For $500 you really don’t get a very good mountain bike. If you could at least double that amount, you will end up with a better bike. Here are three bikes I like for about $1000.
2020 Rocky Mountain Growler 20 29er $1000
2020 Salsa Rangefinder Deore 29er $1100
2020 Marin Pine Mountain 1 29er $1350
If you could dig just a little deeper, you’ll be happier with the bike you buy.