ryanvodka

I would like suggestions on which brand of brand/model bike to buy. The bike would be used mainly for exercise and recreation on paved paths and some off road trails. My budget is around $1,000. Some of the bikes I currently have in mind are specialized crosstrail, Rockhopper Comp 29er, giant roam 1 and connondale quick cx3. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

abdon 

To me anything with a shock fork (or a spring anywhere for that matter) is a bad idea. 'Some offroad trails' are fun to do on a hard tail with fat tires.

Any of them can be a horrible choice if they don't fit. Search 'bike fit' and spend sometime figuring out what's what.

Retro Grouch 

There's more significant differences among bike shops than there is among bike brands. If you ever need service or advice, when buying clothing or accessories, or if you ever have a warranty issue, who do you want to be dealing with? Shop for a bike shop first. When you find the one with the "right" people - that's it. Buy a brand they stock and you'll never go wrong.

fietsbob

I agree on that.. shop the bike shop, first.

at that price-point, type same, component pick will total the same, pretty much.

and FWIW, can be made in the same factory, contract specifies the differences.
the contracted factory complies.
They are good at that over there, thats where the investment $ went,
in the bike biz.