Mountain Biking - Beefy Hardtail or Full-Suspension?

I'm looking to upgrade my hardtail frame, mainly because the one I have right now doesn't have a rear disc brake mount, and also because I'm looking for something tough and durable.

Either that or I was thinking on getting a full-suspension frame, possibly a Specialized Enduro or a Trek Fuel; I do heavy trail riding as well as the occassional urban assault, if you will... any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

oh i have a suggestion for you friend! i have doozee of a suggestion... being a hardtail rider myself, i am more partial to the traditional rig, but i think if you're really looking to upgrade i would suggest the santa cruz chameleon. it sounds like exact thing you are looking for. i've been hanging out on ebay for the past two months keeping track of all of them. none have been in my price range so far. also, a lower end do it all hardtail is the specialized hardrock. quallity frame on the heavy side, but a very versitle bike. i put an xt drive train on mine, a 9sp cassette, new fork, new wheel set, and new stem to make it more xc and trail worthy. it sure is ugly, but it gets the job. riding a cheap bike makes every ellsworth you pass that much sweeter. good luck with the search and happy trails!

My Friends Chameleon rides really, really nice. It would be a nice investment.

+1 to the chameleon if you're gonna go the hardtail route, they are divine. but whether you go hardtail or go to a full susser is really gonna be dependent on your personal preference. I've been going through the same debate as yours for the last 6 months and had been leaning towards a hardtail. every susser that i rode (in the lbs parking lot and side streets) felt....limp i guess you could say. but on a group ride this week a friend and i swapped rides and i took out his trek fuel. now i'm pretty set on having that rear wheel travel. so my advice to you philaaay, would be to try and find someone to let you take their full suspension out on the trails and see what you think...

Here is a newbie question. Wouldn't a full suspension bike with lock-outs be nearly the best of both worlds? With a simple flip of the switch, you can stiffen the bike to approach a hardtail but yet have the suspension available if needed. The only penalty I suppose would a little extra weight.

Here is a newbie question. Wouldn't a full suspension bike with lock-outs be nearly the best of both worlds?
The lockout is meant for climbing or just heavy pedaling. I think most lockouts would blow out under "urban assault". I'd recommend a chameleon or something like that as well.

I have a full suspension bike with a thumb-activated lock-out switch. Problem is, if you take too gnarly of hits with it locked out, it may blow an oil gasket, leaving you with a big mess.

It is a cool thing if you lock it out while climbing, but leave it engaged everywhere else.