Mountain Biking - Help finding an xc frame for under $500

I was wondering what you guys suggest for a frame. I have been looking into building a bike for xc style riding. I do long trails but not many jumps. Any jump are less than 6 or 7 inches and most of it is dirt trails that have rocks randomly strewn into them.

I am 6' and 180lbs. and am looking into getting a fully suspended frame.

I am hoping that I could find a good one for less than 500 dollars. I would like one that is disk brake compatible.

What frames in that range would you all suggest I look into?

you could get a new 2005 kona caldera replacement frame.

FS frame for under $500? Anything worth even considering at that price will be used.

If it was me, I would save more money or go for a solid HT frame and build it up nice. I know you can get a Santa Cruz Chameleon brand new for 450 + shipping.

look on the $500 mountain bike thread. despite its title, many of the posts are for under $500, ($450 - $400)

How much would a good fs frame (aluminum is what I was aiming for) cost do you think?

It looked like I might be able to get a Giant NRS Air frame from ebay for under $500 that was brand new.

Are there any frames for under $750 that you would suggest?

There is also a KHS XC206 frame that I could find in a store for $256.

I don't know the value or quality of these components though, any advice would be helpfull.

New I would guess between 750-1500$.
http://www.bikesource.com/yvs450/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=3

Yikes..a bit low.

Could you get a replacement frame for like a Specialized FSR XC or a Raleigh RAM?

Would those be worth it?

How much do you think these would cost?

I wouldn't waste my time on a Raliegh Ram. The Specialized would be light years better The only way to find out aboit cost would be to contact your local dealer. Sometimes the previous years model frames not needed for warranty replacement are made availiable to the shops to order

Thank you.

Do you know of any other good bikes whose replacement frame would be along the level of the Specialized FSR XC?

I don't know if you are interested in going used or not but if so check out the Santa Cruz Superlight frame. I rode one for two years and I loved it. You can find a used one for under $500.