Hello from KS.

I've got some extremely newbish questions to ask, and I'm hoping I can get started in the right direction...

Type of bike I want: MTB! I grew up on a Trek MTB and have always love those types of bikes.

What I'm wanting a bike for: Commuting to work (16 miles to and from, 32 total a day) a couple of days a week, and some offroading and occasional trickery. Emphasis on commuting, followed by trails, and finishing with trickery (curb hobbing and what not) in a distant 3rd.

I went to one of the more reputable stores here in Wichita, and came across a 'knowledgeable' salesman who, after fitting me, determined that they don't make MTB's for shorties (I'm 5'10") like me. My legs (or inseam, or whatever) measured at 77" with bike fit and I found that 26" tires felt good. Forgot the frame size.The salesman then said my 'overlap' was too large (my toes hit the tire) to get any bikes they offer. I understood overlap to be how far away your toes are from the tire when the arch of a foot is on the pedal. More specifically, he stated that commuting was okay, but going to trails was out of the question with my overlap. He said my best bet was to get a Trek Jack, which aren't made anymore. Seriously? Even if what he said had merit, that's the best help I can get? Discouraging.

So here I am, and I'd like a second opinion. I concede that I remember next to nothing about bikes, but I am adamant about having a MTB. The one bike he recommended pre-measurement was a Specialized Rockhopper.

Any and all help is appreciated.

Thanks!

EDIT: Forgot to mention that I have a budget of $900.