Which mountain bike to purchase?

Question
Dear George,

Hi!  My husband and I would like to start biking together, so we are in the process of buying him a new bike, but don't know which one to get.  (I have a bike, bought a few years back, but I'm afraid that it may be a little more of a "comfort" bike for what our purposes are now...it's a Trek Navigator 100)  We have gone to the stores in our city (Greensboro, NC) and researched a little on the internet, which, I must say, can do nothing but add to the confusion!  Anyway, the local bicycle shop (Paceline Bikes) has a Trek bike (3700 or 4500, I can't remember which) that my husband liked, and although the bike guy first put him on a 18", my husband said he felt better on the 19.5."  (My husband is 5'10", about 185 lbs, large/muscular build)  The bike retails there for $309 plus tax.  Anyway, after reading all the advice on all the brands (i.e. Gary Fisher, Kona, Specialized, Jamis, etc.)I am wondering just which bike for the money would suit our purposes best.  We plan to ride not only around our neighborhood, but on bike trails here, and when traveling.  Nothing too steep or mountainous, but dirt trails nevertheless.  We would really like to do one of those "muddy buddy" events as well.  So, given this info, which type/brand/model bike should we take a look at?  I am also confused at the difference between hybrids and mountain bikes.  I know my husband would like to stay under $400-500 if at all possible unless you give us some advice that sounds reasonable in spending the extra money.  Also, where should we buy?  A bike shop or online?  I just don't know how much maintenance etc. is required after the purchase, in which case it might behoove us to pay the extra and buy locally in order to get the service we need later.

Thank you so much!

Paige Woodward
[email protected]  

Answer
Hi there.

WOW lots of info and questions. First off I will help educate you abit so it抯 less confusing okay : )

DONT listen to the guys at the bike shop, they all wanna make $$$. If your hubby feels better on an 18" that what he should get.

2) Get a hard tail bike (No rear shock) you don抰 need it for your type of riding and less maintenance.

3) Get an Aluminum frame, light and strong.

4) DONT get disk brakes, heavy and again you don抰 need them. Get V-Brakes. Any type is good.

5) Get a semi slick tire, not those big fat ones. I would go 26 X 1.75 (Ask the bike guy to show you one with some side knobs) he will know what I mean.

A hybrid bike is both a mountain bike AND a speed bike in one. It抯 a cross between the two so it can do both.
As for me im 6' 210 pounds (lol sounds like a dating sight all of a sudden) and I have a 18" frame that suits me fine so im thinking an 19' is way too big for your husband.

I would recommend you a MARIN NOVATO bike. It sounds PERFECT for you mentioned to me. Look it up and let me know what you think.


http://www.marinbikes.com/bicycles_2006/html/bikes/bike_specs/specs_novato_9.htm... (copy and paste in your browser)

As for the other bikes you mentioned I will look then up abit later I just came in from work.