What is a Good Durable Mountain Bike?

I need a mountain bike solely for exercise. I am 20 and like to lift weights but hate running so thats where the bike comes in. I am mostly going to be riding on paved bike trails or the road and my spending limit is between $200-$250.

I am glad you know how you're going to ride... many people don't.

You should go to a bike shop and look at bikes in your range. There are plenty of them and at this price are almost exactly the same, although Diamondback, Raleigh, and KHS may give you a slight edge on component choice.

Getting a bike online is way cheaper, even considering shipping. Don't get a full suspension bike (shox in front and back). You only need them for rough trail riding and they will slow you down. get a hardtail (shox only in front). They are very durable and pretty efficient. Plus, they come woth better parts in that price range.

Hey, you'll like riding.

I agree with MirageGuitarWorks. Your best bet is going to a dedicated bike shop. There are several reasons for that, one of them is that they can help you get the right size bike for you, where if you go via the wallmart special route is usually one size fits all. It's important that you have the right size, specially if you're intending to ride it hard.

Buying online is very good when you already know what you want, but for the first bike I advice against it.

You have two options basically (well, you have more, but I'll leaning towards this two): One is a road bike and the other a mountain bike.

The road bike will ride faster, but a mountain will be more flexible on where you want to ride. Think of it like car vs SUV. A car is faster, but a SUV can go on more roads than a car.

You can change the tires on a mtb for slicks, which are faster for paved roads. Some slicks aren't that expensive, so probably going that route can be the most flexible option.

If your idea is to go on road groups, then go with a road bike, if not, I would go with a mtb.

Good luck!

Get a hybrid bike (mountain/road). Check at your local store get as much info as you need for frame size/weight/features.

Brody makes good bikes, Cannondale as well. You could buy a descent bike 2nd hand. Most good quality bike cost alot more the 200 dollars. (mine was 800 dollars and was in used excellent conditions, but I used it for alot of mileage and for efficient riding). Check out the buy, sell and trade or pawn shops or maybe cycle shop sell consignment.

Good luck.

There are TONS of good bikes out there in your price range that are durable and very nice. Agree with the comments that others have made and a bike shop is the best place to start, but shop around. Prices vary widely on the internet to your local "big-box" retailer.
Two things that would drive me to a bike shop:
1. Fit - that's the MOST important thing. I don't know how tall or short you are but a bike shop will be able to fit you properly and get a frame size that suits you best. Big Box stores (Target, Wal-Mart, etc...) often have a limited range of frame sizes to choose from and no one there knows anything about seat or handlebar height, etc..
2. Service - this is human nature really - if you buy a bike from a local shop, they often will provide you with better (sometimes free) service when you bring it in. Frequently they offer a free "tuneup" after 90 days or 6 months and will have the proper parts, etc.. on hand to service it. Again - if you buy on the internet and have a problem, your local bike shop will service it but I've found that they are much more enthusiastic when servicing a bike they've sold you as opposed to one that was bought somewhere else.

some thing fast is a rhino

For a good new quality bicycle at a great price value I would suggest Forge Bicycles.

http://www.forgebikes.com

They are also written up on http://www.mtbr.com These are people who ride and know mountain bikes.

Hi,
I suggest the 'DAWES FEAR' which you can get in lots of sizes.It is a reliable bike,got good front suspension(all you need) and it is light.
Or pick the 'SHOGUN CULT'.This is also a very good bike.They are both in a good price range.
If you would prefer a differnt one just go to your local bike shop.

Jake