Mountain Bikers

First off - by local trails are we actually talking lysterfield/you yangs or a few dirt fire trails?
How often will you actually get to ride proper trails?

How strong is your core?

A hard tail will be a better bike in that price range, also if you're just getting into it a hardtail won't have you developing bad habits straight away (a dually lets you get away with a lot more and you can be abit sloppier with your riding).

Giant make a good bike as do many other names - most come out of around the same three Chinese/Taiwanese factories anyway. Ride a bunch to see what suits you - a slight change in frame geometry can make the difference between a sore back and a confident rider.
Try 26 and 29 - 29 rolls over more but harder through tight corners and getting started up hills. 26er tends to be a bit more twitchy.
Join a club if you're going to ride trails a bit even if only to meet some like minded souls - Mtba also have a three month trial insurance going.
Search the MTB forums for the makes/models you narrow it down to to find out what good pricing is as well as positives and negatives of that make/model. Buy from a local shop though - if it's your first MTB you'll need their advice and most riders are happy to talk trails if you're willing to take the time to listen.
If you enjoy it consider asking for a skills course for birthday/Xmas - mtbskils are good but there are also others out there.

Good luck and keep it rubber side down
 
As a newbie, and 6'3", a 29er is a no-brainer.

What sort of riding do you want to do, and where?

You can ride the Yarra River Single track on a cyclocross bike, and certainly don't need dual suspension.

If you really want to get into it, the You-Yangs etc you need dual suspension.

Don't buy a dual lie for $1000 period.

Buy the best bike you can afford.

The big names are worth it, if only for the lifetime frame warranties (I ride specialised nearly exclusively now, they have replaced so much stuff well out of warranty period, and frames 4-5 years old etc).

Giant is largely unbeatable for value and spec for money. Many places will give you 20% off RRP on Giant if you look and ask. I personally don't like Giants, I've owned about 3, and they just don't excite me, but it's personal. They are good bikes and plenty like them.

If you can jack up your budget to $1500, you will start getting something decent.

Check out mtbdirt.com.au, its currently QLD heavy, but they will help on bike advice if you ask. We are all nice.
 
First off - by local trails are we actually talking lysterfield/you yangs or a few dirt fire trails?
How often will you actually get to ride proper trails?

How strong is your core?

A hard tail will be a better bike in that price range, also if you're just getting into it a hardtail won't have you developing bad habits straight away (a dually lets you get away with a lot more and you can be abit sloppier with your riding).

Giant make a good bike as do many other names - most come out of around the same three Chinese/Taiwanese factories anyway. Ride a bunch to see what suits you - a slight change in frame geometry can make the difference between a sore back and a confident rider.
Try 26 and 29 - 29 rolls over more but harder through tight corners and getting started up hills. 26er tends to be a bit more twitchy.
Join a club if you're going to ride trails a bit even if only to meet some like minded souls - Mtba also have a three month trial insurance going.
Search the MTB forums for the makes/models you narrow it down to to find out what good pricing is as well as positives and negatives of that make/model. Buy from a local shop though - if it's your first MTB you'll need their advice and most riders are happy to talk trails if you're willing to take the time to listen.
If you enjoy it consider asking for a skills course for birthday/Xmas - mtbskils are good but there are also others out there.

Good luck and keep it rubber side down

Ok, I think doing a skills course might be the way to go... that way I'm assuming I can try out a few bikes and get some expert opinions on the track.
 
There's also a few rental places - Forrest and lysterfield (not sure about you yangs) and check the various brands fb pages for demo days.

Also don't let your bike define your riding - practice and patience (and a bit of ignorance help a lot) - first time really off road on dirt for me was the old cannonball run at Thredbo - on a dodgy cheap front suspension only diamond back - thought the guys were looking at me like I was nuts as I was a chick - later realised it was the bike!
 
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