256 advises strongly against fancy suspension whatnots too. I think I agree with you -- the weight/inevitable breakage doesn't seem worth the small gain in riding comfort, particularly where I will mainly be on roads. It seems incredibly difficult to find a mountain bike without them, though -- at least locally.

This one lacks them, as well as having some eyeletish things. I'm not sure what to make of it, though. As mentioned above, it seems unusually cheap. It also has the disadvantage of being ugly as hell, although I guess this is a comparatively minor consideration.


Think metahistorically, act locally. -- CheeseburgerBrown
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But I would say two things.

First, a very large percentage of the cost of a bike is in the components, all of which can be (and will have to be) replaced over time. Concentrate on a good frame, first and foremost, as a good one will never die. "What is good" is the tough question. Your bike shop should be able to help you with that. 

That "Altus" is pretty low end Shimano and I note that it's "24-speed drive train" (i.e. 3 front x 8 rear) which is also on the old side (top end is now 30-speed or 3 front x 10 rear). Don't forget, there's nothing wrong with old. When it wears out, or you feel the need to step up, you can always replace it with a 105, Ultregra, or even Dura-Ace level component. (My stuff is all Ultegra, I've found no need to go to the Professional level Dura-Ace.) Or even change manufacturers and go for SRAM or something.

But the main thing to remember is, everything can be replaced except the frame.

Second thing: find a shop and salescritter you trust. If you have any, and I mean any, heebie jeebies about them wanting to sell you something they want to sell you rather than something you want to buy, walk away. You'd be better off getting it online. Trust the vibe.

You're also not locked into what's on the bike. Most shops will swap out or upgrade components for the cost of the component (without charging a labor fee) when you buy the bike. So if you find a little extra cash, you can always upgrade something right then and there. I went through two sets of pedals and four saddles before I found one I liked.

Of the ones you linked to, I kind of like the look of either the Norco Rideau or the DaVinci St Tropez. The components are all pretty low end, and probably heavy. But there's really no way to know without taking it for a test ride. I also don't see any eyelets, but that could be the photo.

But I don't know either of those brands. I'd be more tempted to stick to the Giant (maybe the OCR3. At 6'1, you'd probably take a large, or maybe even XL (you'd have to go in person to get sized).

But, it's a really presonal decision.
--
Science says, "YES!"
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