[rattlsnak]

I saw the ultimate bike thread but way to many pages to go through and decipher as it has all different kinds of bikes in it.

I'm looking to buy a nice mountain bike in the $300-600 range. (used is fine)

I've been out of this game for a decade or more. Can someone explain how they measure these now? Or what I should look for? I've heard every number from 17's to 29's to fat bike etc.

And what about suspension? It seems I used to see a lot of bikes that had a rear shock but not so much anymore?

I will not be doing any racing or 'serious' hard core riding. Just riding in the woods and marked off road trails around here locally. There are hills and rocks and ruts/roots on a lot of the trails however.

Any brands to stay away from? or to try to obtain?