so i've been riding bikes all my life. it's pretty much second nature to me. but lately i've wanted to pursure it as a hobby. i have a Pacific DS2 MTB which is for younger children essentially and works fine (i've been riding it on the street not on trails) but i'd like something more age-appropriate now. i'm not sure what kind of biking i'd like to do though. i'd probably do a lot on roads (i live in the suburbs) but i'd like the potential to do some stuff on the trail too. so basically a versatile ride. what should i do? (also could you recommend some bikes? i'm looking not to spend too much though)

Most manufacturers have similar bikes, but for what you want, you may want to look at something like one of the Giant Sedona models. I ride a Sedona DX.

Go into a bike store, and tell them what you said here, and they will show you the specific bikes they carry... Depending on what you mean by not wanting to spend much money, there are different models with different features and levels of components...

There's no single right answer. Do you want one bike that can do everything, or will you think about getting more than one? If it's just going to be one, a hardtail or rigid mountain bike would be pretty versatile...slick tires will make it reasonably fast on the road, (but not as fast as a road bike) and you can switch to knobbies and go way offroad. Others may recommend a hybrid bike. A cyclocross bike is set up like a road bike with dropped handlbars, but it is sturdy and can fit somewhat fatter tires for some off-road riding. However, it wouldn't be as agile as a mountain bike in really rugged terrain.

In terms of cost savings, buying second hand is the best way to save, but you can expect to spend some money on rehabilitating what you buy.

As I got back into cycling in around age 40, I bought both a cheap road bike and later a cheap mountain bike (both of them were pretty beat up and cost around $200) and had my LBS fix what needed to be fixed.

I think he meant he rode a lot for transportation or fun, but now wants to be "a real cyclist" who considers biking to be a serious hobby, and who developes some advanced skill and knowledge...like us!!!

what i meant was that i just biked for the sake of riding it as a kid. but now i'm (quite) a bit older . and the bike i have is designed for younger boys to be able to enjoy a ... so i'd like something that i can actually do something with. if that makes any sense.

yeah you said it better than i could. it's like you read my mind

new question: even though the Pacific is recommended for younger ages, is it still good to ride? it seems pretty durable, but is Pacific a trusted brand?

and one more (argh sorry): are MTB ok to ride on the road too?

I am sorry but Pacific cycles are not held in very high esteem on here.They are not a very tuff bike and they definatly are not fast.they are heavy.
I have ridden one for about 2 years without any problems other than the ones I have caused.But I also don't get too excited with it either.It is just a basic ride for me.I use it when I am riding with the family and it pulls the trailer quite well but I don't want to go on a big ride with it.
If I was going to do it again I would buy a Giant boulder se,or a Raliegh Mojove 2.0.I like both bikes and they are not really alot of money.
If you are going to do alot of just road riding with the occasional off road adventure then do a cross bike.
put some thought in it.or buy a roadie and a mtn bike.then you are coverd either way.

No problem. Mountain bikes are fine for the road, there's nothing saying you can't. They're just not as well suited, with their wider and more knobby tires, lower gearing, heavier frames, and mountain-oriented geometry. Shouldn't be a problem at all, though.

thanks so much for your input everyone!