[Alpha///M]

Hmmmm, generic store? Naah. Support your local bike shop! I ride both road and mtb and have several bikes. I bought a decent one (Cannondale) as my first one bc I wasn't sure how much I'd be into it. Now, there are soo many good/decent bikes to choose from your best bet would be chose ur components vs. frame. Like posted earlier, mountain bike components (cranks, brakes, shifters, derailleurs) get abused and break often if there cheap. On the other hand, u rarely break a frame (specialized, trek, kona). So, don't get hung up on a weird fork design or full suspension bike, but set a budget and upgrade the components. Then let the hills kick ur ass! Lol. Good luck. Let us kno what u buy...