Mountain Biking - Best bikes for the price...

Just thought it might be nice to make a thread that has bikes recommended for each price range...

<$200
$200-$400
$400-$600
$600-$1,000
$1,000-$2,000
>$2,000

What does everyone think should go with each catagory? What kind of bikes?

I have to say, that although you haven't specified what you would want, I am very impressed and satisfied with a Motobecane I bought in Feb.. I just used it in a 100 mile MTB race and it was a super nice ride. I bought the Motobecane Fly Team, top of line hardtail. Components are awesome, all XTR, and Avid Juicy Carbon, the wheels leave a little to be desired and I got a different saddle, but they are ok just to do a couple races for weight reasons. This bikes arrives without bottle cages, and any additional items you add for just at 20 lbs.. Can't beat that. I got it from www.bikesdirect.com but they also have some stores in a few cities.

Best bang for the buck is always an older model on clearance. '05s at the moment. Applies for every single category except the <$200 one. Those bikes are crap. The less you pay in currency the more you pay in pain.

The problem is, I don't usually see bikes at an lbs that are older than last year's models on clearance. Like at an lbs right now there's probably 06,07 and some 08s

Then you would end up having to buy it on line. An a lot of manufacturers don't sell their products online.

woodstock 505
woodstock 707

woodstock 505
woodstock 707

Why so....?