sharkpit

First MTB. Always had road bikes. 6'1" 200 lbs. Need a bike for potholes, alleys, maybe fireroads. Want something solid. Thinking cheaper GT(what's up with that triple triangle?), Marin, Gary Fisher, Hardrock?

surreal

i started out with a hardrock years ago, looking to do the same type of riding you've described. i'm willing to bet that almost any hardtails at a similar price from a similarly reputable maker will offer the same basic results, so i'd shop more for a good dealer and good fit. if you're already a roadie, what lines does your favorite shop carry? i'd pick the best fit/deal out of whatever that shop offers.

just my $.02
-rob

santiago

If you go to the FAQ at the top of the Mountain Biking thread list you'll find a link to a "$500 Mountain Bike" thread that will point you in the right direction. Start from the last pages and work your way backwards. You'll get a good feel for what people recommend.

In summary:
- For your needs and budget go for a hardtail. No full squishy for you.
- Specialized Rockhopper may be a good fit for you
- Specialized Hard Rock may be another option if you want to do more urban assault type riding
- Any of several Kona hardtails

apclassic9

test ride the array in your price range & get what feels best to you.

disandat

I like my Trek 4300 disc. It is under $500 and is great. Oh,,I weigh around 210 and I ride wheelies and climb hills with it. It's a great bike for the $$. I'm a total newbie when it comes to choosing a bike though.

roccobike

Please don't forget to try a Rockhopper. I know, they cost more than the others named here, but the base Rockhopper is still within your budget. If you try one and don't see a difference vs the other bikes, then forget it.

ed 

What is your budget anyway? I don't recall you saying.

Look into the Gary Fisher Wahoo or Tassajara. I had a 2005 Wahoo that I got for around $390. I enjoy the Genesis geometry. That's the major difference in bikes of that price range. I like the feel of Genesis.

Ya know honestly there are days where I don't even open these threads and days where I'm feeling helpful even though there are "sticky's" regarding posts of this manner. So many times I have read this exact thread posted by another rider. So many times I have wanted to come unglued.

A word of encouragement to all of the old-timer bikeforumers...props to ya for helping out the noobs instead of blasting them for not trying to do the homework. We need to do our part to keep educating the ignorant and boosting the morale of this sport. (National anthem begins) I am in one of those helpful moods, I guess.

sharkpit

Dumb question. I just researched on the web until I went blind and couldn't find any of the bikes I'd pick at local stores. Did see a GF Whaoo today and was tempted, but they wanted a lot more than $390. Think I found a Marin Bolinas Ridge at REI for $100 less.

There's a lot more to getting past the total dummy level with MTBs. Even frame size. Seems like they should be smaller You'd never put a seatpost as high on a road bike as I see fairly serious guys riding on MTBs, but every salesman I talked to today said the first bike I climbed on was perfect. I suspect the ones who aren't just trying to sell me the first bike think I'm some old man who really needs a comfort frame.

DirtPedalerB

For someone used to road bikes I'd recommend a Fisher or Marin out of the brands you list. These have more stretched xc geometry. The hard rock is more upright and leans towards freeride. Don't know about GT I see those in department stores so I'd stay away. Marins are sold by REI, but they are nice light bikes. Are there no Marin fans here?

sharkpit

Got the Marin at REI. After one whole day I'm still happy. The gear-head guy next door aproved.

valbowski1980

Awww. That's just cause he didn't get one and is jealous.

Anyway..... Post some pics!

mx_599

one from schwinn mesa line

bspurrie

I'd second this comment. I am relatively new but started on a road bike and when I went to a mountain bike the fit of the Fisher felt the best. I ended up with a Gary Fisher Marlin.

DirtPedalerB

I'd bet that Marin Bolinas Ridge is 3 or 4 pounds lighter than a hardrock too. How about weighing the bike.

sharkpit

sorry for not getting back. Don't own a scale and thought maybe I'd find one. The Marin weighs about 3lbs more than my road bike, which would put it about 26 lbs.