A friend of mine is encouraging me to start riding mountain bikes. I don't know anything about it. I may have to buy one in the future. Which is the best mountain bike at around $1000 price range? Or should I buy a used one that is more "high end?"

 

No, but I did stay at a holiday inn express last night: http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/articl...er-1000-30433/

 

I've owned a Felt, GT, and Kona mountain bike. My brother has owned GTs, Konas, Cannondales, K2s, and some others. I've owned Redline, Specialized, GT, Mongoose, Standard, and a few other BMX bikes.

You really can't go wrong with any of the major brands. Of the brands I mentioned, I'd avoid only Mongoose. Quality has dropped a LOT since I last owned one.

 

Can't go wrong with a trek 6 series. Been on mine for a few years now. Ive tried a few 29ers and just felt clumsy and awkward on them. Been a great bike for me and is right at your price. Just go try some out! You'll find something that feels right.

 

What about Giant, Diamondback, and Raleigh? Pretty reputable brands?

 

Depends what kind of riding you want to do. Most of the stuff is made overseas, some exceptions. I wouldnt drop too much coin right now, upgrade later if its something you know your going to get into and then youll know what you want - just like anything else. Check around kijiji/craigslist for some steals

 

If you know what your looking for, check Craigslist, resale on bikes is shit.

Like some of the others have said, you can't go wrong Specialized, Trek or Kona. They all make lower end bikes as well.

 

for under a thousand dollars? I would have to say stick with either specialized, giant or trek for your first "high-end" mountain bike. Typically these bikes come with pretty decent components, depending on the terrain you ride a hardtail (front shock only) is more than adequate and you typically get higher quality components (avid disc brakes, better front and rear deurailers, better shock) as opposed to a full suspension bike that is similar in price. I suggest you go to your local bike store, shop around and get fitted to find the right size bike frame that suits you best. I would take a 600$ hard tail over a 600$ full suspension bike any day. I would stray away from anything sold in big 5, wal mart, target etc. Also like others have said, once you have an idea of what you want you can search craigslist to find awesome deals, many times people like you who just get into the sport buy 2k$ bikes and sell them for less than half since they want nothing to do with the sport after the first ride haha. My current bike is a specialized Hardrock Pro with an upgraded marzocchi front shock, I bought that new back in 2005 for 500$ and have put it through a serious beating, hopefully in a few months or so Ill be upgrading to a full suspension from chumba.

 

research the components. In spring everyone else is buying too