Conference noted::bicycle

    I am not familiar with either bike but I would decide between the two
    on the basis of the installed componentry. Gather around you as many
    pamphlets on as many different bikes as you can. Find out the
    respective prices of the bikes then start comparing the price of the
    bike with the components installed. What you will be looking for are
    the bikes that cost the least with the priceier componentry. As a
    general rule the more expensive bikes will also have better components.
    BUT no matter what bike you choose MAINTAINANCE is the key. The two
    most important parts on a bike as far as I'm concerned are the chain
    and the tires (thats three). Keep the chain CLEAN and OILED. Keep the
    tires inflated to at least minimum pressure. I ride my bike about 100
    kms a week and have very few problems if I maintain these parts
    religiously. It is desirable to check the tire pressure weekly whether
    riding it or not, this will prohibit the tires from warping, Too easy.
    Clean the chain every 200 kms or 100 kms if you are riding on dust
    roads. You know you've been neglecting the chain when it starts jumping
    around on the rear gear cluster, this is annoying and can be virtually
    eliminated by regular chain maintainance. The key to enjoying your bike
    is treating the bike with respect whether you buy an old clunker (like
    my girlfiends 20 year old Canadian Tire speacial) or an $8000
    super-mega-groovy-hip-serious bike.
    
    Happy trails,
    
    chris

    
    	If I limited my choice to a MONGOOSE vs UNIVEGA in the 300 to 425
    price range, would anyone have an opininion as to which would be
    better? 
    
    						- Rick -

     I'm not familiar with either of these bikes either but have been
    looking at MTBs in the $400-$550 range and they are all pretty much
    equipped with simmilar componentry.
     When I finally lay down the money the choice will be down to which
    of the bikes fits the best. 
     I'd suggest if you're down to a choice between two bikes then take
    them out for a spin and see which feels best.
     I did this with road bikes and haven't regretted my choice for a
    minute.
    
    good luck,
    Bob
    

    
    I have a Univega Rover 3.5 that I love.  I bought it last yr in NH for 
    $200.00 brand new.  I dont have any info on the mongoose, but at least
    you can compare prices on the Univega.
    
    Louisa

    Can't help with info on the Mongoose, but I purchased a Univega Rover
    3.7 STX last year and have been very pleased with it. 21 speeds, all
    Shimano components, it suits my modest needs for a bike. Price was in
    the range you're looking at. Bought it at Buchika's in Salem, NH. And,
    fwiw, I purchased 2 other Univegas (Ground Force) for my 15 and 11 year
    old daughters. We're happy with all 3 bikes.

    -Dom

    I ride a Univega at work every day, unless there is snow on the roads.
    It lives in the back of my truck, and seems to shrug off all forms of
    abuse.
    
    The only problems I have had is with the bottom bracket, not sure if
    this is the right name, where shaft on pedals goes through the frame.
    After two years the bearings went. The bearings were not sealed. 
     Also I pretziled the rear wheel.
    
    Don't buy the Univega thinking it will work as a mountain bike. Works
    okay on easy roads but not on a single track trail.
    
                           Bill

    
    	I hate to keep asking for advice, but I'm definately buying a bike
    in the next 2-3 weeks and can't decice. Some bike shops are really
    trying to talk me out of buying a hybrid or cross bike because of my
    size and weight (6'1" 200 lbs). They say even though 90% of my riding
    would be on pavement, the gearing ratio will allow me to do things with
    the bike that the frame really won't support for someone of my weight.
    They are suggesting I get a mountain bike instead with a less tread
    tire. Unless I ride for speed and time (which I'm not) I won't notice
    the difference on a mountain bike even on pavement riding around town.
    Any comments from experienced riders would really be welcome. Again,
    I'm buying the bike to ride with my family (oldest son is 10) AND to
    go off by myself at times to get excercise. Almost all riding would be
    on pavement execept for when we go camping. 
    
    
    						- Rick -

    You're not too tall or too heavy for either... Methinks they're
    trying to push some excess stock (perhaps)?
    
    If you are planning on riding all pavement I'd consider a traditional
    road bike. If you think you'll be doing both pavement and dirt roads 
    go for a cross or mountain bike and get some un-knobby tires 
    (but not smooth). If you think you wanna get knarly in the woods you've
    got to go mountain.
    
    Hope this helps...
    
    Chip

I would of also suggested the mountain bike but not because you're to big or
heavy. But because of the versatility of the Mt bike over the hybrid. You might
not think you would ride single tracjk now, but what if you or someone you're
with decide to? The entry level Mt. bike will start around $400. If you are
already in that price range with the hybrid, then I would suggest you do the Mt
bike. If you were looking at $300-$350 hybrid bike, then you will have to
decide if you want to spend the extra money for the Mt bike. 

Dave
                          

    I advise many friends for new bikes, and would have said the same
    thing, not because of your size, but the mountain bike would be 
    more versatile.   They are now making 26" tires as narrow as road
    bike tires if you want to go fast on the road.  We own two tandems, one 
    with 26" and one with 700c, the 26" bike is faster...on the road.
    
    Even though you don't think you may be using the bike off-road very
    much now, the sport could hook you!
    
    Other main question, what is more comfortable to ride?  Generally 
    mountain bikes have longer top tube which would change your feeling
    on the bike.  

    yes, and it is a lot easier to change the tires than it is to change
    the bikes geometry.  And a hybrid is just a feeble attempt to have it
    both ways.  And in the end you loose on either road riding or off-road.
    Now that leads to having two bikes.  Which should both be of the
    highest quality to be able to enjoy the ride.  And it keeps the economy
    alive.
    
    That being said, I would start with a mtn bike with narrow high
    preasure tires (I put Avocets on my CDale) and find out what real fun
    is and which way you will tend to want to go in the real world.
    
    rich
    rich