[ejheverest]

Originally Posted by JamesMA

I mountain bike XC and trail in MA and a little in ME.

For what it is worth, I would recommend getting an older bike used that has been well taken care of.

A few years ago I got an '02 Specialized s-works FSR for under $1k. All XTR components, mavic rims, etc. Ridiculasly light, climbs like a goat. I smile every time I ride it still.

I would recommend researching bikes you like and figure out what will give you the best bang for the buck. Also, if you decide cycling is not for you, you will not have wasted huge dollars on something which will just end up a garage hanger.

Grew up riding XC in Rockport/Gloucester(dogtown)
Road bike more right now but, hope to be back up in Maine-Mass so I can get back to more mtn. biking.
My road bike-1980's cannondale-only thing original is frame and fork.
I've put more miles on my road bike in the last 3 years than I've done on my toyota 4runner.

My Mtn. bike- Felt Redemption 2