ok for 250 you can either get a used bike or a new entry level bike. 6 years ago i was in your situation and i got a giant boulder. parents put in 250 for it, and it was what i used to basically get into the game. i took it to the local hills quite a few times over the years and just a few months ago i started upgrading(not that i had to, but i was bored and i quit modding my car and mtb became my hobby again). if you look through classifieds you may be able to find a decent bike from 1994-98. again for 250 you can get a new hardrock or boulder, but i would want neither.