I knew nothing about mountain bikes two years ago and had stopped riding the road bike because of a bad knee - it was getting difficult on the hills here in Vancouver, B.C. - especially with a 30 year old Italian model with gearing more suited to the flats, but it has it's moments. A fellow employee would bring his expensive downhill mb to work and although I could see the quality it did not interest me - until I discovered XC. It has been a lot of fun as my knee healed and the lower gearing was much better as well ( another sign of older age! ). I rarely ride the road bike now, it is just a nicer experience getting off the busy roads and heading on to the wooded paths. Downhill would be too punishing anyway. Of course, it helps when the bike is not cheap - ended up with a Giant Anthem after much researching, with an older Giant NRS1 for backup. Lately it has been fun night riding on trails with some of the latest P7 based lights making it easy to go fast. A full suspension model is also easier on your body - at least with lighter XC rides. I am 53, I have two other brothers, one 49 and the other is 59 and we do quite a bit of riding together on our mb downtown where there are plenty of side streets and dedicated cycling paths. We seem to have a habit of trying to race those cyclists on nice road bikes, seems they usually do not like to be passed by a mountain bike - especially when you are older! For those interested - as sore or aching wrists seem to be the rule rather than the exception - there is a German company ( Ergon ) that produces an excellent product that usually helps most people experiencing numbness etc. I have them on both bikes and am glad I found out about them. Also, carbon bars, such as the Easton Monkey Lite help dampen vibrations better than alloy bars. Makes a big difference for the 50+ crowd. Do a search on the grips. Didn't intend on posting any pictures but here is one with the grips on two bikes.