What is the best all-around/all-terrain mountain bike for under $1K?
The ideal bike for you depends on what kind of riding you are going to be doing.
If you want a bike that can handle big drops, jumps, trails with lots of roots, stones and the like, you need a mountain bike. At your price point, look for disk brakes, front suspension, and mid level components (Shimano Deore, LX or XT). The Novara Ponderosa is a good example
However, if riding trails means something more along the lines of a fire road, or even a groomed gravel trail, a mountain bike is overkill for the conditions and you will be better served by a bike more optimized for those conditions
A cyclocross bike is a good all-rounder, it is adept at riding on roads, it has a frame geometry similar to a road bike. However, it differs from a road bike in its' ability to take wider tires, allowing it to handle trails similar to a mountain bike. It's a great compromise, and I strongly encourage you to buy a Surly Cross-Check
5 Answers
The ideal bike for you depends on what kind of riding you are going to be doing.
If you want a bike that can handle big drops, jumps, trails with lots of roots, stones and the like, you need a mountain bike. At your price point, look for disk brakes, front suspension, and mid level components (Shimano Deore, LX or XT). The Novara Ponderosa is a good example
However, if riding trails means something more along the lines of a fire road, or even a groomed gravel trail, a mountain bike is overkill for the conditions and you will be better served by a bike more optimized for those conditions
A cyclocross bike is a good all-rounder, it is adept at riding on roads, it has a frame geometry similar to a road bike. However, it differs from a road bike in its' ability to take wider tires, allowing it to handle trails similar to a mountain bike. It's a great compromise, and I strongly encourage you to buy a Surly Cross-Check
The ideal bike for you depends on what kind of riding you are going to be doing.
If you want a bike that can handle big drops, jumps, trails with lots of roots, stones and the like, you need a mountain bike. At your price point, look for disk brakes, front suspension, and mid level components (Shimano Deore, LX or XT). The Novara Ponderosa is a good example
However, if riding trails means something more along the lines of a fire road, or even a groomed gravel trail, a mountain bike is overkill for the conditions and you will be better served by a bike more optimized for those conditions
A cyclocross bike is a good all-rounder, it is adept at riding on roads, it has a frame geometry similar to a road bike. However, it differs from a road bike in its' ability to take wider tires, allowing it to handle trails similar to a mountain bike. It's a great compromise, and I strongly encourage you to buy a Surly Cross-Check
I would suggest the Motobecane Fly XC, great bike, great components, great price.
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Go with the Trek 3700
It's a great bike for riding around on and light off-road use. If you plan on doing serious off-roading, I'd go for something with a little more "mountain" in it than this bike. But it sounds like, for your needs, this would be the perfect bike for you. I highly recommend Trek for any bike you get.
It's well under $1K, and looks great in the dark grey (which was an older model, but you may still be able to get it).