Originally Posted by
RSWingman
New bike: My plan has been to ride this one into the ground, but I've been looking into my next. What's the consensus on shocks?
Shocks are for show. Until you get into a MTB that is $1000+, shocks really don't provide much absorbtion. Reatlistically, for a shock to work correctly, it would need to be tuned to the riding style and weight of the rider. You wont find that adjustability without a high price.
Originally Posted by
RSWingman
Frame size?
First, figure out the style of bike, then measure yourself for proper fitment.
Originally Posted by
RSWingman
My intuitive tendency is toward staying with 26" for the universality.
Or, 700c. Both are very popular. For more of an all-round bike, maybe look into a hybrid with cross tires that is good on the road but can be used on gravel and hardpack trails.
Originally Posted by
RSWingman
And what quality is special about a "new mountain bike", that's "superior" to this one?
We don't know anything about your bike (ie: year, make, model, components, weight, frame material...) Guessing from the picture, you could get a bike that is made of better material, lighter weight, better components, fitted to your size, and more in tune with your riding style. All of these differences (not qualities) will lead to a higher quality riding experience.
Originally Posted by
RSWingman
I found the box to one of my newest tires. It understandably doesn't specify the width, but rather a range of widths that may be contained within (down to 1.75", I think). Was thinking of maybe the narrowest A/T tires I can find? Or a "Hybrid" type?
There should be a listing on the sidewall of "26 x ?.??" That is your tire size. As mentioned by other members, a narrower, smoother tire will improve the ride and efficiency on the road. There is the option of maybe a 26x1.95 tire that has a realtively smooth center but knobs on the outer edges for road and dirt.