Mountain Biking - Looking for advice on a new bike

Long time lurker, first time poster looking for some advice. Currently riding an 04 Giant NRS which has served me well the last few years but am looking for something lighter. Here's a few stats and what I am looking for.

Price range: under $3000

My stats: age 28, 5'9 175lbs

Type of riding: No jumps, drops, or extreme downhill. I like to do some longer rides(hence the interest in something light). I typically ride intermediate/techincal type trails, but don't do any drops, jumps or extreme downhill. Half of my riding is typical cardio(asphalt) but I am more interested in off road performance.

What type of bike I am looking for: Ideally something weighing in the low 20's. I'm still undecided between hardtail and full suspension. For under 3K what are my options? What bikes would be good for the type of riding I do.

Sorry for all the noob questions but any advice would be greatly appreciated.

For mostly asphalt and XC riding, plus low weight, I would stick with a Hardtail. A FS might weight too much for what your looking for.
Frame weight and what wheelset will influence the weight the most.
For 3K, I personally would built up a custom bike. Get a decent frame, get a sweet set of Mavic rims/ good hub set, and trick out the rest.
I personally can't recommend one frame in particular. Drop in a few LBS's and pick their brains.
I built up a HT for $1500 and love it, though it isn't a lightweight rig. I use it for all my trail riding and a XC race once in a while.
Good Luck!

I've decided to stick with a hardtail and have spent the last few days narrowing down my choices. These three are at the top of my list and any opinions/input would be greatly appreciated. All three of these can be had at the LBS.

Stumpjumper comp
Marin Indian Fire trail
Trek 8500

Also, what are the thoughts on the carbon bikes.........mainly the Trek 9.7 and Giant Elite

I've decided to stick with a hardtail and have spent the last few days narrowing down my choices. These three are at the top of my list and any opinions/input would be greatly appreciated. All three of these can be had at the LBS.

Stumpjumper comp
Marin Indian Fire trail
Trek 8500

Also, what are the thoughts on the carbon bikes.........mainly the Trek 9.7 and Giant Elite

I know you said that you were sticking with a HT...with that said and your budget, I would seriously look at a Titus Moto-lite or Racer X

PCad gives his personal recommendation for the Motobecane Ti Fly.

stumpjumpers are pretty damn cool

Titus Moto-lite or Racer X

I would definitely stay away from a Moto-lite if there is any asphalt involved. A Racer X might work, but I'm not sure you'd be able to put one together for $3000.

Of the bikes you mentioned, I'd go with the Stumpy, assuming it fits.

PCad gives his personal recommendation for the Motobecane Ti Fly.
Now that is damn funny...:lol:


I would suggest the Giant Trance X0, X1 or X2...more bang for the buck.
Specialized is over rated.

The motobecane ti-fly looks nice, especially at that price and will give it some thought.

I'm going to drop by the LBS and test ride a stumpjumper comp and trek 8000. While the 8000 is one notch below the 8500 it should give me some idea of the trek 8500.

Another LBS has a good instock selection of Cannondale's and aside from the stumpjumper this may be my only option for an 08 model.

Aside from having a bike made in the USA, what's the good and bad on the Caffeine F1 hardtail?

My money's on the stumpy.