Hi. Well i think my current bike is a mountain bike, but i didn't buy it and years of not taking care of it and it's an all around bad bike is finally making me buy a new one.. as i just got into biking :]

I live in illinois and the closest places i can get bikes from is a Walmart, Sports Authority, Bass Pro, and this local? bike shop that i THINK is trekdg.

I want
- a mountain bike
- 26" wheels
- hardtail
- men's

I will be using this bike to ride sidewalks, bike paths, sometimes road, and bike trails. Soo i'd want it to preform well on all.

Where do you recommend getting my bike from and why? Also which kind. I probably have $200 right now.. How much difference would a bike say 400-600 make? I know it's about whats ON the bike but still.

Here are pre-searched bike links from the sites

http://trekdg.com/product-list/bicyc...suspension-49/ ok that's the only search i could get off, no details, there's also a sweet deal where if you bring in your bike you could get store credit for a new one.. ends july 31 :X
http://www.walmart.com/search/search...491+4293906723

http://www.sportsauthority.com/famil...Hardtail&fbx=0

Did you get your bikes from there? Or from an online sources ( i can't really do that so :X)

Anyways, what bikes do you recommend? Im obviously a beginner and im enjoying biking so far and doing more riding and trails especially is my next step.

Thanks a bunch.