[Paul Hoiland]

My home trail is the great singletrack at Lake Rebecca Park near Rockford, MN.  14 miles of good riding and great scenery.  Only 5 minutes away from my house, this is my reason for getting back into mountain biking after a 20 year absence.

https://www.threeriversparks.org/location/lake-rebecca-singletrack-trail

[Paul Hoiland]

For $100 more, you can get a good entry-level bike from a reputable dealer that will stand behind the products they sell.  I started out with a Specialized Rockhopper with 29″ wheels for $549 (USD).  Not only is it well-built and upgradeable, but the dealership provides me with free annual tune-ups and free labor for the installation of upgraded equipment and accessories.  They also made sure that everything on the bike was set to my height, ensuring that I had everything where I needed it to be before hitting the singletrack.

I cannot tell you how invaluable it is to buy from certified professionals who can ask you not only what you want out of a bike, but can also educate you on things you may not even be aware enough to ask as you get into this great sport.  Like you, I just wanted to get a bike and get out there, and I was looking at department stores and online.  I stopped by my Specialized dealer out of curiousity, thinking that there bikes were out of my price range.  I learned that I was wrong about that, and now I have a relationship with experienced riders who know my bike and can answer any questions I may have.  It truly has made my entry into mountain biking far more enjoyable.

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