have some questions

[SalsaMTB]

I wouldn't recommend going in to a new bike purchased focused on one brand. You should test ride a bunch of bikes to find the right fit. Talk with the people at the shop, tell them what type of riding you will be doing and test ride, test ride, test ride. If your budget is $600, I would recommnd looking at a hardtail (front suspension only). You'll get a pretty decent bike for that price, if you go full suspension, you'll sacrifice quite a bit in components.

Brand to brand, you'll get basically the same thing. It's all about fit. Each brand may have slightly different geometry. So many people purchase their first mountain bike without knowing anything about fit and get one that is not sized properly. Some shops will switch out stems and handlesbars to work with you for proper fit. Just shop around.

[scubagirl]

Thanks for the advice. We well hit the bike stores before our vacation in Sept.