Does horseback riding tear up general use trails?

What are some good mountain bikes in the $300-500 price range?

• I'm looking for a good mountain bike for pretty cheap. I plan on using it regularly and when I use it I will be riding trails designed for mountain biking that might present some wear and tear. I want at least front suspension and I am hoping to have rear suspension if possible. I already have experience mountain biking, but I've always just used friends' bikes. If it helps at all I'm 5'11" and 148lbs. I'd go for a more expensive bike, but I'm a little low on funds right now. I appreciate any help, thanks!

• Answer:

  $300 will only get you an "entry level"mountain bike, really not designed or built to handle anything more than street riding or very light trails. $500 can get you a decent hardtail mountain bike. Good full suspension bikes start around $1,500 and go up in price. Forget that idea on your budget. Have any mechanical skills at all? Feel as though you could assemble a bicycle? All you would have to do is install the pedals, the front wheel & handlebar, the seat & seatpost and maybe tweak it a bit. See Bikes Direct on the web. No middle man - no bike shop. Therefore much less expensive. A few links below.