fastdogs

I've looked at an 09 trek 820 and a GT outpost. I don't plan to do any real rough stuff, just grass and dirt trails. I've got a trek hybrid that I love, I'm sure I don't really NEED a mountain bike, but it's a disease.
Are these ok for part time bikers? Any other suggestions (there are shops around here that carry giant and jamis as well)

c_m_shooter

My wife has a Trek 820WSD we got this year and she loves it. It is a bit heavier than I expected and the suspension fork isn't too good, but everything works like it should. For the price there isn't much to compare to. I would have them swap to a rigid fork if they will. If you want a suspension fork, up your budget or look used.

v1k1ng1001

Specialized Hardrock.

-Devil-

my kid has a trek 3700 ... its 'eh' decent ... fork is weak ... and bottom of the line drivetrain that it seems i am having to tweak almost every time we go riding ... but so far it handles everything he can toss at it ...

if your dirt trails involve any rocks, roots or potholes ... i would reccomend a mountain bike over a hybrid ... less you are a lightweight person

Tom Stormcrowe

I'll also chime in with the Specialized Hard Rock.

Bosock

Gary Fisher Piranha...best bang for buck for decent entry level bike

nymtber

im gonna go with specialized hardrock, especially since your posting in a clyde forum. Those frames are built like TANKS! and the lowest version is very fairly priced. That is what I would get if i needed a mountain bike!

Alathea

Specialized in any flavor, old or new. I got mine in almost unridden condition from craigs list for 125. Putting some tires on it eventually, got a new saddle and im looking at grips-other than than its pretty much perfect. All in for around 200 ive got a new bike. You might poke around outside of new unless you aren't worried about pulling the trigger or need a warranty. Ive seen some Treks on C/L here in NE for a couple hundred off what they were new.

fastdogs

thanks for the replies. I've backed off on the trek 820. I need to look at the fuji nevada1.0, if I can find one to look at, one bike shop recommended it over the others in the nevada series (even though they didn't have any in stock, and did have the nevada3. or4.0).
I've got the hybrid, so if get a mountain bike it should probably be able to do some mountain bike things if I should decide to, not just be another hybrid with fatter tires. I'm going to try to find someone who has specialized bikes. The weight is probably the biggest reason, as an athena (190-200)I'm probably going to be harder on a bike just by riding it than a regular person. My trek 7200 has held up well, but it's nice to be able to take it in to the bike shop for free service whenever I need to, since I can't do any of that myself (yet).
vickie

wrk101

If it is going to be a backup/second bike, why not buy used? You can find Specialized and Trek mountain bikes all the time on Craigs List around here.. I have been both a buyer and seller. On Trek, the higher end rigid bikes are a huge step up from the bottom/lower end. My Trek 950 is a light steel bike with Deore LX and DX components.

The GT Outpost has a shock front end if I am reading it right. I think you would be much better off with a totally rigid framed bike (no suspension). The suspensions tend to be made for light weight riders.

fastdogs

well, today while test riding bikes I bought one. I've been test riding bikes all week, just trying out different ones. I fell in love with a gary fisher wahoo. It was a perfect fit!

Stujoe

Congrats! It all comes down to what gets your legs spinning.

Bob_in_Midland

I know the feeling. A few years ago when I was looking for a new MTB, I had tried a few different brands. Then I tried a Fisher. With a swapout of the stem, it fit very well. I am glad to see that you found one that you like!

Have fun!