Mountain Biking - Newb question(s)

Hi all, I hope I am not posting a recurring question here, but if I am I am sorry,

Now, I just bought my first bike sence I started driving. My main form of fitness was roller hockey but havent played in a while. So I thought I would give MBing a try.

I didnt want to go out and get a top of the line bike and not stick with riding so I picked up a Mongoose Sector for a few hundred.

Well I have had it for a few weeks and am pretty pleased, though from reading reviews it is probably cause I dont know any better.

One such review is about the Shimano Altus derailleur. After reading the reviews I realized what I was experiencing was not my fault.

So my question is, do I have a bike that can be modded, and if so what derailleur would you guys/gals suggest?

Thankx!!

Well the thing is that, any good modification you do on there will probably exceed the value of the bike. At this point if your thinking your more serious about mtb. Try the specialized Rockhopper or hardrock series. Probably one of the best bangs for the buck out there, then if you find your much more serious and willing to spend a little extra $. Post another thread and you will get plenty of responses

thanx phantom, I will check them out!

well just so you know, i dont believe you will be able to buy any specialized bikes online. Only through a shop but here are the links to the 05.

And, see if you can get some of last years models, it will be much cheaper.

Ha they sell hardrocks at just about every bike shop but I was just in the same situation as you and I bought a Haro escape 8.1 it is sick and not to much more than the hardrock

i love my '04 rockhopper comp.