So last fall, I bought a fat bike. While it was a blast in the snow, I'm quickly coming to the realization of its limitations on dirt single track. Not concerned about getting passed a lot, I'll admit I'm slow, but it isn't enjoying dropoffs or me slamming on brakes to not catch too much air.

What I'm looking for is a quick way to identify a decent used entry level hardtail MTB for Southern Michigan trails. Don't think I need to get a full suspension for the terrain according to a few MTB coworkers, just looking for a level of componentry (especially forks) that pass the bar for something acceptable for trail use.

Alternatively, I know when budget options come up, there are a couple go-to new choices bandied about in the touring forum that are actually quite decent for their selling point, if these exist in the MTB world as well, I'm all ears. Im not prejudiced against either LBS or mail order, I can confidently fit myself.

Budget is all over the place. Don't want to influence decision making, get me some realistic options and we'll see if it meshes with my cash, but my MO is extracting maximum value for good value, even if I surpass the bottom of the barrel prices