Hi all, Moved to AZ and have many trails just around the corner, and not loving the options for road biking so I figured I would add a "mountain" bike to the stable.

Adding the " " since I haven't paid attention to the field in 20 years, and apparently now there are many versions of these bikes. So the first question, what type of bike would fit someone that wants to ride simpler trails, no interest in downhill etc?

Second, the dreaded, any recommendations on a make/model question...perhaps looking to spend $2-2.5K. There are plenty of local bikeshops, but some solely carry models that I have never heard of (e.g. rage cycles in Scottsdale) and some carry the Treks, etc.

Third, I got fitted for my road bike (turns out I have a short upper body so definitely needed modifications)--how important is this for a MTB? it seems as though you are not as static when you are on a trail, so perhaps not as important?

Any input would be helpful/