[unworldlymike]

OK people I'm going to do it, I'm buying my first real bike. I'm tired of Walmart bikes that don't fit and only last half a year. I just don't know the on best for me. I ride every day and mostly on pavement and rock trail, every now and then I take a trail through the woods. I live in Florida and its very, very sandy here. I'm 5' 8" and weigh 155lb, My stand over needs to be no more than 30". I like the idea of a 29er but i really want full suspension, However my budget says i can't have both because I'm stuck @ $550 or less. So after looking at BD it comes down to these two. Ooo, and by the way the cheapest i can get at my LBS is $800 and thats for a 26" HT(I'm not paying that).

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawes/rh_25.htm

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/windsor_cliff29comp_xi.htm

Please help me choose the right bike for me.

 

[boomersooner523]

Honestly I hated the 29er. I had been riding my Santa Cruz for a good while and I got on a 29er and it felt big and boggy and I hated it. But if you have been on walmart bikes then a good hardtail 29er might work for you! Best advice is save the money and find something second hand on craigslist in your area or something like that. Those Bikesdirect bikes arent that great. A little cheap.

The rule of thumb is if your going FS bike dont spend less that 1k on them.

cliff notes= Try Craigslist first! or even ebay

Look into Haro also. They have a decently priced 29er right now that I've heard only good things about. I believe its like the Mary or something like that.

 

[TiCain]

Ride a 29er before ya pull the trigger, I've ridden and do like them but can just toss around the 26 so much better which = more fun for me.

 

[TiCain]

You should look around some more, bet ya can find a new couple year old model sitting on a sales floor at a good discount. Keep on looking and test ride, you'll be much happier in the end.