Im pretty heavy in to single track mtb. Although a different ballpark to what you are wanting to do, some of the same rules apply.
Unfortunately to get anything half reasonable from the big 4 these days its between $1200-$2000 which is a ton of cash.
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bikes/model/roam.xr.0/19127/77242/#specificationsI would really be looking for something similar to the Giant roam which is a hybrid style mountain bike. There is no point spending money on wide tyres and better suspension when most of your riding would be on bike paths.
I would hit up Bike exchange, your local shops, gumtree, ebay etc etc and try and find a new one or close to new that is a year or two old as just like a car you can save hundreds of dollars.
Now with Giant in particular, the dealers are not allowed to ship/courier a bike. you MUST purchase from a dealer in person for a new one. However with a brand like specialized they will.
Some things to look out for.
If looking for a bike up too $1000 new:
* Hydraulic disc brakes are a must.
* Sram gearing is great from X9 and above, X5 is hopeless. X7 is mediocre
* Shimano is fairly good, XT and above is pretty smooth and easy to get parts etc for.
* You don't need big fat chunky tread tyres. These increase rolling resistance and make for a pretty terrible town bike if you never get on the dirt
* Don't be fooled by a salesman selling you a 29er. Yes the bigger tyres can be easier, but the more common one now is the 27.5 (less of a compromise than the 29er)
- Due to the geometry of a 29er (even in a L or XL frame) they can be very twitchy and no where near a smooth as a 26er. They are however less effort to gain forward momentum, coast better and absorb shock better. The 27.5 is obviously in between, however it doesn't have as much of a down side to it.
Me personally if I were in your position I would be buying based on component quality rather than frame branding. For instance
http://www.cyclingdeal.com.au/buy/hasa-hard-tail-mountain-bike-slx-30-speed/RACE90Awesome components for the money. A giant with that level of fitout would be $2000.
Only downside is its a 26er
http://www.cyclingdeal.com.au/buy/2014-hasa-gallant-29er-shimano-slx-mountain-bike/GAL-SLX14Now even though I bagged out 29ers earlier, If I had to pick between a 26er and a 29er, I would pick the 29er
The above bike would be $2k-$3k in a giant.
Ahaha, Here you go. Very similar specs
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bikes/model/xtc.advanced.29er.1/18992/76592/#featuresThere is seriously a million and one choices you could make. The best way to do it is to take a few for a ride at your local shop
Cheers
Evo
