Mountain Biking - Best F/S Bike for buck.

What is the best cross-country, full suspension bike for the price? I'm looking into buying a Rockhopper FSR for $800, but my father wants me to find a bike that is worth every penny, if possible. The price range is prob up to $1500 or more. But what I need is the bike that is worth the price. Suggestions on new bikes would be nice.
Thanks for your help.
Josh

1500 is the golden price range. At that I say you get an NRS 2, an unbeatable deal, and definatly worth every penny and more. The NRS is great for a hardtail convert.

Kona bear I think sits in that range. Components are decent but the bike is awesome. Short cockpit nice suspension and very little bob when pedaling. This is an awesome all round bike. It is 2200 cdn. So around 1500 I think.

With a $1500 budget you should look at the Jamis Dakar Comp:

http://www.jamisbikes.com/bikes/dakarcomp02.html

...And the Giant NRS 2:

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.000.asp?lYear=2002&bikesection=8793&range=47&model=10460

Thanks.

Well, I didn't like the Jamis Dakar. The LBS I'm going to has specialized, giant, c'dale, famis, and santa cruz, etc. Also looking for something pretty light, and that will last me for many years. The one's there are the FSR's, and the NRS's. So if you think that I should get the NRS over the FSR, in the $1500 range, then I'll prob getting it. (I know that that's MSRP and they will lower there price by maybe $200-300 off the bikes.
What is the weight of the NRS? If you know.
Anyways Thanks for your help!
Josh

I'm reading reviews on mtbr on the nrs. seems like the riders who were on hard-tails before loved the nrs. I'm not coming from a hardtail, but from a full suspension cheap mongoose. Does the nrs soak up the small bumps and the big ones? Will it be good for bunny hopping, etc? Just curious
Josh

If you like an active suspension, the Specialized FSR is the ticket. If you want a bike that is not as active, get the NRS. There are two FSRs to look at: the FSR Disc (no rear lock-out), and the FSR Comp (lock-out). The NRS has both disc and "lock-out", meaning, that the rear shock on the bike uses the rider's weight to lock-out the rear shock. I think the best bike for the buck is the NRS.

I think it weighs about 26 - 28 lbs.

Good luck with your choice!

The problem with the NRS is that it is non-reactive to any small bumps. And going up hills it does some see-sawing. Because it tops out every pedal stroke, but when you pedal slower it over compensates for that.

Anyway I have a FSR Comp and well, the Fox Fork is the best damt thing. Coming from a cheap moongoose f/s to one of these is like gonig from a yugo to like a WRX.