Mountain Biking - FS Mtb recommendation

Thinking about getting a decent FS for trail riding and a few races (not downhill).

Would like to keep price under $2500 and if there's something out there for $1500, that would be great. Obviously going to test ride, etc. but hopefully at least get a more focused search. I'm thinking better components with Alu frame vs carbon frame with lesser components if that helps.

Merci.

Love my Cannondale Rush. Seems to be a popular bike around here, lots of folks apparently race it although I have no interest in the sport. I think the price starts around $1200 or so for the bike.

Is the Scalpel more cross country oriented (i.e., a bit lighter?)

Since you're on the East Coast, I'd look to an East Coast company. Check out the Iron Horse MKIII - - it has the DW Link suspension and comes in a variety of builds that can run anywhere from 1,300 to 2200 if you buy a year-old model from Randall Scott.

Is the Scalpel more cross country oriented (i.e., a bit lighter?)

Haven't riden a scalpel, it wasn't on the market when I bought my Rush. I've seen one in the woods and watching its pivotless rear suspension articulate over bumps is trippy. Can't say whether it's lighter or not. Probably depends on what "level" of bike you buy.

One thing to consider with a full suspension bike is that most of the weight is "sprung" weight, meaning (and this is a gross oversimplification) that the weight inboard of the suspension doesn't go up and down when you go over bumps. This makes FS bikes "feel" quite a bit lighter, particularly on rough trails. My Rush is on the heavy side (not a big deal considering the price) and it feels just as light as my buddy's flyweight hardtail. On rough downhills with neither of us pedaling I'll easily coast away from him because of the lower sprung weight.

My Rush is on the heavy side (not a big deal considering the price) and it feels just as light as my buddy's flyweight hardtail.

That's very funny.

Thank you.

Cannondale Rize.

That's very funny.

Thank you.

Ya got me, I exagerated. It does help that I do all of my riding on the moon.

Wait a couple months for the 09's to come out....08's will go down.
Look for a Giant Trance bike.

Jamis XCR

Is the Scalpel more cross country oriented (i.e., a bit lighter?)

According to the guy I was talking to at a Cannondale shop, yes. I rode an '08 Scalpel around a little...very nice.