Hi everybody,

Rank amateur here looking for advice for a new bike choice. I've got a budget of approximately $6-$700 and would prefer to drop the $$ at my LBS rather than bikes direct, nashbar, etc...

My wife & I are actively looking to reduce our oil dependence, and am looking for a lightweight hardtail, that can easily navigate a 13km(one way) commute in Kitchener-Waterloo Ontario, and then easily navigate a few nice snowmobile trails near Tobermory Ont. I'm 43 Years old, 5'8" and 170lbs, and consider myself to be in respectable shape for my age.

2 Bikes isn't in my budget.

I'm on an almost 10-year old Miele UA 500 now, and it's a bit of a pig, has served it's purpose, but showing it's age.

Thanks!

So what Brands do they represent? Do they, for starters, have QBP Account?

I'd recommend these:
www.norco.com/bikes/mountain/bc-trail-hardtails/katmandu/
www.khsbicycles.com/2013-khs-models/alite-350/
www.raleighusa.com/bikes/mountain/26-recreation/talus-5-0-13/

* The Talus has rack and fender mounts. The others do not. Most MTBikes do not! Carrying equipment, packages, or personal items, usually requires the convenience of a rack for many commuters.

@ fietsbob... to my knowledge they don't have a QBP account... my LBS irp is here;

https://www.brauns.com/gc/gc_page.exe

they primarily have Jamis, Brodie, Rocky Mtn, etc... although there is another LBS that has a hefty Trek lineup.

@ Cfiber...

I currently have a rack and some basic panniers on the Miele, etc...


I'd prefer to spend locally, but $$ is always a factor (3 kids, mortgage, etc...) and I can get a drop address in Niagara Falls NY for a shipment from Nashbar or Bikes Direct....and Niagara Falls NY is only a 2+ hour drive from me here in Ontario.

this one from Bikes Direct looked appealing...

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...teslv_2100.jpg

but finding any info on these bikes has been hard to come by...

that knocks out the Surly/salsa/ Civia stuff.
So then a MTB is what you seek ?

Really , a bike with similar components , will be mostly like another of same
price .. the Components Do cost factories the same ..

and many Brands are made under the same roof , then shipped to different Importers.

consider just going for test rides , live works better than remote touting..

I'd like to see pictures of the Miele a 10 year old mountain bike seems pretty modern to me. =) Maybe all you need is a few parts like a chain and new cassette if you are really worrying about being green. Of course there may be plenty wrong with it and it may be time for something new.