I’d definitely lean toward the epic evo over the stump jumper if racing is a possibility in the future. Actually, I’d lean toward the epic evo even if not racing if the expected terrain isn’t too technical. I’d personally avoid any Specialized with the brain. Just not a fan of the system and it adds some maintenance complexity/cost. The prior gen Epic evo is a pretty sought after bike, probably not the least expensive used option, but I’d bet you could get one for around that budget if patient.
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An upvote for the Trek Fuel EX. My wife has one and it really is a do anything bike. We are in the Alps at the moment and it has been used from scenic dirt tracks to black downhill runs.
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These are good suggestions IMO. 
The Orbea is newer and would benefit from e. g. upgraded brakes. But you can do that over time.
It isn’t just about physical damage. Suspensions have a lot of seals and contain oils. Seals can get dry with time and crack. Bearings around pivot points need lubrication and TLC every once in a while. This kind of thing.
As a general rule, 1 offroad km is much more taxing on your equipment than 1 km on road. Debris, dust, water ingress, etc. all lead to faster wear on your components.
+1 for an Epic Evo. If you can get a used Gen 7 for a good price I’d jump on that. If you’re new to MTB I’d get a “downcountry” bike with a burlier tire up front and a fast rolling in the back so you don’t feel like you’re dragging yourself around and killing all the fun of MTB’ing. Good suggestions already in the thread. Good luck with your decision.
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That Orbea is really close to me, i think I am going to go take a look at it on Saturday.
I see nobody has said anything about frame material. Not really a consideration?
Press fit bottom bracket on that Orbea. For me that is going to me a shop has to swap the BB, no longer have access to a press living on the road. Is this a frequent enough thing in high wear and tear to be a concern?
If you can, get to a shop and try a M and ML.
It’s a better value than the Epic 8 EVO Comp in my opinion, and the gen 7 might not be enough bike if it’s going to be your only MTB.
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If you’re traveling the US, I’d get something in the down country// Trail category, full suspension, with mid-level suspension or better (Fox 34 or Rockshox Reba/Pike). 120mm+
The reason I say this is that public trails get worn down and the obstacles are like hitting a series a shoeboxes even on tame terrain. You also want space between your gravel bike and the MTB.
I’d look for a deal over used. Used bikes aren’t actually that cheap.
No, aluminum is a great material. I’d take a nicely specced aluminum bike over a carbon bike with lower-end components. You can get quality aluminum rims that are quite light, too.
What matters most is geometry, suspension and brakes, provided your other components are decent (Deore and above).
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This is at least double the price of the Orbea and Epic nicholkid8 listed above. For someone starting this journey is this double the growing room? Do you feel I will regret going down market a bit in 6 months?
The Trek is much more “bike.”
A 2019 Epic isn’t going to handle a good chunk of the MTB trails you might encounter very well. The geometry is pretty dated. It’s still a good bike and would work well for my needs, but if you’re looking to do some traveling and ride a diverse number of trails, I’d find something with more capabilities.
The Oiz is a bit better and could be a decent option, but still not quite what I’d personally recommend. $1,800 for a used alloy bike isn’t a crazy deal in my opinion. Buying a used MTB is kind of like buying a used truck. You have no idea what it may have been through.
You can get a new Top Fuel 5 for $2,100 right now. The geometry is going to be a lot more versatile.
If you really want to find something used, I’d look for trail-specific bikes rather than Cross Country as trail bikes from a few years ago are closer to modern XC bikes now.
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Here’s what I’d go for. The suspension is going to be a lot better than what you’d get for this price new. 
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Just some options cause op wanted used. Though that oiz has only been ridden 4 times so its not a bad deal. Naturally I’d offer less than asking too.
But really it is the best time in recent history to buy a new mountain bike and there are pretty good deals. Giant trance is also $2200 and there is the Norco fluid around that price too.
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For MTBs I tend to recommend that buyers stay away from the really budget suspension and wheels. It’s only a matter of time until they fail. I’ve seen it too many times – oil leaking onto stanchions, exploded freehubs, etc. on brand-new bikes.
It is a great time to buy new, but I’d recommend buying middle-of-the-road rather than cheap. If your budget is in that 2k range, maybe used could get you a better bike with fewer headaches, it might just take a little more looking.
For Trek that’s a Top Fuel 8 or above, for Specialized the Chisel Comp or Stumpjumper Comp would be the equivalent.
The Trek and the Chisel both have decent suspension and hubs. The Stumpy’s hubs are generic, but…
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To add to this, aluminum or steel is much more forgiving in a crash. You’d be more likely to get a dent in a metal frame and still be able to finish out the ride. If you’re getting back into MTB then the small additional weight in the frame is not going to hold you back. Like others said, pick the geometry, suspension, and other components first. Unless you think you are going to get heavily into XC racing, then imho aluminum would be a better choice.
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+1 for a Ripley. I got one earlier this spring and while it’s not the flashiest or most cutting edge choice, it’s the ultimate do-everything machine for where I live and no doubt the funnest bike I’ve ever owned, and it’s particularly appealing at the discounted price. As an all-rounder on relatively rugged and hilly terrain, I struggle to find a serious flaw.
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I like the Epic Evo gen 7(2020-2023?) suggestion. There are many of these on the used market these days since the Epic 8 has been released. Hard to go wrong with this bike.
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I wouldn’t worry about that.
I wouldn’t worry about it either. And if you do worry, you can buy a cheap one at Amazon for $20. And yes they work for occasional use.
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BBs on MTBs need attention more than on any other type of bike. 
I’ve moved to threaded only on all of my bikes. It’s easy enough to find a bike that’s threaded.
On the frame material: Carbon saves about 1000grams here. On a MTB, you can make up for this really quickly on a lower end bike. The base Rockshox “Silver” (steel) fork is about 800gr heavier than a mid level fork. (RS Gold / Fox Rhythm are about 200gr heavy); base groupset to mid groupset you’re saving 200gr+. Also, there’s no ride stiffness consideration, you’re going to beat up the bike, etc. For a trail bike and rowdier, you’re dealing with a heavier bike anyway.
Again, spend your money on fresh forks, fresh shocks, Shimano HG+ (which is WAY better than SRAM mech here), etc. Again keep in mind a take off fork /shock is $200 on Pinkbike and yearly service for those is about $100/ea.
One strategy that works that I’ve found:
Look on BicycleBlueBook.com , they’re trying to build their business. They’ve got a bunch of random bikes in their warehouse. You can submit an offer. If its one of their warehouse bikes, they’ll generally accept whatever offer. Try 50% off.
2022 Specialized Stumpjumper Comp Allo<!-- --> - BicycleBlueBook.com (note on Stumpjumpers - there are two types of rear triangle a more XC type pivot-less FSR rear triangle and a more trail rear triangle with a pivot)
2022 Scott Spark 950<!-- --> - BicycleBlueBook.com
With MTB, demos / park bikes are a thing. Looks for used demo bikes.
Sale bikes
- look for a 2023/2024 Epic Evo Deore / NX Specialized Epic Evo – Incycle Bicycles
- Canyon Outlet - Lux Trail CF 6 | CANYON US Neuron 6 | CANYON US
- Random stuff
Scott Bike Spark 950 – Rock N' Road
2023 Orbea OIZ H30 | Contender Bicycles
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