Thanks for the advice guys. I went a local race last Saturday. I have two friends that ride with them. They've been helpful but I was looking for other opinions as well. It appears bikes are like jeeps. One of my friends went all out from the start and the other bought an entry level and upgraded as he went.

 

Im still rocking my old Super V

 

I ride a Turner 5 spot. I love it. The DW link is amazing. I used to ride 3-4 times a week and go up to the north east kingdom trails several times a year.
however, since my twins were born 19 months ago, it's put a dampening on my riding time.

 

I went to the bike shop today. I looked at a Raleigh and a Specialized. They were both tagged at $550. I initially liked the look of the Raleigh and took it for a spin. My buddy told me he'd buy the Specialized. I might go back and check it out tomorrow.

Now for the big question, I've got $1,000 that I'd set aside for a new set of wheels for the jeep. Should I put that money on the bike? If I don't, I'll have around $300 in the bike fund and I'll be riding my schwinn tourist until the spring.

 

It depends on how serious you are about riding.
$300 is only going to get you a heavy entry level bike.
If you plan to ride often, don't make the mistake of going cheap in the beginning.
Many people make that mistake, and end up spending a lot more in the long run.
Just like in Jeeps, you get what you pay for.

Go to the shop and ride the low end, and then test ride one in the top of your budget.
Feel the difference.

 

You have to ask yourself how often am I gonna ride, once a week, on weekends when I have time, everyday.
And than ask if you need a full suspension or not. By your price I am sure those are hard tails. I rode hard tails for years, preferred them till I broke 40. Age does catch up with you grrrrr
If I was given a choice, it def would be the specialized. But I am prejudice to them, own 6 different ones. All my kids ride them and my wife Bought my son a trek a few years ago and got rid of it. Was always working on it but I think it was a fluke cause my riding buddies that ride trek Luv them.
Do your home work, good bike shops will allow you to test ride them so go ride and feel them out. Enjoy my bike is one of the few times I truly act like a kid. My wife laughs at me

 

I wouldn't really want a $300 mountain bike. I'd wait until I could afford a nicer bike. I've got a my schwinn I ride with my daughter (7). It certainly gets me off the couch.

I don't want to start too low as I don't know as much about bikes as I do jeeps. I've got a few friends who ride often and I think that would help keep me motivated to get out there. I've ridden my schwinn around 60 miles in the last month. I've even started riding my bike a little over three miles to work on nice days.

 

If you are going to seriously bike offroad then spend the money. Grab a slightly used one on EBay. I got my specialized stump jumper full suspension for $1100 and my wife's stumpy for $1000. They retail for 3 grand each and we're hardly ridden by the previous owners.

 

I've looked on eBay but I'm such a noob that I don't know what I'm looking at. I'm also worried it might need repairs or not even be as advertised and I'd have to go through the hassle of sending it back. I use eBay fairly often but I'm always hesitant of buying big ticket used items on there. Our local bike shops seem to be nice guys who sponsor events and have a loyal following.

 

Buying a used bike is a good idea if you are familiar with them.
Buying from your local bike shop is a good idea, because they will be there to support you, and most generally offer lifetime free adjustments.
You can buy the accessories online. There are lots of discount parts websites.
Bike shops make the most money off their accessories.
Don't rush it, and don't settle.
Ride as many as you can, and then make your decision, even if it is slightly more than you want to spend.
You don't want to regret your purchase and always wish you made a different decision.