buying a bicycle is like buying clothes. it depends on what you like, what you are using them for, and your physical build. sometimes it's trial and error. i've commuted on just about everything except a single speed or a fixed gear bike. most will get the job done. once your'e addicted, you will ride anything as long as it's a bike!

but anyway, sounds like the boulder is a nice choice.

like my ex-wife asked me once while i was buying a new bike, 'is this the last bike you are going to buy?' the guy behind the counter spoke up before i could. 'it doesn't usually work that way,' he said. he was right.

by the way, my most recent bike, which is my favorite so far, is the trek 7.3 fx, very similar in design to the giant boulder, except the trek has street tires for the road. but the boulder looks like an excellent bike for the price! i think you may love it.

remember to take it for a test drive. also, ride several other brands of the same type of bike before you buy. you may find something similar you like even better. sometimes just a tiny little difference in a bike can really be important to you, so test ride!