Hey guys, I need help. TODAY!

[Estevo]

I am new to MB, and I am in the process of buying my first bike. After shopping around town, these are the two that I am considering:

the '09 GT Avalanche 3.0

http://www.evanscycles.com/product_image/image/108/858/94f/32870/large/gt-avalanche-30-disc-2009-mountain-bike.jpg

and the Kona Firemountain:

http://www.konaworld.com/09bikes/small/T2K9_FIREMTNDELUXE.jpg

I also had a question.. After hunting (shopping) all day I got several responses to the same question. What size bike should I get? On the GT, a large felt like I didn't have enough clearance, and when I test rode the Kona, the guy showing me the bike said an 18" looked too small on me.

I just want some decent clearance between the family jewels and the top tube. Any other bike options, I'd seriously consider.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. :)

[Crimson Ace]

Having not ridden either of those models myself, my advice is the same... go with the one that feels the best to you.

Concerning the size, your LBS should have someone on staff to professionally fit you for your new ride (usually a free service with purchase). If not, talk to other shops about being fit. You can always pay a small fee for a prelim fitting on a similar bike to know your sizes. Then after you purchase your bike, go to a shop and get it fit properly - again, most likely a fee without purchase.

Best of luck!

[Moishe]

Welcome Stevie. Both are very good and reliable brands of bikes. As has already been stated, go with what feels the best for you. An interesting about frame sizes is that two 18's can feel very very different just based on the angles of the tubes. If your LBS (Local Bike Shop) doesn't offer a proper fitting then you might consider check elsewhere. A shop that cares about their customers will treat the one spending less than a grand the same as the one spending ten times that.

I would also suggest looking for a shop that offers rentals that way you can actually get a feel for how you will ride. For some perspective I ride a mountain bike a size and a half too "small" for me yet it suits my style just well. In tight windy singletrack, I feel more in control due to the compact geometry. When you hook it up be sure to post a photo in the "what are you riding" thread.