Help with new XC bike decision

[DaveWh]

Here’s a few other posts on similar topics.

Steve’s list of bikes in the 2nd post is a great list of multipurpose trail bikes like the Ripley.

Shopping for a "do it all" MTB - recommendations?

Hoping the MTB crew here can help me wrap my head around the best type of MTB bike for my situation. For background, I’m 49 y.o. male that grew up racing BMX, then ran for 20 years (not continuously, I took breaks for work, meals, etc.), and got back into riding about 5 years ago. After test riding a bunch of 29er race bikes about 5 years ago they all felt like school buses to me (I’m 5’8" and 150 lbs) and I couldn’t hardly manual over a curb let alone bunny hop over the Sunday paper. So I ha…

Best type of mountain bike to "learn" on?

In no particular order Ibis Ripley Stumpjumper ST Giant Trance (19’ model) Santa Cruz Tallboy or Hightower Evil Following MB Guerilla Gravity Trail Pistol Canyon Neuron Yeti SB130 Kona Process 134 (29er, newest model that just came out) Trek Fuel EX (or new Top Fuel) Cannondale Habit Pivot Switchblade