newbie needs advice

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by jillj
Buying a low end mountain bike, and can't decide what I want. I don't know much about components, or the importance of a few mm extra of shock movement. I like Fishers. I am on a budget, and have ridden both the 04 Tarpon and the 04 Advance.
I like the feel of the Advance a little better, but the gears were rattling a bit. I read a review of the bike from a recent buyer who stated that he has been having to deal with the rattling and his bike shop can't seem to fix it. Any advice on these bikes, or others that are in the same ($300) price range for hardtail mtb? Thanks in advance 😕

Hey. I am in college and I was having to deal with the same problem where I was worried about cost while i got a good enough bike to thrash around on the trails. Maybe I'm just a novice myself but in my opinion, having a less expensive mountain bike doesn't seem to matter as much as it does on a road bike. Either way, a cheap bike will get you riding. Find a good bike shop first who won't rip you off. I ride a Gary Fisher Mamba by the way. I just changed a couple of things including the handle bar

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by jillj
Buying a low end mountain bike, and can't decide what I want. I don't know much about components, or the importance of a few mm extra of shock movement. I like Fishers. I am on a budget, and have ridden both the 04 Tarpon and the 04 Advance.
I like the feel of the Advance a little better, but the gears were rattling a bit. I read a review of the bike from a recent buyer who stated that he has been having to deal with the rattling and his bike shop can't seem to fix it. Any advice on these bikes, or others that are in the same ($300) price range for hardtail mtb? Thanks in advance 😕

Check out the Trek 4500. I think most Treks are overpriced but the 4500 is a good bike for the money.

Another good mtn bike manufacturer is Kona...I've ridden one for years and they do make an "entry level bike" at around $300 to $400. Also, a good "bang for your buck" is Jamis, Raleigh, Specialized.
check out mtnbikereview.com for consumer driven reviews. It could give you some more info re: components and front shock...that is what drives up the price on a hardtail. Get as much components as you can for your money. I believe shimano mtn bike groups go: Acera, LX, XT, XTR. I am not sure about SRAM.
Hopefully those w/a lot more expertise in mtn will reply to give you more of an education...I have "cobwebs" in my brain about mtn bikes.