Mountain Biking - Moving up to 2G's

Was looking at $1000 HT, now looking to the $2000 FS range. My buddy has been pointing me towards the Specialized EPIC Comp Disc & the Giant NRS. I have also noticed the TREK Liquid 25.
All 3 bikes look great, although the SPEC looks especially sweet. It MSRP's for $2600 but I have seen many guys get it for around $2000-2200. What's the word on this bike and what have you guys been getting it for($$$)?
I figure I don't want to buy a bike and then the next week start thinking about getting a better bike. Might as well just get something that will do me for a few years.

What type of riding do you do?

Also remember to test ride the bikes.

What type of riding do you do?

A valid question indeed. You've described two race oriented dual suspensions and a quasi-freeride bike. Looks like the choices need to be narrowed down a bit.

Oh and the Yeti 575 Enduro isn't mentioned either.... ;)

XC riding. Not DH or huge drops or jumps. Just looking for a bike that will be a great all around bike.

Giant VT2. Good all around bike in my opinion. $2000. Right on target ;)

Links for the lazy people:

Giant VT2:
http://www.giant-bicycle.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.000.asp?dealerid=&dealercountry=&lYear=2004&bikesection=8841&range=156&model=10801

Giant NRS:
http://www.giant-bicycle.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.006.asp?dealerid=&dealercountry=&lYear=2004&bikesection=8841&range=160&model=10819
Yeti 575:
http://www.yeticycles.com/1_bikes/575_white.html

Trek liquid 25:
http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/mountain/liquid25.jsp

Specialized Epic Comp Disc:
http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=9655&JServSessionIdroot=vsdq9wevrd.j27012


I like the Epic out of those, myself.

I'd go with either the Yeti or the Specialized. Both of them look like they come pretty well specced out.. though I'm not sure which of the Yeti kits end up coming in at 2k. They have the Disc, Pro Disc, Race Disc and Freeride. The Race Disc appears to be the best of the bunch.

YETI looks great but there is no dealer within 100 miles of me. Many TREK and SPEC and GIANT dealers. I am having trouble figuring out the actual component package of the current GIANT NRS 1. MTBR and the GIANT website all have different info. Some say XT goods, some LX. Really not sure. Can someone explain to me the difference between the VT and NRS series bikes?
I looked into the Trek Liquid today and the LBS has it for $2000 but said they would cut me a good deal. I would imagine nothing over $1700 out the door. The SPEC was a joke. He wanted $2500 out the door. He was telling me how they can't go any lower. So I left, since I wasn't buying today anyways.
As I said earlier, I'm simply an all-rounder. Don't need a bike that specialized in racing, or DH, or hucking, just a bike that will do everything fairly well, for around $2000. So guys, I appreciate the help, I really do. When I do buy, I know I will get a great bike because of the advice I get around here.

I personally thought the Epic and NRS bikes are strictly XC type bikes, although if ridden smoothly you could go anywhere? I don't know for certain myself. You come across as wanting an all rounder if that is the case then you need something like the Stumpjumper 120 or Giant VT 2 or a Trek liquid.

Marc

If you are doing all around riding, the Stumpjumper in my opinion is a better choice than the Epic. It pedals almost as well and is a lot plusher and can still handle racing.