Originally Posted by
DorkDisk
I agree that hardtail steel MTBs make great all-round bikes; sadly there are few new ones being made, and even less at affordable prices. There are great deals on the used market, but unless you're a decent mechanic it might not be the best solution for everyone.
I just bought a 2013 Muirwoods 29er. It has a modern mountainy geometry (long TT, short stem) tweaked for an urban ride (upright position, thin tires). While large knobbies might fit, you may want to check the front der. clearance first. Its a good allrounder for someone who prefers mountain geometry to a more road or leisurely geometry
I have the same bike, but a few years older. I'm not a huge fan of the Hayes MX4 brakes though. You can fit 55mm Big Apples on the bike if you like, but 55mm knobbies probably won't fit. It is kind of a pig though at 30.5 pounds for my 19".
I see a lot of the newer Marin Muirwoods 26er with V-brakes and 29ers on Craigslist so that might be some place to look.