I am thinking about starting Mountain Biking so I am kind of half assed looking around at my options. I was wondering what you all think would be a good entry level (i.e. cheap) full suspension bike for me. I will probably go used...and need/want to keep it under $500. Also, I am 6'3" and 155lbs if that figures into what would fit me. Please let me know. Thanks.

With that budget don't shoot for a full suspension bike. I could be wrong here as I've been out of the hardcore bike scene for a while... There are lots of pieces/parts involved in a good FS frame and there is a reason why you don't see lots of them in the lower price points.

Last year I got a Gary Fischer Tassahara, a nice hardtail for the $$$.

Also REI has some nice in-house brand FS bikes that might work out.

Good Luck Shaggy!

The Diamondback Coil EX is right at that price brand new...so I would imagine it would be even cheaper if I found one a year or two old. It is an "Entry Level" Full-Suspension...but I am an entry level rider.

Hey Shag,

I just recently went through all that and got a nice "Specialized Hardrock Sport" with your budget you could upgrade to the "Hardrock Sport Disc". Very nice and not going to break the bank. It has adjustable shocks/fork, lifetime guarantee on the frame, nice offroad tires, 28 gears etc... I went to Contes, I don't know if they have one there but if you really get into it and need more you can trade it in. Or you can upgrade components.

My bike search thread w/ advice from others:

http://elcova.com/groupee/forums/a/t...5601053261/p/1

Check you PM Shag. I posted more info there.

OK...so maybe cheap full suspension is not better then mid-grade 1/2 suspension (or whatever the fu*k you call it). I am open to advice.

I still think a Big Wheel would work on the Slickrock Trail, Shag.

I second the Gary Fischer...

Very good frame, just make sure to get good components. I know of a great place to get Gary Fischer bikes at a good price, PM me. You dont want a full suspension bike for the riding you will be doing Brian...

LMAO. What does the poor guy think about himself when you start the sentence with that.

Shag, then you can say that you have a Hummer, and when you sell it you can say you got one.

So as of right now I am thinking either Specialized Rock Hopper, or Trek 4300. Both Hardtail...and both about $430-$460. It sounds like a decent hardtail is better than a cheap full-suspension...especially for a n00b.

Poser.

http://www.gtbicycles.com/mountain/catalog/detail.php?i...untry=usa&brand=moun

I like this one in silver for the price you want to pay...

but make sure to replace the suntour front fork with ROCKSHOX baby!!!

UPDATE!!!!!!

Shaggy took my ****ty advice and got the GT...

but he chose the red....

Hehehe...I could see me doing that in the near future.

If you get one, you'd better get your butt out and get some training in asap. You don't want to the Slicrock trail or Porcupine as your first ride. You need get comfortable with shifting, climbing, braking on steeps, etc.

Take it over to green mountain and ride, ride, ride. There's all sort of trails from easy (flat trail around the perimater) to tough/steep single track.

If you get one, you'd better get your butt out and get some training in asap. You don't want to the Slicrock trail or Porcupine as your first ride. You need get comfortable with shifting, climbing, braking on steeps, etc.

Take it over to green mountain and ride, ride, ride. There's all sort of trails from easy (flat trail around the perimater) to tough/steep single track. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Don't worry. I have always been a quick learner...and a quick healer.

Riding down Lion's Back would be a blast.

Dont tempt me. I am just dumb enough to do it.

I got am '05 Rock Hopper BTW.

That would be a cake walk on a bike. The slickrock trail has much steep grades. You'll see by the road rash on Shaggy's face.

Throw the bike in the back of an SUT for the ride up. Then Shaggy will have all the joy of riding down w/o the PITA work of riding up!

Besides, this way you'll have cameras at the top AND the bottom!

Hmmm...that could work. Should make for some good video if nothing else.

Two words Shaggy:

Good Luck!

Seriously. Have a great time. Back when I was biking a lot I had always wanted to ride Moab but never did. When I go now, it will be behind the wheel of a Hummer , but not this trip.