New to MT biking...want to buy a bike

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Hi guys,

I'm new to mountain biking. I live in MD and have access to one of the best trails in the area(gambrills and appalachian trail).

I want to get a new mountain bike in the 300-400 range. I have my eyes set on the 04 specialized hardrock sport for $325. I have been researching this bike and I have read mixed reviews. I have access to other companies in my vicinity that sells giant, trek, marin and others. Like I said I'm to mountain biking and I don't want to brake the bank for my first bike. I'm also unfamiliar with the differences between "shimano types" so i'm not sure what is better. I'm planning on buying a bike this saturday and I don't want to have any regrets after the purchase. Any help is appreciated.

thanks,
chris

I can't help you with a recommendation, but I was curious... Can the Appalation trail be ridden? I thought it was a foot trail only.

Originally posted by Canzures
Hi guys,

I'm new to mountain biking. I live in MD and have access to one of the best trails in the area(gambrills and appalachian trail).

I want to get a new mountain bike in the 300-400 range. I have my eyes set on the 04 specialized hardrock sport for $325. I have been researching this bike and I have read mixed reviews. I have access to other companies in my vicinity that sells giant, trek, marin and others. Like I said I'm to mountain biking and I don't want to brake the bank for my first bike. I'm also unfamiliar with the differences between "shimano types" so i'm not sure what is better. I'm planning on buying a bike this saturday and I don't want to have any regrets after the purchase. Any help is appreciated.

thanks,
chris
If there is a bike that you like, but there isn't a dealer in your area, buy online! Theres 2 good sites, www.jensonusa.com and www.nashbar.com
If you do decide to buy online, I suggest to go for Merida, Jamis, Cube, Haro, Norco, KHS.
Hmm..."Shimano Types"
Well, for mountain biking, in order from best to worst, here they are.
Shimano Deore XTR
Shimano Deore XT
Shimano Deore LX
Shimano Deore
Shimano Alivio
Shimano Acera
Shimano Altus
For your price range, i'd expect either Acera, Alivio or maybe Deore.
Also, another thing to think about is suspension.Good forks for your price range are RST, Rockshox Judy/Pilot, Manitau Six/Axel.

Hope this helps.