a pos!t

***TEST***

I've got one similar to the ones in your links you can use; it isn't going to be much fun to run 25 yards through it, though.  I sort of assumed you had something mechanized in mind.  But I can leave it on my front porch and you can pick it up.

 

html?

 

Google is your friend.

https://google.com is easier.

Delay gratification (a purchase) and try lots of stuff. Another suggestion is have spouse and kids who like to ride and all pretty much the same height. Then you can share a fleet of bikes. Be careful about swaps and trades if you already have a great spouse and kids. That applies to the bikes and family members.

I love the hard tail, fat bike and suspension bike. Hard tail is really nice for riding to trailhead from home, pumping and something like head from Madison to Mt. Horeb or Blue Mound.

Having been at this a long time I've had lots of bike types. I've also rented different models. Most bikes are good these days. Overall I really love having a dual suspension modern trail bike. It makes things fun, is a lot of control, and it's also an aid for age and injury related back problems.

A resort trip with family and the associated rentals we did was really telling. I rode more modestly priced Giants,  a nothing spared $9000 Yeti in the rental fleet and my Trek. I've tested and rented versions of my Trek with different price points. It was great proof that most all modern bikes are good and your bike engine is super important.

My bike does plus and regular 29r tires. I've tried same frame model with plus 27.5, 2.6 29 and in between and like all around 2.4 knobby the most - the versatility.

Be careful with older bikes and especially 29r. The bike industry was really stupid for years making stuff for racers or downhill. If you're neither try the modern trail bikes. The other thing I realized was once I got used to higher axle height I preferred fat and 29r for trail riding.

Again, try lots of stuff. What I like is very popular but might not be for you. When you try suspension bikes make sure the setup is correct.

Finally - fat bikes. You don't have to spend a lot on them except for studded tires. Everybody should own one in WI. Usually when skiing conditions are bad fattie conditions are good and vice a versa. The grooming - especially Snowdogging - is a combo of sadomasochism and other f*ckry that can be sort of fun and will earn you a beer or cookies.