Picking yer brain

[Texas]

Hello and Good Day
I have recently started riding and have fallen victim to the addiction of mountain biking. I would appreciate some advice from you veterns out there. I may miss giving the proper information to allow you to make a reasonable deduction but I will do my best.
I'm 5'9 170 lbs.. 33 years old
I live in North Central Texas just North of DFW.
The terrain I have ridden so far is mainly asphalt and some packed, crushed limestone trails, gravel trails. I am learning that there are many trails around here and really wish to ride something more in that nature of trail. I will be riding asphalt alot as I live in town and like to jump on when I get off work. Weekends will be for exploring offroad trails.
It isn't mountainous around here at all, more like small rolling hills.
I currently am riding a Next dual suspension ($90 Wal-Mart junk) that weighs around the 45-48lb mark. I can crank out about 20-30 miles on it ATM.
OK, now for my question.
And... ofcourse is the same 'ole tired noobie question you always get.. What should I buy ? I should have about 2k to spend, but I'll want to spend some of that on a decent bike for my wife (ya.. she's a victim also, with the same type of junk bike) Although she doesn't ride quite as much as I do.
So, lets start around $1000 and go up to about $1500-1600 max
I rode a Bianchi Doss 6600 the other day, and to me it was heaven compared to my Next, price was $900 with Deore components
I'm pretty sure a hardtail is fine for me although I would like front shock lockout
OK folks... let 'er rip
and Thx in advance

[jerman]

For $1000 you can get a really nice hardtail from any of the major makers. If you have $2000 then you and your wife can ride in style.

[S. cerevisiae]

My advice would be to persue a Surly KMonkey (very versatile) and build her up, or a straight up Redline Monocog 29er. Again, versatility and blinging-up is quite possible for both rides.

Soma make fine framesets, and excellent builds from that origin would fit into stated budget rather nicely.

Welcome aboard! Isn't addiction wonderful?

[Texas]

ThankYou for the info so far, I'm checking into the mentioned bikes. Also, I did forget to mention. A good friend of mine got me into MTB'ing and he is a XC racer that does such things as 12hr races, 24hr races, Adventure Races where they ride up to 80 miles, run 30, kayak and orienteering.. So, as I'm quite sure he'll get me training hard and eventually get me to enter some races with him, this is something I would like to factor in. Light, Reliable is what I'm guessing I need. I can always save up and upgrade later to X.0 or XTR stuff .. Carbon stuff and what-not. Again, thx guys and gals

[Spalls]

I have been watching the news this week. Texas, you might consider buying a boat!

Take your time with your shopping. Look for a LBS that rents. Give a few different bikes a try. You might fall in love with something.

[davkatreb]

Ummm, yeah...

1-Squish is more trouble than it's worth.

2-Gears are for the weak.

3-Ride fixed and see God.

hopethishelps

[LeeMcGough]

If you are going to buy a hardtail (and for $1000 that's your only real option unless you are happy riding a p.o.s. ), I would strongly reccommend a steel frame. Last year I rode my brother's Rocky Mountain Hammer and another Rocky Mountain frame on the same (very rooty )trail .The Hammer is a quality steel tubeset, while the other frame cost a little less and was aluminum. The geometry of the two bikes was the same, with comparable 4" travel forks, but the aluminum bike beat the hell out of my back after a couple of hours. The steel frame, on the other hand, had just enough give to keep my back happy.

[MrTB]

I would have to agree with LM.............with the diverse terrain that you intend to explore a steel hardtail will fit the bill nicely. IMHO steel hardails are ideal for adventure/endurance racing. If you go with a hardtail you might also consider investing in a second set of wheels/tires so that you can easily transform your bike from dirt machine to bike path/street bike.

[Texas]

great info.. much appreciated guys
I think some of the best advice I've received so far is..
GO RIDE SOME BIKES.. Its funny, but as most ppl that just go to wal-mart .. pick a color and go.. I never thought I could just go "test" them out. HAHA.. But its kinda like buying a car I suppose.
Today I rode
A Scott Scale 50
A Specialized StumpJumper
and a Bianchi Doss 6600 the other day.
Man, what a difference in them all. I never realized that even I, being a noobie, could tell differences in them so easily.
The Scale 50 was zippy and turned quick but it seem that the cockpit was to short and my lower back tightened up rather quickly.
The StumpJumper had SRAM which shifted instantly and the bike... I think I"m in love (remember.. I'm a noob so don't laugh at me.. ok ok.. laugh at me)
The Bianchi well.. it was sweet also but I think I liked the stumpjumper best.
I haven't tried a steel frame yet, but now that its been suggest I'll try to find one
Again.. thx guys and gals.. I really appreciate your time and knowledge

[S. cerevisiae]

Monocog 29er with an internal-gear rear hub. Bike as such with Shimano Nexus 8sp. red lable run you around USD650.

T'row on a better wheel set (like Salsa Delgados) to flesh out your budget.

Ride bunches.