I've been a fairly avid road cyclist for about 5 years now. I've got a Raleigh Sport (older model) and a nice Specialized Allez. They recently put in some nice single track trails very close to my house and I'm thinking about picking up a mountain bike to get into the sport. I've been looking at the Specialized Hardrock Disc SE 29 and the Trek Marlin 5. They're both in the $500 range (which is where my wife wants me to stay) and I'm hoping to pick up a close out model within the next few months. I'm not looking to invest like I have in my road stuff. My LBS that sponsors my road cycling club is a Specialized/Raleigh/Felt dealer, and there is a Trek Store nearby. The last mountain bike I owned probably came from Walmart about 15 years ago. Just looking for opinions and suggestions on a good starter bike. I'm not too familiar with components and stuff on mountain bikes.

A 29er?

I have a Marin Muirwoods 29er. On eBay and Amazon its under $500.

Double butted cromoly steel, light and fast.

The Trek X-Caliber 4 is a good entry bike. It comes in 29er if that's a deal maker for you, and it's 500 clams. The Trek 3700 is also 500 and I got to beat one up for a week. It's heavy but a very well-built bike. It's like riding a tank.

At that price point it really doesn't matter what the stickers on the frame say. All the componts will be basically the same so just get the one that has the coolest paint job. Or find a higherend bike used.

I was thinking 29er since I'm 6'3" and I think I would like the fact that it's easier to keep going once it's up to speed. Here in FL it's pretty flat and probably not very technical compared to most other places. I did some research on the whole 26 vs 29 and it seems the jury is still out. I'm sure it's been beat to death somewhere in this forum. I have been noticing that most of the entry level bikes are about the same component wise with just small variations here and there. I guess I'll just go and ride a few and see what kinds of deals are out there.

29er is better in my opinion. Ididnt really enjoy riding mountainbikes. I stuck to my vintage raleights and american bikes. but when I got this marin muriwoods and upgraded it. I rode it around and now its one of my fav bikes. I ride it all the time. not sure if they ever fixed it so theres more clearence for back wheel though. mines one of those not enough clearence ones. lol however that aside. its a great bike. if you can score one cheap. use the unspent money to upgrade it