[Aggie93]

Originally Posted by Eric Coffey

For mostly pavement, with light packed-trail duty:
Scott Sub 30 Bike EN14764

Or for HT MTBs, Here are a few that might be worth a look...

2013 Trek Wahoo 21" 29er
Specialized 2014 Rockhopper 29er
2006 Gary Fisher Mountain Bike 29er- PARAGON
2011 Specialized Sport Disc
TREK BIKE 8.4 DS
Trek Black Mamba - virtually new
Specialized Hardrock Mountain Bike

I'm not a big Trek fan, but you could certainly do worse.

You might want to go test ride a couple to see if you prefer a 29er over the standard (26") set up. I dig the 29ers, but some people think they are a bit harder to manage/turn, especially when things get a bit technical.

Another option would be to find a 27.5" build, or a 26" MTB that has frame clearance for 27.5" (650B) tires, and pick up a set.
That seems to be a best-of-both-worlds solution, and even the big-name manufacturers have jumped on the bandwagon with 27.5" factory offerings now.

Thanks. All those bikes are either large (I need a medium at 5' 8"), or 1.5 hours away.

Only the gold specialized would be a consideration, I have an email into him.

I see the 20w50 being poured. I contacted this guy (trek x caliber 8 ) and he'll take 650. Thanks aigel for helping pour.

Intake, thanks. I first started looking at rigid fork (like a Trek FX), but there is a good chance I'll go on rougher trails. I was not sure how well a rigid fork would work. Thought since I will only have one bike for the near future, looking at a hardtail with front suspension would be more versatile.