Calling All Mountain bikers

Well if you're going to go there ... Do this: http://fanatikbike.com/product/evil-the-following-custom-configurator-13219.htm

 

Booooo.....clown wheels.

 

And if you see a trail like this, ride the other way...

 

Another advocate of a hard tail for regular trail riding. I've had three HTs in the last 25yrs and love them. I enjoy riding on trails, fire roads and pavement, never felt the need to bump up to the extra expense / maintenance requirements of a full suspension bike. My current bike is a Specialized Rockhopper Expert 29, previous were a pair of Raleigh M80s that were 26 inch. I'm 5'11, just under 200lbs and use a 19 inch frame.

I love the feel of the 29 inch but a lot of bikes are moving toward 650b (27.5 inch) as a compromise between the large 29 inch wheel and 26. I prefer the larger wheels of the 29 but it's not as nimble as my older 26in bikes. It will roll over anything but the turning radius is increased so it can be tricky on very tight trails. Now that I've gotten older, my capabilities have moved from technical to more rolling terrain where the larger wheels excel.

I also recommed hydraulic disc brakes but be careful, they can really grab if you're not used to them at first.

That being said, the best thing to do is just get on the bikes you're interested in and take a test drive. It doesn't matter what it has on it or how much it cost until you decide its the bike you really enjoy riding. I tried riding a 650b but I just preferred the feel of the bigger wheels of a 29. Certain models of some very nice bikes just didn't feel right to me. After a few test rides, you'll "know" when you find your new bike, mine was the rockhopper.

You can also check into these guys

www.bikesdirect.com

I've picked up a couple of bikesdirect bikes for my brother and son, not bad products for the price point and they really enjoy riding them. I prefer to test ride before I buy a bike for myself but they do make a decent product. Most of the frames are made by Kinesis which is a Taiwanese manufacturer that also makes frames for Diamondback, Felt, GT, schwinn, Jamis, K2, Raleigh, Trek, Kross and Kona. All pretty much the same except for the name brand applied.

Both of my M80s were Kinesis frames and I never had problems with either of those bikes.

As for a fork, I'd recommend air pressure fork if you're over 200lbs. A larger rider will easily overpower and bottom out most spring type forks.

Keep an eye on Craigslist too, I've seen some very nice bikes at very good prices from time to time. I've seen the occasional LBS advertise last years models and trade ins on Craigslist.

Like it or not, there's something to be said about more expensive bikes, they tend to be more comfortable to ride, stay in tune longer and survive a crash better but it boils down to what feels best to you. The more comfortable the bike, the more often you're inclined to keep riding longer.
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I've been mountain biking since they were first available. I'd be really cautious about dropping $500 on a complete bike. If that's the top end of your budget, you should take a look at craigslist and have somebody who knows what's up help you sort the ads.

Before you shop, go to some bike shops and have them help you find bikes that fit you. Ride lots of bikes. Keep track of the size bike that fits you and use that to help you decide what to buy. I agree with the posters who recommend hard tails. I have two bikes for trails, one rigid 29er, and a 26"hard tail. I don't ride hard enough to require the full suspension, and I have learned to deal with soaking up the bumps myself.