DnvrFox is right. A visit to an LBS (or a few) would answer more questions better than we can. You may find that a hybrid type bike suits your needs better than a MTB. Hard to say based on the information given so far about where you plan to ride. I wouldn't be surprised if you could find bikes for the same prices as the catalog bikes. Even if you have to pay a little more, the knowledge and service from a good bike shop is well worth it. The less you know, the more they can help.