD and they had a 29'er with decent components for $700. I've owned a couple of their road bikes and they were ok (actually I had a single speed from them that was awesome). Not sure how their MTB's are. I remember a buddy of mine went generic/cheap and got a Mongoose. The frame snapped in half on him - looked like it wasn't properly annealed.

Honestly, it sounds like your budget is up in the air, maybe ride a couple and see what you think(think of someone showing up in the 41 and asking if they should get a Raleigh with Tiagra or a Giant with Ultegra and all carbon fork; it's really a personal choice. The Raleigh would do the job, but the Giant is a nicer bike.)

I just finished up shopping for my first mountain bike a little bit ago. I went through a similar dilemma with NOS bikes, 2010 Spec Hard Rock Sport for $400 or 2009 Trek 6000 for $650.

For instance, I could feel a difference between Tektro Novela and BB5s; and a Suntour XCM and Dart 3. You may see similar differences between the Raleigh and the Giant. It's up to you what you want to spend in the end. Will the Giant probably be more enjoyable? Yes. Will it be twice as enjoyable? Probably not.

In my experience, I've been happy I went with the Trek. No upgraditis. It's performed great.

Thanks - I could do the Giant, but I don't want to spend that much on something and then have it gather dust. I think I'd like to stick to around $600 - $800 and see how much mountain biking I do. I could always sell and upgrade if I really get into it. :)