to get a reasonably light bike, by most peoples standards (under 24lbs), I think you'd either have to pay a good deal more than a grand, or build it up yourself. I can't think of any off the rack bikes that in that weight class in that price range. Of course, if you consider under say 27lbs light, then there are many options. Giant XTCs are pretty light, but the supergo Access is lighter. Thats where I would start if I were building a light hardtail. Its just like a homegrown, but a little heavier and a lot cheaper.