Shopping for a new MTB & need some help

For my birthday, my gf has decided to get me a new mountain bike. Problem is its been roughly 18 years since i bought a bike. I'm a little out of the loop needless to say. She's given me a budget of about $650 to work with. I'm not opposed to tossing in a few more bucks but would kind of like to stay in that ball park.

The bike that is currently in the lead is a Trek Marlin 29ER. What's caught my eye is I'm kinda digging the 29's, the local Trek dealer is 3 blocks from my house and its priced under $600 at that dealer. When I'm w/ the gf I'll probably be doing a lot of smooth flat trails so the suspension lockout on the fork will probably be nice.

Thoughts? Anything better at that price point.

Thanks!

I bought a new dual suspension bike last year, but everyone that I have talked to who has ridden a 29er has loved them.

I've had a rotating cast of 29ers the last few years and they've all been great for cross-country or trail rides. As long as you aren't doing 3 foot drops, the larger wheels are great for rolling over terrain. At your current price point most brands will have roughly the same components so just find something that feels good fit wise.

I'd say just go for it. That bike is probably as good as any other $600 MTB unless you find a closeout from last year somewhere. Early winter is really the best time to buy as they slash prices way down, but if you wait that's another year you miss out on.

I bought a 29er last year, and it's great for cross country rides and it makes rolling over obstacles very simple. It's not as agile or nimble as a 26er, but it's fun nonetheless.

I did wind up getting the Trek Marlin. At that price point, I just don't think there is really going to be anything much better.

My gf also picked up a Trek Utopia. That bike is priced a bit more, but it really seems like it will be well suited for her. What I've read says it is a really good dual purpose bike.

Thanks