Mines like 15 years old.....so I'm not really up to snuff on the latest. My budget is 700-900...any suggestions on brand and model? Mainly for dirt roads/pavement/light trails. Thanks.

Unless things are different in your area, bikes are damn hard to find right now. Apparently, the 'Rona has everyone back into the outdoors.

I picked up a hardtail 29er to fill the functions you're looking for (very little pavement, just enough to connect Class VI, gravel and traiks).
Trek Procaliber.

Wont find a decent new bike for that price. Find a good used 29 er, hardtail bike like K9 above mentioned

Correct.
I didn't even address price. I got mine last year for just north of $1k. It was a 'leftover'.

George

I bought a Trek Stache (29") 3 years ago and bought my wife a Trek Roscoe (27.5") 2 years ago. Both hardtails with front suspension and are perfect for us which we use the same as you describe for your use. I'd try and up your price range a bit if you can, or shop used. I felt the $1200 I paid for the Roscoe was a starting point to get decent components.

Yep! I just purchased a new Trek Mountain bike. The bike shop is six months behind on orders. They sell every bike they get as soon as they get it built. Prices start at $1000 and go up to $4000. One of the workers has his used bike for sale for $2500! He’ll probably get it. He said new it’s be $3500.

Trek Marlin 6

wife bought one earlier this year....$700 OTD

I'm still ridin my Trek 8000 I bought nearly 30 yrs ago.....

Tikka on the left....what a stud 30 yrs ago when mtn biking wasn't big in Utah................

Trek Marlin 6

yes 29" tires/wheels

I have a Jamis with 29 inch wheels, I absolutely love it.

Now that you say that, I remember reading about that. GD. Keep my eye on Craigslist I guess. Thanks

Check out the Marin Bobcat Trail 5. Good bike in your budget.

I'd look for a used Specialized M4.

I was in the same situation and not willing to pay the prices the local bike shops are charging while I wait for an unknown duration.
I ordered from Bikes Direct and got a Raleigh Talus 4 delivered in about a week. 29" hardtail, disc brakes
The fit is perfect and the features will take care of my needs for a long while to come.

Yeah, 1200.00 ain't much more, thanks for the info.

If you get the disk brakes hydraulic rather than cable is my recommendation. They are a great feature and worth the extra money if you go off road.

I have bounced around on Giants...

Had a full suspension Kona stinky, giant AC1, currently rolling a hard tail Giant talon.

Depends on your needs.

Do you take the occasional 5’-10’ hits? Like catching air?

When you say light trails, that’s subjective.

How about this one.
https://botach.com/fuji-2013-police-patrol-mountain-bicycles-26-inch-wheels-black/

I'm not a bike person, but this peaked my interest.
charlee

I bought a salsa Timberjack 27.5 last year and have been pretty happy with it.

Shops are almost out of inventory all across the country. If you are willing to mail order and do final assembly, you can get a pretty good bike at that pricepoint, although online inventories have dwindled as well.

If you live near a college town they tend to pop up in pawn shops regularly.