That's exactly what I'm doing Phantomcow2! I started doing some xc about a month ago using a beat up Raleigh M80 I bought really cheap. You know, just to see if I would like mtn bike. I really like it. Now, a lbs here is trying ti get rid of their last Jamis Eureka. I know its a more freeride/urban bike but I thought I could still do some xc on it too... and some trials stuff. Plus its a really good deal being a closeout bike. Its just a discontinued model though.