I know nothing about bikes, or mountain bikes for that matter, but this one seemed to have good reviews and in my price range. I didn't want to spend a boatload in case I didn't keep with it but after today I'll definitely work that in with my regular daily riding. The instructions were great, whoever wrote them was an English-as-a-44th-language person cause I couldn't figure them out for the life of me. I ended up taking it to Phoenix Bikes and they put it together for me in no time (again, I know nothing about bikes). It also folds in half (hopefully not while riding) which is great for my newly cleared out storage room in the basement.