Riding style will help determine what brand would be better too. Have you considered a used "higher end" bike for that price. You could get a much nicer bike if you dont mind a few scratches here and there.Just wanted to hear you guyses opinion on the best lets say "entry" level mountain bike in the 700$ range. Interested in seeing what you all come up with.
If you really wanna a new one though I would condsider Gary Fisher and Trek, just my 2 cents though