Getting back into mountain biking

Bill D58 said:

Getting back into Mountain Biking after about 20 years and 70lbs overweight with neck and back surgeries. Looking for advice on a good Bike around 700 dollars. Looking at hardtails Last bike was a Specialized Rockhopper.

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Too much to consider like what trails you ride and the type of riding you like (XC, jumps, flow, tech, etc) ... But as a generic answer I always recommend the Marin San Quinton. Round up your budget to $1,000 and you get A LOT of bang for your buck and that price point. Of course there's other considerations like availability, and if you'd buy online or prefer a LBS ... I'd be a bit more descriptive with your question so people can recommend something more specific. Location always helps too. Good luck!

The Vitus Nucleus VR 29 is $699. Link.
It has an air fork, 30mm inner rim width wheels for wider tires and good geo. 8sp drivetrain is a negative.
VRS for $200 more gets 10sp.
You'll want an air fork to adjust for your weight.

I don't know what the market's like now, but check out non-profit bike shops. I bought a good old school bike and so did my buddy from Changing Gears and The Bikery/Cycles of Change in Alameda and Oakland CA. Look up local non-profits and they might have some good deals and you could get a tax break too

Oh and think about mixing up your routine. Walk/jog, hike, and bike. Do relaxing rides (& walks) and harder ones.
People push too hard, expect instant results, and don't give their bodies time to build. Even when you're in moderate shape sometimes your body may need several days to recover every now and then. Don't get too slack and think you'll be an Olympic athlete in 3 months. More patience than you've ever expected is needed.Good luck

I like the Rockhopper Comp 1x at that price. I got one after 25 years of not riding and loved it. Sold it for more than I bought it for 2 years later and bought a Chisel. Rockhopper was great. I got a dropper post that I moved to the new bike, and flat pedals. I also upgraded to a 1x11 drivetrain from the 1x9. Other than that I rode it and learned. Yes the fork was basically a boat anchor, but I didnt know what I didnt know.