So I've just recently been getting into biking, and I've been using this shitty 200 dollar bike that hasnt been used in 2 years so it's pretty bad. Anyways that 200 dollar bike just broke, and I'm looking to get a better one for beginner use for under $700. I know most bikes aren't good until they go over 1,000, but I'm sure there has to be something. I'm 5'10" and 135 pounds. I'm not even sure if that does much for bikes but whatever. Rider ability is beginner, but it's not like I can't do anything. I bike on the east coast and there arent real big mountains but they're decent around me. Anyways, I've been looking at some hardtails that I heard are good for beginners, but I wanna hear what other people think.
+k for any help