Mountain Biking - Help a newbie w/ decisions

Hello from a newbie...
I've had a low end Specialized RockHopper for approx. 4 yrs. My main dislikes were the shifter(gripshift), front suspension(too "bouncy" in the harsh downhills), and I always seemed to be going over the front when in a downhill.
My wifes now allowing me to get a new bike (so obviously $ is a factor). Im attempting to stay in the $800 range.
I've been dealing w/ a local shop for sometime now, mostly for my work bike, but they dont carry Specialized. Talking to them I've narrowed it to Trek 6700 (http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2002/mountain/full_specs/6700_detail.html)or 6500, or Kona CinderCone (http://www.konaworld.com/2k2_xcht_cindercone.cfm). I've also been looking at the Specialized Rockhopper A1CompFS (http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?san=RockhopperA1CompFS&browselevel=mountainbikes) (but I would have to deal w/ an unfamiliar shop).

Can someone please give me their input on which would be a better ride/value; which has better components & which would be better for which type of riding? Thanks

Personally, if the frame is okay I'd buy a new fork (even quite pricey new bikes often come with pretty basic forks) and if you don't like the shifters, swap them rather than buying a new bike. I find GripShifters work well particularly the higher-end models but providing your rear mech is shimano you can simply swap them over for Shimano shifters. If your rear mech is ESP you'll need to swap the mech as well if you're going to Shimano , but that's cheaper than a new bike.

Richard

Suspension technology has dramatically improved since you bought your bike. Heck it's dramatically improved over last year!

I second Rich's idea to just upgrade your fork and shifters. That is if you otherwise like your bike!

For fork recommends, I suggest either the new Marzocchi or the new Manitou's. They are both great forks - regardless of model choices.

Shifters are a personal matter, I hated Gripshift when they first came out, but ended up with some when I bought a bike on close-out. I got used to them and now really like them! If you don't like the Rapidfire Shimano, try Sram (Gripshift). Their new stuff is as good if not better than Shimano's stuff!

Good Luck!
L8R

But I'm a kid at heart.....If Im going to get something new......I want everything new ;) That way I can sell the oledr one & put the $ to the new one.