Suggestions for newbie buying first bike
Hello everyone, I just recently decided that it was time for me to start being more healthy and active. The first idea for me to do this was to take up a new hobby, and mountain biking is what I decided on. Since I live in Arizona, there are plenty of places to ride, trails or not. Also, I have a few friends who ride a little so I would be able to go with them.
Now to what I need help with. With the little researching that I have done, I have narrowed it down to a hardtail 29er. This would be in my price range (max of $500). I have looked around quite a bit and read through these forums and still don't know what exactly I want.
I have looked at:
Trek Marlin 5 ($499)
Dawes HayMaker 2900 ($369)
Motobecane Fantom29 Sport ($399)
Motobecane Fantom 29 LTD ($399)
Gravity 29Point1 ($449)
One of the main websites that I have been using is bikesdirect.com.
If you guys could help me out, that would be awesome!!