See if you can't find a 2013 model still at a store.....you can usually get a great deal on last year's model bikes. I just got into mountain biking and had a similar price range that you had. I found a 2013 Cannondale SL4 for a great deal. If you can't find an older model, then I would pick whatever bike fit you the best in the $700 range from the major companies.