Mountain Biking - Done hibernating, Need Advice Please...

I began MTBing back in the mid 80's in Central America while in the military. I jumped from riding the jungle to rock hopping and down hilling back in my home state of Pennsylvania and upstate NY.

The past 9yrs I have been stuck in the desert country here in El Paso, TX.
Soft sand and cactus have been my only obstacles and my Trek 4300 is more than enough for this terrain.

Here's where your help is needed:
I never quite lost the bug for real riding but I have lost touch with what's what in the industry.
I'm at a point where travel to mountainous areas is accessible on a regular basis and I am also considering a transfer back to the east coast.
Some of the bikes I have been looking at are:
Haro Extreme X3
Rocky Mountain Slayer 70
Trek Liquid 25

I don't wish to spend more than 2K right now.
Are there other bikes I should consider?
I don't mind spending the cash but I want the best bargain for the money I spend.


Thanks in Advance,
Ed

From what i read in the post, it looks like you are shopping for an all mountain bike.

You should be looking at around 5-6 inches in the rear. I have also been on the look out for the same kind of bike. Look into the Norco Fluid's, Giant AC's, Specialized Enduro's, Kona Dawg's or Coiler.

As for the bike I have my eyes set on. Its the 2003 Giant AC 2 or the 2002 Giant AC 1. Both are at really good prices and the 2003 has a super sweet Manitou swinger 4 way.

You mentioned you have a limit of 2 grand. Your possibilites are almost endless if you serach for the best deals.

Thanks for the quick reply; that's a sweet looking bike that pretty much meets my needs.
Are there any recommended online vendors for the best deals, or are the prices about the same as the local dealers?

Ed

As for the bike I have my eyes set on. Its the 2003 Giant AC 2 or the 2002 Giant AC 1. Both are at really good prices and the 2003 has a super sweet Manitou swinger 4 way.

Ok the AC 1, 2 are good to a certain point but the frames are weak, i talked to a guy down at my LBS he has cracked his AC 1, 5 times, all in different spots i asked al (owner) if it was just bad luck and he said that the frame is just a crap build and not worth the money. i think that the bike does fine if its nothing too big, keep in mind that my LBS specialise's in downhill and performance so very rarely do u find a xc or your average rider their. I'd go with a fuild or other norco.

catch yas

I just got back from the LBS and took a few models of Rocky Mountain and Trek for a test ride.
I like them both, but RM comes with more upgrades as standard features.

Still shopping though...