Few friends of mine run a store called Spokes etc here in VA, and one thing I do know is getting fitted properly is the most important thing when buying a bike. You will be in alot of pain after a long ride on a bike that doesnt fit right. Spend at least 500 bux imo.

Found the bike I'm getting.

It's a used Raleigh M80. It may be used, but this thing is in perfect shape. Not a scratch on it. I don't think it's even been on the road, let alone off road. It's got an okay starter shock, a rock shox M80. I'll probably upgrade this at some point.

What really sold me on the bike was the fact that everything had Deore everything on it. It's the only bike I've seen in my price range with this upgrade.

Thanks for everybody's help

They have a Raleigh for rent here at the ETSU's gym. I never rode it or fiddle with it. Rockshox is a good brand. It usually either Fox or Rockshox.

What the rest of the spec like? Come on down to Tennessee we'll ride some fun trail and do some fishing. I know a guy that carries a tube with his rod broken down in the tube, he'll ride his bike through trails then stop at a stream and do some trout fishing.

Well I finally picked up the bike. I took it out on some beginner trails that last few days and have only taken one nasty spill so far.

Thanks for all the help guys.

Here she is.

looks good, man!

what kind of spill did you take? the one where you have to jump over the handle bars? over the years, ive perfected that 'dismount'

looks good, man!

what kind of spill did you take? the one where you have to jump over the handle bars? over the years, ive perfected that 'dismount'

x2

I've had quite a few endo and washout myself. Including busting mine helmet. 

Don't be afraid to use the front brakes. Most guys would put two fingers on rear brakes and one on the front. Of course with V-brakes it might be three on rear and two on the front. This prevent too much stoppage on front to keep you from flipping. The front brakes will give you about 80% of your stopping power. I usually use one finger on each or two on rear and one in front. As you build your confidence up and such you will be able to ride without dragging your brakes.

It was a nice front over the handlebars, spastic superman crash.

I've been riding every day I can, and actually bent my middle chain ring this morning. My LBS said they would just replace it since I bought the bike last week