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GMBN has a couple of great videos on buying a mountain bike [0][1], but I can really recommend a direct to consumer brand such as Canyon or YT — especially if you’re not sure whether you’ll commit to the sport. You get a lot more bike for your money compared to the store brands, and you’ll have an easier time getting into the sport the better your first bike is. The major choice to make, irrespective of brand, is what type of bike — which is dictated by the terrain you have available and would like to ride. There are subcategories, but a useful rough split would be: a cross-country (XC) bike for good pedaling performance both uphill and on the flat, but not so capable going downhill and in the rough stuff; an enduro if you want to ride rougher downhill terrain (roots, rock gardens, etc.), but still have a bike that pedals well enough up technical climbs and fire roads; and a downhill bike if you want to ride the roughest, most technical terrain, with the steepest descents, and you have access to lift-served mountains (not recommended to start with ;). FWIW, I’ve had a such a great time riding the Canyon Torque this summer. It’s a long-travel enduro, really capable on the descents, and perfectly fine to get back to the top. As for motivation, I would echo the sibling comment. Time in nature, good exercise, a ton of techniques to learn and master, a really sociable scene, such a rush riding tough and steep stuff. You won’t regret it. [0]: https://youtu.be/EX1Kb6TEyn8
[1]: https://youtu.be/Y_xiq2mczX4A |