re: What's the most dependable mountain bike I can get for under $200? UPDATE:

I had a cheap Trek mountain bike that I bought new for a couple of hundred dollars years ago. Got on the paved trail near my house and rode around White Rock Lake in Dallas for exercise nearly every day for about three years. About a 15 mile ride. My point is that you don't have to have the most expensive bike if you are riding for the exercise and won't be on hard core trails. Only things I ever did to that bike was buy new tires and a new seat. Had a basic tool kit in a bag on it.

Lost it and a road bike I'd bought later when I used the wrong movers. That's another story that's heartbreaking.