Mtb Newbie

Thanks for taking the time to give me a lot of advice! At least I've been able to make a decision to go new, in my case being too uninformed as to what to look for I'd probably end up with a lemon as you say. Wasn't too keen to go for a women's specific...although I'm a girly girl I don't need a pink bike I will head off to Tony Impey who are in my area, they've been in the same centre for years and years and hopefully they'll help me out like Solomon's did you.

Thanks have put a Schwinn Moab on my list!

Thanks for the suggestion, will have a look. A GT Avalanche 2.0 has also been recommended to me. Do you think its necessary for a woman to get a 'women specific' bike?

Thanks for the replies..DJR, you've made me realise that I'm very unsure of what I need to look for in a second hand bike so ill be doing a bit of research as to what's out there in my price range and will head off to a bike shop and hope I don't get ripped off!

I'm looking to buy a decent entry level mountain bike,I have looked online and see a new Merida Matts TFS 100 goes for about 5 K. Do you suggest I purchase new or go for a higher spec used bike in the same price range? Any informed opinions appreciated