ok, i ride a older gen outpost trail GT, anyways, my friends is considering buying a new bike, he will do mostly all city street riding. Do you bikers have any opnions on what would be a good mt. bike that is around 200 dollars. Would a bmx bike be a good idea as well??? since we also live in sf, we got lots of hills, what would be the best one to get???
and i dont think he wants a city bike

Good MTB bike for 200 bucks? Not new. you might find a used bike for around that but for something really built for longevity you will be looking at 600 plus new.

Well in that price range the Iron Horse Outlaw is the only thing I can think of.

I'd check the used bike market. You can buy a pretty good bike used for $200. New? Well, most entry-level bikes start at $260 w/o suspension, $300 if you want a suspension fork. If he's NOT going to ride off-road, then you don't need the suspension fork.

L8R

you dont need a new MTB for city riding. just find an older used rigid MTB, and replace what needs replacing. it would probably be a good idea to put on v-brakes instead of canti's as well.

Take a look at the Haro V1, it has a triple which will help get you up the hills. You can get a new one for about $250.

you're in SF? check out craigslist.org the bike classifieds. should find what you need there.