I have always been into MTB's but never had the funds for one. I am looking for something that isn't xmart, and is decent quality. It will be used for hitting small trails, but mainly pavement. I would like to stay away from V-brakes and such, and go more with disc brakes, mechanical preferably. The price range i am in is $200 or lower if possible, but i will keep my options open.

you can't get good disc brakes for under $200, even used. i know of a good deal on a bike in georgia, a 2005 jamis durango sport sx with discs for $250 near one of the trails i go to a lot. but that's probably too far away for you. just look at craigslist. maybe you'll get lucky, but a good set of v-brakes is better than a crappy set of discs. at least get avids.

Don't give him that hard of a time. obviously he hasn't been "into" MTBs because he wants discs on a sub $200 bike. I don't think I've even seen many good sub-$200 bikes ever.

Brakes are usually the last thing you need on pavement or small trails so I don't think you should look past a good bike with non-discs. I'd choose a good, used bike over a new bike in your case given your budget. Ebay always has used bikes for sale so keep an eye out for ads posted within your area so you can test ride the bike that fits your budget and needs. There is a bike shop in my area that specializes in used, reconditioned bikes. See if there is one in your area because there may be some good deals out there to be had.

My '89 Mongoose IBOC Comp is a really nice bike that I still enjoy riding. Don't overlook an older bike in good working order.

Giant Boulder $240

go used, that giant boulder is a piece.

Easy, you always want one, that doesn't break every mile, but don't have the money for a good one.

Not a problem with older bikes, i have two 1976 bikes

I was once just like you

Yeah, I saw those in your sig. I'm restoring my '89 bike just because I want to keep it for another 18+ years. I should change my user name to Pack Rat.

Good Luck.

here's something in new orleans. it looks like a pretty good deal, and i bet you could talk the guy down if it's not sold yet.
https://neworleans.craigslist.org/bik/343208090.html

here i even did some leg work for you,
its in new orleans even

https://neworleans.craigslist.org/bik/352992306.html

does it matter that much if its WSD?

that doesn't look like a standard WSD bike. except for the gay colors, i think it'd be ok.

I don't feel like repainting. I will check out the bike shops, check out craiglist some more. Thanks for the help, keeps my options open.

Frame a bit to small for me.

this one may be sold, but if it's not, i'd talk the guy down on the price b/c it's old enough to be a good deal but still be new enough to work perfectly.
https://neworleans.craigslist.org/bik/343208090.html

I'll have to see. I am in no rush and just begun to look around. I still need to do some things on my car before i can lay down the cash for a bike. I am just trying to look and see what i can and cannot afford and what options i have.

ok, just get something used off of craigslist. you can get some really good deals there. i got a bike almost two years ago for $250 to start MTBing on and just sold it for $440 without putting any money into it to give you an idea of the deals you can get on craigslist.

Speaking of deals, my roommate bought a Schwinn mtb from Target for around $175 and sold it used for $250 on consignment at a local LBS.