Entry Level Mountain Bike?

Most bikes these days go by small, medium, and large. So if you explore other brands, you will be a large.

 

I wouldn't be shopping by seat tube length specifically. While it does play a role in how a bike fits, theoretical top tube length, reach, head angle, seat tube angle and wheelbase play a bigger role in how a bike fits.

 

@bryanjoh in one of the other MTB threads recommended this bike:

 

Like others have said, look on Craigslist, Pinkbike, KSL, local REI for sale board. You will very likely find a great bike for a reasonable 2nd hand price. Word of mouth is how I ended up with my Santa Cruz wonder bike.

I agree that if you are looking for a hard tail, plus tires might help take the edge off, and may give a little better float / traction.

If you are near a decent bike shop, demo the shit out of their entire fleet until you find the one that feels right. Better to spend a few $ in rentals and find "the one" than guess and later regret your purchase. Many times, you may even get the demo costs applied as credit to your new bike.

@KB Voodoo : Haters gonna hate! Not my go-to bike, but anything loose (snow, sand, shale) is a frickin riot!



Rode a muddy jeep trail / fire road. DON'T RIDE MUDDY SINGLETRACK!

 

I bought a haro double peak sport 29. Nothing super fancy. Just getting into it.