Mine was stolen on Nantucket Island this weekend, after having lent it to my dad who locked it up with a spaghetti thin lock that was easily broken. It was an entry level Trek 820 from 2002 that cost about $230, just a basic steel hardtail from a reliable company. I’ll probably go back to the same shop and buy another one (if they still sell them), but in the meantime I thought I’d check around and see what else I can get for under $500. Thanks in advance…
I got a Gary Fisher Wahoo that I’m very happy with. If you are just gonna do some recreational trail riding it should work fine.
I have a Specialized Hardrock sport that cost me $480 (Canadian $) that does a good job for recreational mountain biking and riding around with my children.
I’d say try and get something with an LX rear derailuer, 9 speed, used or maybe you can find one new.
Maybe other people will give their view, but I think LX is the minimum for a mountain bike that will see dirt.
You can get a new 820 for 230 bucks. But, if you want to ride off road, the Wahoo(among others) is a winner.