Mountain Biking - Which type of mountain bike is right for me?

Hey guys I am looking to buy a mountain bike and am looking for some advice. Doing research shows there are tons of different types of bikes. I see XC, Freeride, Downhill, Trail, All mountain, DJ, 4x, etc...

Ideally I want to do local trails to me. Anyone familiar with NYC I am talking about Highbridge Park, Wolfes Pond Park, and Cunningham Park. Anyone familiar with Long Island I am talking about Stillwell Woods, Greenbelt, and Bethpage as well as all other trails local to me.

It seems like any hardtail would be up to the task but my questions come in when it comes to dirt jumps and the "pump track" at Cunningham Park. Can a regular hardtail handle that? I was also looking at the DJ and 4x bikes but they are usually single speed which I am not interested in.

What would be the best geared trail bike that can also handle jumps and such?

Budget is around $1000.

Any info would be great. Thanks.

You'll do well with a hardtail. Normally, with a budget of $1000, I'd start telling people to start looking into entry level FS's, but I don't like my FS for the pump track since it's not quite as responsive, and an FS built for that kind of riding is going to break your budget. Since your primary riding is trails, but you want it to be able to handle jumping, I'd recommend going AM HT. They're a bit heavier than an XC HT (probably 30-35 lbs or so), but they're slacker and more playful, and burlier and can put up with more abuse. On the other hand, they're lighter than a FR HT and have better geometry for trail riding than a DJ. Examples of complete AM HT's in your pricerange are bikes like the GT Chucker 1.0, Brodie Bruzza, and Jamis Komodo II. Lots and lots of frames available, but they require building up and a bit more money.

I agree that a HT in that price range is a good starter. If you don't mind used and can evaluate frame and components a used bike might give you a better fork and frame to start with. People are needing Shopping money right now and then bill paying money next month. Its a great time to buy used. But you need to be patient and smart.

I have a bike set up for just the same thing you're wanting. I'm 5'10" tall and the frame is an 15" 09' Hardrock,I changed out the brake levers,bars,stem added a 410 Tomson layback seatpost. Swapped the fork out to a Marz. All Mountain 1. The ETA adjustment will talke the fork down to a little under 3 inches for climbing and gravel roads and I can flip the switch and the fork goes to 6 inches for decending. I really like smallish frames so this set up is perfect for me. I hope this help s a little.

Climbing mode........
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w69/mtnbiker66/HRFork002.jpg

Decending.....
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w69/mtnbiker66/HRFork001.jpg

NYC? You have my sympathies..
Test rode a Mongoose Canaan, a mix of DH/XC bike that was outstanding on the trail...would love to have one for our trails here in N. Cal.

that orange bike looks like a good example but id honestly try a single speed. you can get a nicer bike for the same money and i find it has made me a better/stronger rider. maybe a bike with a ss option so you could start off cheap and add on or vice versa

You'll do well with a hardtail. Normally, with a budget of $1000, I'd start telling people to start looking into entry level FS's, but I don't like my FS for the pump track since it's not quite as responsive, and an FS built for that kind of riding is going to break your budget. Since your primary riding is trails, but you want it to be able to handle jumping, I'd recommend going AM HT. They're a bit heavier than an XC HT (probably 30-35 lbs or so), but they're slacker and more playful, and burlier and can put up with more abuse. On the other hand, they're lighter than a FR HT and have better geometry for trail riding than a DJ. Examples of complete AM HT's in your pricerange are bikes like the GT Chucker 1.0, Brodie Bruzza, and Jamis Komodo II. Lots and lots of frames available, but they require building up and a bit more money.

What he really wants is an SS steel rigid 29er

Giant STP is in that price range, has gears and is EXACTLY for the type of riding you describe. It's designed to be a cross between a trail bike and a play/jump/park bike. Plus, it's set up beefy to take the DJing abuse.