Hi all, this is my first post here, so any advise will be greatly appreciated.
As a brief history, I have only rode a few times; 50/50 paved/dirt trails. And each ride was about 3-5 hours. I have never own a mountain bike before, and have always rented them from a bike shop. So I consider myself as somewhat of a beginner.
I am beginning to dig the sport, and very interested in getting my own bike. I plan to try out all different types of riding: paved/dirt trail, xc, downhill, street, etc.
I have visited many local bike shops here in town, and test rode a couple. I have also been doing quite a bit of research on the net too. And based on all the information I have collected, as well as many advise from others, the first thing is to hunt down a good frame. Components later.
I want to get something decent, I prefer not to get into the entry level class. Whatever it is that I purchase, I plan to keep it for a while so that I can improve and master some technics.
To cut the long story short, I have only picked out a couple bikes: Gary Fisher Tassajara, and Kona Stuff. Based on my research, I have heard great reviews and ratings about the above mentioned bikes.
I don't know what else I'm missing, so again, please feel free to offer any suggestions you have.
Thanks in advance!
[edit] BTW, I'm also considering Giant Rainier. My profile is 5'11", 175lbs. (So is it 18" or 19" I'm after?)
As a brief history, I have only rode a few times; 50/50 paved/dirt trails. And each ride was about 3-5 hours. I have never own a mountain bike before, and have always rented them from a bike shop. So I consider myself as somewhat of a beginner.
I am beginning to dig the sport, and very interested in getting my own bike. I plan to try out all different types of riding: paved/dirt trail, xc, downhill, street, etc.
I have visited many local bike shops here in town, and test rode a couple. I have also been doing quite a bit of research on the net too. And based on all the information I have collected, as well as many advise from others, the first thing is to hunt down a good frame. Components later.
I want to get something decent, I prefer not to get into the entry level class. Whatever it is that I purchase, I plan to keep it for a while so that I can improve and master some technics.
To cut the long story short, I have only picked out a couple bikes: Gary Fisher Tassajara, and Kona Stuff. Based on my research, I have heard great reviews and ratings about the above mentioned bikes.
I don't know what else I'm missing, so again, please feel free to offer any suggestions you have.
Thanks in advance!
[edit] BTW, I'm also considering Giant Rainier. My profile is 5'11", 175lbs. (So is it 18" or 19" I'm after?)