Bike Purhcase

[jrcohn1]

I'm looking for some guidance about what kind of mountain bike to purchase for my first bike. My first ride on a friends 29er was  off road on an intermediate course through trails in southern florida and  I loved it.   This is a new hobby for me. I'm looking to get started without spending a fortune, and want something that I can ride for a while. There are so many equipment choices.  Can someone offer any suggestions.

[bogiesan]

A fortune is relative.
Hardtail or dual-suspension?
Expandable for touring or restricted to casual miking?

Nevermind, they're all rhetorical questions. You want to talk to the gearheads at a mountain bike forum.
You can make it really easy on yourself, though: Cannondale. 

david boise ID

[Successor to the Professor]

For a first time 29er, I'm a big fan of starting things out with a hardtail that has a 80mm-100mm travel front suspension fork.  This will be plush enough for most trails, but rigid enough that you still have to focus on picking your lines.  It's a good overall balance.  For brands, I can definitely say I have enjoyed the Cannondale mountain bikes over the years.  Giant will also be releasing some entry level 29ers for 2011 (Talon 1 an 2), with the less expensive of the two coming in around $750 with a SRAM X4 8spd drivetrain.  With just about any bike, you'll find a few parts here and there that you want to replace over time (brakes, maybe upgrade to 9spd, saddle), but it will definitely you started.

As for future touring use, most trailers are disc brake compatible, so you can always take that route.  Just make sure you have enough clearance for the larger wheel size. 

[pptouring]

You're in South Florida. Cool! I'm in the Tampa Bay area and have been XC riding for years here. I also own a 29er SS and a 26" FS for off road pleasure. Boglesan is right, you should really be chatting with MTB'ers from Florida because this site is more geared towards bike touring. However, let's see if we can help you out.

How much are you looking to spend? If you're wanting to stay under $1k, then just find a shop in your area and see what they have. I don't think you'll go wrong with anything in this price range.  29'ers are great because they will roll over any root and/or rock you'll find here in FL, but a 26" will be faster in the tight & twisty single track we have. If you go with a 29'er then stay with a hard tail, but if you decide on a 26", then try and get a FS. I personally don't care for Trek or Cannondale; however, all others are ok in my book, but that is me. Specialized has their 29er Hardrock with disk for under $600 and this is not bad for a starter. Also, check out Giant, Gary Fisher, and/or Salsa. Don't get all wrapped up with the 80 or 100mm fork because you'll be fine with either one here in FL. Anyway that is my $.20 (adjusted for inflation) worth of dribble.

Try and get up to Alafia S.P., Santos, Carter Road, and San Felasco when you can. All great places to ride!