Help on choosing new bike

Shark said:

There are so many different bicycle options these days that I'm
completely lost.

But before I decide on specific models I need to figure out what type
of bike I need. I've cycled when I was in my youth on a road bike
(mostly on dirt trails!) and recently with a Full MTB (mostly on
asphalt!!). I know, I made poor choices but I misjudged what kind of
riding I was going to do. This time around I know exactly how I'm
going to use it so hopefully I'll be better equiped.

I ride mostly to keep fit and because I enjoy it a lot. And by keeping
fit it doesn't have anything to do with loosing weight, just a good
heart rate. I train daily on city trails (flat asphalt) and there is a
weekend mountain climb (asphalt) that I really like. It's about 3km
long with an average climb rate of 8%. I'm addicted to mountain climbs
and wish I could do it more often. There are some monthly group day
trips I participate which can stretch to 100Km but always on asphalt
and relaxed pace.

With all that in mind I was considering a hardtail MTB but I don't
know if I really need the front suspension (and additional weight).
What kind of configuration do you guys think is best suited for me? I
hear a lot of talk about "frame geometry", how important is that for
me and how do I make the right choice? If you can suggest some models
that would be sweet. Money is not an issue but I'm no pro so high-end
models are out.

tks!

Go to a local shop that emphasizes bike fit, get that done first, on a
fit cycle, not just some clone asking you how tall you are. Next, talk
to a knowledgeable person about options, perhaps including starting
with a frame of the right dimensions and then building the bike to
suit you, not trying to make you suit a bikeouttaabox. If the shop
doesn't do this, perhaps they will convert an existing bike to better
suit you. I'm thinking maybe an all-rounder type bike, 'cyclocross'
type, with room for bigger tires if necessary, long reach or canti
brakes, perhaps a flatbar setup rather than drop bars. If you go to a
shop that just wants to get you to ride around the block and then
present your credit card, go elsewgere.