Originally Posted by Scott_R
The bike shop I frequent sells Gary Fisher, Specialized, Cannondale, Trek, and Giant.
Any help would be appreciated.
I would check into a Gary Fisher HKEK. That's what I bought and love. Most importantly, ride a few and see what you like.
As far as sand goes...have your local bike shop measure the frame of the bike you liked the best, and see how fat of a tire will fit. My HKEK will take a 2.35" alright...that should float across sand pretty well.