Originally Posted by pitch

Alright, I'm totally new to biking. I have an 11 year old that has started getting into biking and I'd like to go out with him. I've started looking at real mountain bikes and now I'm probably more confused than when I started. I'm 6'1" 220lb guy and from what I've read so far I'm going to need a large frame bike. I've been thinking about buying a road bike for sometime now, but since he has expressed interest in riding trails I'm thinking I need a true mountain bike.

Many years ago I purchased a Novara from REI but didn't ride so I got rid of it. I know mountain bikes can vary in prices, and I'm prepared to buy a nice one but I don't want to break the bank. I've considered buying slightly used but I'm not sure of the brands and I don't really want to waste my money. I've been using bicyclebluebook.com to check on street prices of bikes.

I've seen a lot of GT bikes on Craigslist, a few I'm interested in but I think the frames are too small for a big guy like me. I've considered riding back to REI and getting another Novara as well. We have a local bike shop here I'd like to get to but I don't think I can get over there until next Saturday.

Thanks!