[jimj911]

HAVE FUN! My best advice is learn to tuck and roll. Too many people freeze up when they crash and thats how body parts break. Be limber like a drunk guy! I agree with all the above, but get the best component package you can. I have always been a Shimano guy and the XT level of components holds up well but doesnt have the astronomical price like XTR to save weight. I ride SRAM stuff now because it came on the used Santa Cruz I bought. I would never buy new. Find a good quality unbeaten example of the model you like online. Ebay and Craigslist are your friend.