Can you give me some good mountain bike buying advice?

I am looking for a mountain bike that can take a beating on dirt/rock trails, have full suspension, and disc brakes if possible. The thing is every one I look at is thousands of dollars. No way I can afford to do that. Is there something cheaper that would be a nice starter bike for an adult male? Maybe in the $500 to the (gulp) $1,000 range? Thanks. There's just no way I will spend over 2 grand on a hobby that I may or may not fall in love with doing.Can you give me some good mountain bike buying advice?
well, if thats your price ranges, stick to a hardtail, because by spending that much money you will get a better one for your buck.full suspension bikes can go over a thousand dollars very easily ( i dont know of a reely good one for under that). I had a cheap trek y-26 and it was cool for me when i was like 12, but the components didnt last long. I like trek and gary fisher bikes. I have a gary fisher marlin w/disk( thats probably 800 with taxes and all) i like the bike alot. you could also get a gary fisher piranah ( thats right 925) trek also offers a simmilar model to each gary fisher ( trek owns gary fisher) so just check out their website. Generaly, the more you pay, the nicer the bike will be. i posted the links in the sources spot. and most everyone i know uses a hardtail for any trails around where we live, and nobody complains. Mountin biking is a great sport, and i hope you enjoy it, with whatever bike you choose.Can you give me some good mountain bike buying advice?
Paul is right on this one.Go to a bike shop and see what they have in your price range.Tell them what you want to spend,and they'll show you what that have,It's that simple.They will also be able to sell you one that fits.


Stay away from places like Walmart and other big box stores.What they sell is junk.Cost = quality.
Here's the definitive answer that you are too lame to figure out yourself, therefore bringing you to a dependent state, leading you here.


Go to a bike shop, Try some bikes in your price range, and buy one that fits you and that you like. Stop asking me what I like.
get a hard tail!