Nostradamus

I'm in the market for a Mountain Bike and am trying to get the best bike I can for my limited budget. I've got about $300 to spend, give or take. It will be used for trail riding, short commutes, and simple riding around the city. I'm 5'10.

After some reading, I'm under the impression I should go Rigid, or at the very most, Front Suspension. And for my budget, I'm assuming the simpler, the better, so I've been looking at Single Speed(which I assume is different that Fixed where as I can stop pedaling without a problem?).

Anways, one option I am considering is the Motobecane Outcast 29. I've read some reviews and they are generally favorable, most stating some parts are on the cheap side but it's a great budget bike.

Any other recommendations?

Bluetrane2028

I got a Trek 4300 for my fiancee from Craigslist for $75, it needed a new crankset and rear wheel. The total cost ended up being around $200 including tubes/tires/tuneup. I'd suggest doing something like that over the Motobecane. It can be much cheaper, has gears and has front suspension. I know you said you wanted simple, you could always convert a bike to SS if you really want to. In practice a 1x8 or 1x9 would be plenty "simple" and give you some real gearing options. Keep in mind, though, bikes at this budget ALWAYS have some sort of drawback. In the case of the Motobecane, it's lack of disc brake tabs (correct me if I'm wrong). In the case of my fiancee's 4300, it's the junk rst fork. It does take the edge off but has no adjustability to speak of and quite frankly I'd feel better if it had a rigid steel fork like the Surly 1x1 fork. I could get one of those and still come in under your $300 budget. Obviously you'll have to do your own deal searching, but CL can be your friend for saving a few hundred off of bike store prices and still getting a sweet ride.

Or, you could get the Moto. It's all 29eriffic and therefore trendy. I've heard good things about the Haro Mary, another rigid SS 29er (but it's in a higher price range new). You might be able to get one used for around your budget.

Full suspension at this price point would be useless, prone to failure, and probably purchased at Target.