Mountain Biking is something I've always kind of been interested in, but I never had a bike thats was good for anything other than riding to a buddy's house. I'd like to think I'm pretty athletic, I play soccer in the fall, and run track in the winter and spring. I also ride dirtbikes and I'm wondering if this would be something fun to do when I'm not able to go dirtbiking. I don't really know anything about the sport, so if you could just tell me what a typical day out for you is like that would be great. Also, whatever bike I got would be one of the Wal-Mart/Dick's/Dunham's bikes like mongoose or quest. I don't know if I'm up to the challenge because every time I rode one of the garage sale, suspension-less mountain bikes I had I ended up pushing it half the time because I either couldn't pedal up a hill, the ride was too rough, or the tire spun in mud. Would these things be fixed by a modern bike? My final question is how much does suspension matter? I understand that a front suspension is essential, but how important is rear suspension? Thank you for any and all help.

-Jack

what would your price range be?

Well the pushing part doenst have much to do with the bike, and if the bumps were too much, then dont buy a Mart bike, because it will look like it could handle the bumps while in truth it wont at all. If i were you i would go for a cheaper Front suspension bike such as the Specialized hardrock. Spinning of tires is a tread issue.

The price range is less than $300. I know I shouldn't expect much but I am dirt poor. Mainly because my truck only gets 10 mpg and I can't work during the school year. I don't know for sure yet if this is one of those impulse things or not. I'm not planning on racing or getting real serious with it, just something to play around on with my friends and when I'm in a bad mood or can't dirtbike I'll have something productive and physical to do. So you guys think maybe this isn't for me? Or I should just rethink it?

Also try looking into old year model bikes

you should be able to find a low-end hardtail at a bike shop for $300 or so. don't buy a wal-mart bike. it is basically throwing away your money. if you decide you don't want the bike later, you can always sell it. if there is one thing i've learned in the two months since i became obsessed with bikes it is that used brand name bikes will always sell. always.

I'd look into a used bike.

Mtn biking is a tough sport and you could hate it or you could love it....before spending bucks on a bike you won't use I'd make sure the sport was for me.

The problems you listed in the first post are not so much bike related but rider related....it's probably just inexperience.

Good luck in whatever you decide...fwiw...I absolutely LOVE mtn. biking and it's a great workout.

hammer makes some good points, but even as a newb i stand by my advice. better to buy a bike from somewhere that you can take it and get it fixed for free if it takes a crap. especially if you don't know what you are doing-unless you can find a used bike at a bike shop where they offer a waranty and/or free tuneups on it. you can probably find an '06 trek 3900 or specialized hardrock for under $300 at an end of the year type sale.

heck i don't know-do what you want, just stay away from wal-mart or you'll be flushing $ down the toilet. trust me-i bought three of the things before i realized i was being ******** buying and then breaking these peices of crap that weren't worth the money to repair them. that is all.

So, how could I know if this is something I might like? Is it something that is easy to get good enough to have fun at? Also, if I go with a used bike, what would be the best for say, $250 or less? I know I have a limited budget but I'm poor.

I don't work for NASA or anything...but probably the best way to figure out if you like it....might be to try it. Borrow a bike from someone if you have to before buying a bike or a lot of bike shops rent bikes.

lets be honest here...anybody can ride a bike, and most of it is as simple as that. mountain biking is only as hard as the terrain you choose, so start with easy stuff.

Sounds like good advice!

are you mockin' me?

nope, just agreein