I've been out of mountain bicycling for almost 15 years. I've considered getting a bike again, but was struck by the huge changes from then to now.
Example.
1987 - My entry level Trek costs $270, and I discovered just how inadequate it was for single-track. Within months, I stepped up to a better Trek($800), and rode this until forced to sell it a couple years later.
2004 - I see Mongoose-branded products that appear to have everything a semi-couch potato needs, for less money than my first Trek. What is the catch to a bike that has:
1. 6061, oversize tubes
2. aluminum bars and seatpost
3. fully suspended frame
4. Shimano groupo (albeit low-end Tourney)
5. 1.95" aluminum rims
6. V brakes
Has the state-of-the-art advanced so much, that what used to cost 4 figures is now available at Walmart? At this price, I'm certain these bikes are not suitable, nor rugged enough to endure the kind of technical riding I once tried, but then, I'm no longer in the kind of shape to be able to ride that way. The hardest terrain I might get into these days would be some gravel roads, or jeep trails with cactus and mesquite thorns.
I hate to ask this in a forum with such dedicated cyclers, but is one of these cheap bikes all I really need for casual country roads? If not, then where should I be looking? Thank you.