The CAAD10 of the mountain bike world is an aluminum hardtail.

I'd put the minimum specs for a race-ready bike at: Shimano SLX (or SRAM X7), front air shock, thru-axles, hydraulic disc brakes, and an aluminum hardtail frame (Like a Niner Air 9).

I'd certainly consider a hardtail, and no doubt it would be cheaper. My partner has one, though, and we can mix and match, so for now I'm hoping for a full squish.

The only problem with lower-end full suspension bikes is they tend to be very heavy. Really, unless you start looking at a carbon full suspension frame, you will likely be in the low 30 pound range.

Which is why the CAAD10 of the mountain bike world is probably an aluminum hardtail. Even with components like Shimano SLX, can be built up to a race-ready weight of 25 to 26 lbs, all for under $2000.

Then consider Specialized Epic Comp. Aluminum full suspension. I love mine, especially with the Roval Control SL wheelset I upgraded to. Just like a Caad10 w zipps!

I went with Airborne, was a good kit at the price.

Now it sits in my garage doing nothing, as I have found my love for biking does not extend off pavement ;)

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what size bike you want? i have a cannondale f4 that I bought 2 years ago and only rode 4 times. Literally (for the lavender peeps). Seriously. I only rode it 4 times. It is in my shed. Size L with the gray and white combo.

ANy chance you live near DC area?

Thanks, but I'd need a medium way out in Iowa. Nice bike, though!

I have seen a couple of those. Aluminum SC Superlights and Cannondale Scalpels, too...

get this:
http://www.bicyclesonline.com.au/polygon-siskiu-d7-0-cross-country-mountain-bike-4-7-travel-shimano-deore-xt/


a bloody steal for the price. reviewed here: http://www.bikeradar.com/...n-siskiu-d7-0-49258/


DO some homework on polygon. they are an actual bike maker (older scott speedsters were made by them) and have some solid design and manufacturing capabilities. used to work for their distributor, impresed with how far they've come. they are making some waves in the mtb scene and they have their own road racing team as well, so they aren't some supermarket chain bike.

me, I'm saving for this:http://www.pinkbike.com/...-n9-review-2014.html

Recommending a MTB is a lot trickier than a road or tri bike. Whether you go hardtail or full suspension depends greatly on the trails you're going to be riding. I'd commit to one or the other before trying to recommend anything.

I'd say that a Giant Anthem might fit that bill pretty well, maybe a Spesh Epic. My hunch is you'd be able to get the Giant a bit cheaper but I have nothing solid to back that up