Looking for a mountain bike

[Bonk!]

Need to get my sorry a$$ back into shape. Sold my hardtail when we moved last spring. Looking for a decent front suspension replacement, don't need or want a full suspension. Will definitely use off road, but nothing crazy anymore. Recommendations? Muchas Gracias.

[Point37]

need a little more info...new or used?...price range?...on/off road percentages?...
http://boston.craigslist.org/nwb/bik/3518452409.html
http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/3524405194.html
http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/bik/3524842234.html

similar threads with good info...
http://www.nestreetriders.com/forum/...e-bicycle.html
http://www.nestreetriders.com/forum/...tain-bike.html

[Bonk!]

Hi - good points. I'm looking for a used one, 100% off road but only light to medium trail stuff (Blue Hills in Milton MA mostly), 19" or 20" frame. Hoping to keep it around $350 because I don't ride much (or seriously) any more.

[Point37]

i haven't ridden in a while but my hardtail did everything pretty well and i did a lot of trails with big rocks...the front suspension was garbage cause the fork had elastomers which would freeze up in the winter and the whole bike was basically a hardtail so that's something to look out for...solid frame, decent suspension fork, maybe a suspension seat post or padded shorts, maybe clipless pedals and clipless shoes (best upgrade for any bike by far, nashbar has cheap pedals that i have used for years and have taken a beating) and middle of the road components group (your wallet will thank you cause better components only save you weight, they all do the same thing)...vee-brakes vs cable actuated disc brakes vs hydraulic disc brakes...vee-brakes tend to freeze when they get wet (just squeeze harder) but they are easy to work on and cheap...i don't have any experience with disc brakes on bicycles...this is what i ride and what i would ride on...you can make a low end mountain bike do a lot with the right parts...

parts sites
http://www.performancebike.com/
http://www.coloradocyclist.com/
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/

[Bonk!]

Thanks - I used to ride A LOT with a hardtail and eventually messed my shoulder up, thus the front suspension thing. I need to take some of the bite out of the ride. I may have a lead on CL.

[Point37]

good luck man!...let me know how you make out...riser bars or a riser stem or both should help your shoulder out a bit by taking the weight off your arms more

[Bonk!]

Wound up with a like-new Specialized Rockhopper for three bills. I'll probably take it for a decent ride next weekend to see if anything needs to be sorted out with it.