Originally Posted by Portis
Mountain bikes in the $500 range are all going to be similarly equipped. And most people on here will just post the bike that they own and say you should buy it. So you obviously this isn't the best place to find which bike to buy.
Hit the LBS and ride them all, even ones you think you can't afford. Then pick the one that fits the best and that you can afford.
Exactly,
See what's comfortable, and what comes from a shop that will give the service after the sale.
If the fit and the service are both good and in the price range that you are looking for,
then you have the winner