Mountain Biking - help with choosing frame and building bike

Now that I finally purchased a new bike (thanks again for everyone who gave advice) I am already thinking about a new project. I am considering buying a frame and building a second bike mainly to use for light duty and the fun of learning about bike mechanics. I read many of the other threads about building up a bike from a bare frame and it seems both challenging and interesting. I am not looking to save money (vs. buying a complete bike) and I consider it a long term project.

Anyway, I want to start with a nice frame (hardtail) that is a reasonable cost. I am thinking about the Giant XTC. Seems light and within my price range. Does anyone know the retail on the frame only? I see a lot of slightly used XTC frames from this year and last in the $200-300 range. Any difference btw the 2002 and 2003 frames other than colors? Any other frame suggestions? Seems like many companies don't sell frame only and if they do, it is for the really high end bikes. I am hoping to stay well under $250 for the frame and get the rest of the components on closeout/sale as well as from the used market.

Also, any advice on building up a bike are greatly appreciated. I am a novice to bike mechanics but willing to learn. Thanks.

Speedgoat.com has the XTC frame (SE1) for 375.

Another (much better, IMHO) option is the Kona Kula frame. It's actually 25 bucks less than the XTC and the ride quality is night and day.

I've owned both and would go with the Kula over an XTC anyday.

http://www.speedgoat.com/prod/store/categorie.asp?cid=7&m=Kona

look for an used frame in classifieds. i got my schwinn moab on MTBR for $150 brand new. craigslist.com also has a classifieds for bike related things.

tons of cheap "new" frames

Get some Park or Pedro's or other quality tools. When you buy a part mail-order, buy some tools as well. You'll need a cassette tool, a bottom brackett tool, a couple of chain whips, a chain tool, some cone wrenches, a spoke wrench, and most importantly, A TORQUE WRENCH!

L8R

what about something like this:

http://www.parktool.com/tools/BK_2.shtml

btw thanks schnell for the link and info on the Kona Kula. Looks like a nice frame. Price looks good but I was hoping to stay under 3 bills. I will look around for sales and the slightly used market. thanks.

Park makes very high quality stuff, but since you're not a mechanic and won't use them often, I would go with something cheaper.

I have one of these, and it suits me fine: http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product.asp?number=40510

Not the quality you will get from Park or Pedros, but much cheaper.