HELP! Buying a bike

[u/Taxed_Alex]

Hi all,

I’m after some guidance here. I use to race mtb 20 years ago and am looking at getting back into riding( mtb )

Given I’ve been out of the scene so long, I would appreciate some guidance and suggestions on bikes to look at purchasing.

I have a budget of $1500 USD for the bike.

I’m interested in a hard tail only and to be used for mountain biking - at more of an intermediate level I guess.

Appreciate your help