Originally Posted by jra2212
You may be better off going with a hardtail given your budget. Maybe something along the lines of a Specialized Rockhopper or Stumpjumper.
I don't quite agree...the 4ft or greater drops that he suggests are begging for a Norco HT like these:
http://www.norco.com/2007bikes/Mount...oreFreerideHT/
Check out the Norco hardtails. They will be "fun to ride" and can handle the abuse that a Newbie-over-roots and drops will dish out.
I'd love to have a Norco!
I agree that you should steer clear of the dually in that price range. You will break it often and it will not perform well enough for you to have a "fun" ride.