Originally Posted by BluesDawg

YOu probably would do fine with a hardtail, either 26" or 29er, your preference. The more you spend, the better quality. Try to get something with a decent fork, hydraulic disc brakes and SLX or X.9 components if you can, but mechanical discs and Deore are not bad. I am most familiar with Specialized, so I would look at a Stumpumper Comp or down to a mid level Rockhopper.