Conference noted::bicycle

    Welcome to Mtn Biking, or All Terrain Biking depending on your luck..
    
    Many of your questions can be answered by patient reading of the ATB/MB
    topics in this conference, the folks here (while being opinionated :^)
    are quite knowledgeable).
    
    But for one more opinion....
    
    As a beginner you might look for one of the entry level ATB that are
    found in most bike makers lines.  You can and will find them from
    $250-$400 range.  Mail order is also a good option if you don't mind
    buying what you haven't Ridden/Seen.
    
    Nice things on a ATB: 3 chain rings (front) to get from 15 to 21 gear
    ratios, Alloy rims instead of steel (weight as well as wet braking
    power), Cantilever (sp) brakes as opposed to side pulls, comfortable
    handlebars (if they are not the typical flat bars you can upgrade
    later), Tires about 1.95 size (again, these can be upgraded), Seat
    (upgrade ASAP since the low end bikes tend to have poor seats).
    
    Manufacturers of parts is a bit of personal preference and experience. 
    For myself - I prefer Shimano for entry level(small $) shifters, derailers 
    etc.   Suntour for high end (Big $$$) shifters, derailers etc.  Brake 
    components (in my opinion) all seem good but I prefer Shimano.  Dia-Comp 
    is usually found on low end and works quite well also.
    
    Look for a bike that feels good to you.  For ATB you will probably want
    a frame 2-3 inches shorter than a correctly fitted road bike.  This is
    due to the likelyhood of sudden stops off-road and damage to family
    heritage.  Secondary reason to the smaller frame is to allow more
    "room" to move your weight and balance the bike during ascents/descents.
    
    ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET.   Gloves are nice.  Shoes should allow you to
    hike out if you really wreck the bike and have to push/carry.  ALWAYS
    WEAR A HELMET.
    
    As I said, All this stuff is my opinion based on my experience.  I
    bought a $220 Ross BEAR MTN to get my first taste, next was a $250
    dollar SERPA mail order which I completely rebuilt with all kinds of
    ATB hotrod parts (kind of custom made ya' see) and now I have  Fisher
    CR7 with a small amount of custom parts (can't do much to a perfect
    ATB).
    
    I'm sure the rest of these gals/guys have additional advice.
    
    bob

    A few more points from another novice :
    
    Just because you're not after performance, you should be aware that
    performance is not necessarily synonymous with racing.  I bought a
    low-$$$$s mountain bike just for street commuting, errends, etc.  While
    the frame and most of the components are adequate for that purpose, the 
    crank set is such trash that putting any kind of pressure on the pedals
    whil the chain is on the big ring causes the whole thing to flex,
    binding the chain between the chainring and the outer edge of the crank
    itself (this crank has an integral outer ring that keeps the chain on
    the outer chain ring).  I got the bike cheap enough so that I really
    don't mind swapping the crankset, but you should be aware that cheap
    hardware might not even serve the needs of casual use.
    
    2. As for accessories, I would put the highest priority on getting a
    helmet.  That'll probably go the longest way to preventing fatalities. 
    Even if you don't plan to ride real agressively, encounters can always
    find you, and it only takes one time to do ya in.  I don't know what
    the environment is like there, but in these parts (New ENgland - lot's
    of rude, brain dead drivers), I find a rear view mirror to be very 
    helpful.  Also, depending on your needs, a basic luggage rack
    (blackburn Mountain rack is real sturdy), and perhaps fenders are nice
    additions.  

    If you're in Hong Kong, components are probably CHEAP!  Increased
    price in this category usually means increased durability, so
    spending more early could bring you less trouble later.
    
    I have no idea what the terrain's like on those islands, what kinds
    of roads/trails you plan to travel on, or how much it rains.  All
    of these things would influence your tire and gearing selection.
    
    
    MATT

    Thanks for the advice. On the terrain of Lantau Island (where I live),
    well the place is a good mix of paved roads and hiking trails. The
    place is generally hilly and rainfall comes only during a quarter, the
    wheather's humid most of the time. As for biking shops, they're well
    equipped with most of the Japanese brand named components as well as
    some of the familiar Italian ones. I noticed that bike shops here carry
    a lot of the "Panasonic" (made by the stereo company) and "Raleigh"
    brands for built-up bikes, are these any good? Oh, and what's a good
    helmet to buy (brand and model) and how much approximately?
    
    On how I ride, well what I'm after is any riding that builds a good 
    sweat, which means I'm not your "smart" rider. Any tips?
    
    Thanks again and regards,
    Joey

    A couple more thoughts:
    
    Do yourself a favor and  spend $500 on a 
    "real" mtn bike.  By real I mean one with short chainstays ( <17"), 
    a stem that doesn't stick up in the air like a "citybike", a narrow,
    racing-style seat, and a frame geometry that is more like a racing
    bike. 
    
    I know you said you weren't necessarily going to race, but IMO a bike 
    like this will be more rewarding in that it will steer more quickly,
    climb better, and feel lighter.  These are the qualities that will help
    your handling on narrow, hiking-style trails.  
    
    

    A few more things to add:
    
    1) If you can, pick up a buyer's guide. Not sure if you have them
       in your neck of the woods, but there is a ton of info in them.
       Besides brand comparison, they generally have short articles
       on technique, trail etiquitte, etc.
    
    2) Go for the helmet first. Whether you ride on the road or off,
       there are enough potential hazards to warrant getting a good
       helmet. You might want to pick up a pair of gloves as well.
       If you go down (and you will if you ride any tougher trails),
       you don't want to shred your palms. 
    
    3) If you have a lot of rocky, hilly terrain, you will want a
       good pair of handlebar grips. Your hands can get pretty numb
       from pounding down trails. 
    
    4) The best safety tip that I can think of is this- don't ride
       alone offroad. If you ride rough terrain, there is serious
       potential for injury to one's hide and one's ride. Having
       that happen when you are by yourself is not a good idea...
    
    Enjoy yourself. MTBing is a lot of fun, and a great way to get
    a serious workout. It compares favorably to many aerobic sports,
    but is a lot more fun!
    
    PS- both Panasonic and Raleigh have decent upper-level bikes. Plan
        on spending $500 or so, and keep the bike tuned!