telli97

Hi All. Great Forum. I'm in the market for a new MTB. I am getting back into biking and plan on using this bike to ride the local path/trails with my kids, commuting at times, no extreme riding, but most of the paths near me are either paved, light gravel or wood chips. Back in the mid 90's I used to ride a Trek 820 rigid fork which I liked and also had a GT MTB (can't remember the model) but it was an equivalant to the trek in price and also had a rigid fork. The variety out there is mind boggling! I plan on buying from a LBS to ensure the bike is set up correctly and I find the right size. Bikes manufacturers I like and seem to be pretty available in my area are: Trek, Gary Fisher, Specialized, Giant and Cannondale. I read alot on this forum about MTB tires vs 700c tires(I think). I'm a novice to all that, both my last two bikes had MTB tires. I'm 5'6' and 250lbs so I need a sturdy bike that can handle my weight so I don't know if that will make a difference in my choices. I know this price range is probably low-mid end of bikes, but I think it will be a good start. Are there any advantages to have a (rock shox) type fork compared to a rigid fork? I have looked on line and like some of the following:
Trek Soho
Trek SU2.0
Trek 820 and others above this model within the $600 range
Specialized Hardrock
Gary Fisher Wahoo (Colors schemes suck for this bike)

I know there is a lot in this email. Any info. would be appreciated. I live in the western suburba of Chicago so if anyone out there from my area has a suggestion of a really good LBS let me know, I'll throw my business there way!

Thanks - JP

RonH

I'd go with the Specialized Hardrock. We see a lot of them come into the shop i work at. Not because it's a bad bike but because the owners ride them hard and the bikes need a little tlc from time to time.

Why not post something in the Great Lakes regional subforum? You should find lots of locals who can steer you toward a good bike shop. You may also find a few folks to ride with.

Hezz

One thing that you should know is that a 600 dollar bike is a lot better than a 300 dollar one. It will have a better fork, wheels and components. You can buy a pretty good hard tail bike at this price from any of the major companies.

*WildHare*

Yeah, if you really don't need suspension (and it sounds as though you don't) you can pick up a decent hard tail with nicer components and lighter overall weight...