First off - by local trails are we actually talking lysterfield/you yangs or a few dirt fire trails?
How often will you actually get to ride proper trails?
How strong is your core?
A hard tail will be a better bike in that price range, also if you're just getting into it a hardtail won't have you developing bad habits straight away (a dually lets you get away with a lot more and you can be abit sloppier with your riding).
Giant make a good bike as do many other names - most come out of around the same three Chinese/Taiwanese factories anyway. Ride a bunch to see what suits you - a slight change in frame geometry can make the difference between a sore back and a confident rider.
Try 26 and 29 - 29 rolls over more but harder through tight corners and getting started up hills. 26er tends to be a bit more twitchy.
Join a club if you're going to ride trails a bit even if only to meet some like minded souls - Mtba also have a three month trial insurance going.
Search the MTB forums for the makes/models you narrow it down to to find out what good pricing is as well as positives and negatives of that make/model. Buy from a local shop though - if it's your first MTB you'll need their advice and most riders are happy to talk trails if you're willing to take the time to listen.
If you enjoy it consider asking for a skills course for birthday/Xmas - mtbskils are good but there are also others out there.
Good luck and keep it rubber side down
How often will you actually get to ride proper trails?
How strong is your core?
A hard tail will be a better bike in that price range, also if you're just getting into it a hardtail won't have you developing bad habits straight away (a dually lets you get away with a lot more and you can be abit sloppier with your riding).
Giant make a good bike as do many other names - most come out of around the same three Chinese/Taiwanese factories anyway. Ride a bunch to see what suits you - a slight change in frame geometry can make the difference between a sore back and a confident rider.
Try 26 and 29 - 29 rolls over more but harder through tight corners and getting started up hills. 26er tends to be a bit more twitchy.
Join a club if you're going to ride trails a bit even if only to meet some like minded souls - Mtba also have a three month trial insurance going.
Search the MTB forums for the makes/models you narrow it down to to find out what good pricing is as well as positives and negatives of that make/model. Buy from a local shop though - if it's your first MTB you'll need their advice and most riders are happy to talk trails if you're willing to take the time to listen.
If you enjoy it consider asking for a skills course for birthday/Xmas - mtbskils are good but there are also others out there.
Good luck and keep it rubber side down