I'm shopping for my first bike to use on the flatlands of Florida. I'm looking for hardtails in the $500-700 range. Any suggestions? Cannondale? Trek?

Steve Jones's Answer.

	Steve Jones The author of four mountain-biking books, Steve Jones has logged thousands of miles of trails and backroads. Meet Steve Answer Archive Biking Forums

Buying a bike is like searching for a mate. It doesn't matter what the other guys think; you're the one who has to live with the one you choose. Obviously, Trek and Cannondale are both good bikes. They've been making them for a long time, and you can trust the quality. There are, however, many other reputable bike builders.

I recommend finding a bike shop that will rent whichever brand you're leaning toward. Let the folks at the shop help get the right size bike for you. Take it out on the trail for a day and see how you like it. If you aren't sure after the test ride, try another bike. Each bike has its own subtle differences.

If this is your first mountain bike ever, which it sounds like, it really isn't going to make much difference which frame you go with. You'll fall in love with what you get used to, providing you're happy with it from the start. If you aren't happy, back off and try another , and another , as many as it takes for you to feel good about the bike.

Try to get a bike with good components (brakes, derailleurs, shifters, etc), which buying from one of the many upper-end companies will ensure. Frames, aside from color and size, are less of a consideration than what is attached to them.