My suggstion. ( From a guy that has been racing all kinds of bikes for 30 years )
Save your money till you can buy a REALLY NICE BIKE.
If you buy a cheep bike it will feel and ride like a cheep bike and most likely need costly repairs sooner.
Do NOT buy a inexpensive full suspension bike. It will be HEAVY and have really inefficient shock absorbtion.
The nicer the bike the better it will hold up,maintain tru wheels,etc...
Things to consider,
How often am I going to ride ?
Where am I going to ride ? ( bike path,trails,knarly trails,big drops,lift assist, commute,etc.. )
I ride everything on a "hardtail" only Front suspention. I have had all kings of full boinger's but for my type of riding @ 42 years old its perfect.
I ride with guys that have all diff kinds of full sup. from 3-8" and their fast on the steep rough stuff but s l o w every where else. Easy to smoke em on a long xc ride.
With you being in Folorida I suggest my latest love..
29ers b a b y !!!!!
Big wheels, longer wheelbase,bigger contact patch,9% faster than 26ers.
SMOOOOOOOTHER !!! No need for full sup.
I just bought a Fisher Paragon 29" Wheels and it absolutey rocks everywhere!! Coming off a full titanium xtr hardtail. I love this bike !!
I think Fisher was the first but a bunch of guys are making them now.
check them out.
http://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/series/twoniner-hardtails
