Mountain Biking - good bike for $1300 max

hi all,
I have been saving for a wial now and have grown out of my old hard tail. So, now i have a max spending limit of $1300 for a new bike. I like to ride some techical trails with a few rock gardens and roots. i also do some XC and single track. My question is what is a good bike for this kind of terrian? I've cheched into lots of brands like kona which seems good. I hear good things about thier bikes and warranties. My lbs is also puting new (2004) klein palomino v disc on sale for $1299.99 and it seems like a good bike and good components. sounds like a steal to me since it hasn't been used and is like $1000 off retail price. so, i would like to hear what you all beleive is a good bike for me. i dont care if it is fs or if it is hard tail. i want to know what to stay away from and what is good brand. also, im 15 and almost 6foot and wieght 135lb. so i what a bike that can keep challenging me and pushing me to my limits. and right now i would not likee to hear go test ride and bike and get one that feels good. i live an hour away from the nearest store. my parents dont what to drive me that far and then have to drive back with nothoing to show for it.
thank you,
mach_5

http://www2.trekbikes.com/Bikes/Mountain/Full_Suspension/Fuel/Fuel_70/index.php

I've cheched into lots of brands like kona which seems good. I hear good things about thier bikes and warranties.

Ya, I'm sure anyone here would agree, Kona bikes are superb.

As for the type of bike, I would look for a fs trail bike. Maybe 5-6 in. travel in the back.

-Matt

That's a pretty nice price range. I have a preference, right now anyway, towards hardtails. I like their lack of forgiveness and use it to become more skilled. That being said, a pretty decent full suspension can be bought in that price range. I would still go with a hardtail...

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=9709
http://www.jamisbikes.com/bikes/05_dakotaal.html#
or if you could find a deal
http://www.jamisbikes.com/bikes/05_dakotaxc.html

I don't know much about kona or klein, sorry.

thanks for all the imput so far! I have really considering either the stumpjumper or either of those jamis. i like that dragon.

You have a plethora of bikes from which to choose. Take some time, look at a lot of manufacturer's bikes and then make a decision. I'm partial to Specialized but there are a lot of other brands that make great rides for great prices. A couple of other manufacturers to think about that can get you a lot of bang for you buck are:

Giant
Iron Horse
Titus

There are others but I can't think of them right now. Also, check out www.mtbr.com to see who's making bikes in your price range and see what they think of them.

Also check out KHS bikes. They have some really nice bikes in your price range. For some reason most people overlook them which is kind of a good thing, keeps the prices reasonable.

i think that titus is a bit out of my price range. i don't plan on getting my heart set on any one bike. i've planned to go and check out a few bike stores this weekend and check out some bikes.