Advice for buying a bike needed.

[hulkhuss]

Re: Advice for buying a bike needed.

walk or jog

[hulkhuss]

Re: Advice for buying a bike needed.

[Hos]

Re: Advice for buying a bike needed.

don't get an FS (full suspension). Stick to a hard tail and you will get a better bike for you bike.

if you can, get a hand-built frame. I'd recommend Orange bikes, built in England. they are pure class.

Mountain Goat, Kona, Trek, Saracen, Scott. All good. Aluminium frame of course, and make sure you have a decent set of forks on them. Marzochhi, manitou, Rock Shox.

If I were in your shoes, for your groupset, get shimano Deore XT as a minimum.

there are plenty of mountain bike review sites out there. carefully research your choices. and most definitely take it for a spin before you commit your hard earned. and make sure you get the right sized frames. i think www.mbuk.com has a sizing guide.

also invest in a Cateye computer. keep track of your mileage.