I've got a basic Trek 4500. I got it used, it's a cheaper bike but it got me into mountain biking and being more fit. It's held up great but the weight and drivetrain leaves much to be desired. I bike on pavement way more than off road so I'm going to buy a nicer Trek hybrid bike and keep the mountain bike for when I want to hit the trails. Great fun!

I don't know why ive never wandered over to this forum. I own 26, 27.5, and 29 bikes. I rarely ride the 26. Once you ride a 29 for awhile the 26 feels like a childrens bike. The 27.5 is a nice in-between size. I equate it to 33" vs 35" vs 37" tires on an offroad vehice.

I am liking my gt 29er but I have ridden my old cheap 26 a couple times too

Cheaper bikes have more plastic parts that break over the long run.
Look for nice components they will hold up, brake, shocks, wheels (so you don't taco)
I recommend price range $750-$2000 for a good beginner 29" that you plan on using.
Get a helmet, you will want to test your self riding,(you ain't 12 any more), and you will fall (it does hurt).
Get some shades and headphones, camel-back for hydration.
Have fun!!!

Felt 29'er.

ok so class had been canceled so had first day today little sore not bad, made it thru the maneuvers, rode about 10 miles over all. tomorrow long ride 26 miles then third and last day
woohoo

made it thru day 2 and the 26 mile road and lots of stairs
hills suck
if ya all think Austin traffic stinks try it on a bicycle
I'm sore but alive

woohoo passed its over now