Originally Posted by grayEZrider

Visit several shops - even if you have to do a fifty mile radius. Find folks you feel comfortable trusting and then follow their advice. Especially on "sizing" your fit. That choice is more important than what brand you wind up with. And a good shop will offer you several test rides (or even a used loaner). The difference in feel of two bikes that look nearly identical can be amazing.
And skip the fancy suspension for a year or two.