Mountain Biking - "Race" styled setup?

Hey guys, I'm looking at getting an average mountain bike that I can use for a few things. I was originally looking at a full suspension downhill styled bike, as I like adrenaline and speed, however I quickly found out that in order for my bike to survive the jumps at the hill (which are roughly 10 - 20 feet at our hill) I'd have to get something in the $1500 American range to even begin to start. However, if I could do something cheaper..I would.. Also, it's 2 hours away, so I might not even go every weekend - and I still want something I can drive wherever, whenever. So I figured it was time to look at something else.

As I meantioned before, I'm really high on adrenaline, and I'm pretty sure mountain biking will do it for me. I'm honestly looking to spend around $800-$900 dollars for a bike, and would prefer a downhill/XC bike in one..however I'm pretty sure it's only one way or the other. Therefore, I'm wondering if a more "mountain race bike" style would seem more appropriate for cost and what I want it for. If I had speed offroad, that would cover me in the adrenaline department, and I could basically forget about any 15 foot jumps and stick to riding very small jumps.

It basically comes down to this: hardtail or full suspension. I know for the price, and speed, hardtail would be great. It would be killer light, and I could have upgraded components, or upgrade them myself later. However, on the other hand I have a full suspension now and have no complaints. It's really great for any kind of offroading and good while on the road. Also, I've read that FS bikes handle better, which is obviously a good thing if I'm whipping down some windy trails. They also cost a lot more and seem to be a lot heaver for the price range I'm looking at.

Maybe I'm heading in the wrong direction altogether..if so someone please let me know. =P I've done some research, I've gone and looked at different bikes - mainly Norco, Gary Fisher and Specialized - so I just need to know what kind of setup will be right for me..as I can't actually test any bikes on the hill.

Any comments would be apprecicated, and sorry for the length of the post..just trying to give those people with quality feedback something to work with. =)

Even $1500 wouldnt get you a decent downhill rig. Thats bad boys are in the 2 grand + range. For your style Im suggestiong a Santa Cruz Blue but it might be a bit expensive. In the hardtail categaory, definitely a Specialized StumpJumper. Is $900 your limit?

If you know how to build, get a frame designed for dual-slalom and install parts specific for your budget.

Yeah, I was looking at that Specialized model aswell. I'm not really super hardcore into gear and such..yet, so I think I might just purchase a complete bike for now. Then again I might wait a little bit, do some more research, and build something myself. I'm all about learning, which is good. I just wanted to get out and get something soon as a lot of the shops here are giving out killer deals. And no $900 isn't my limit, however I'd like to keep it under the $1200 U.S. price range, or else I might aswell just save up and grab a sweet downhill bike in a few paychecks.

And yeah, downhill bikes are killer expensive. Although the more I think about it, the more I just want to save up for like a month or two and get one. Do you ride downhill at all? I haven't actually ridden a downhill bike, but I know it's a blast just going off 6 foot drops with the bike I have now - a 15 foot drop would be amazing, and my guess would be addictive, too. =P

Downhill? Me? Unfortunately no. I have a Specialized HardRock so its mainly XC and some light FR. I am in the process of saving for a Banshee Scirocco which is an Extreme FreeRide HardTail. There isnt any serious downhill action here in Las Vegas except for Bootleg Canyon which is 40-1hr away from me. Besides, downhill bikes are very heavy and arent suitable for uphill climbing which are alot of the trails here. So, only buy a downhill bike if thats what most of your riding will be. You dont want to be stuck trying to go uphill with a 35-50lb squishy!

Definitely do some research first. Test ride as many bikes as you can so you can get a feel for what you like and what you dont like.

Hey troie, thanks for the help. I think I might just save up for a really nice downhill bike. A lot of my weekend riding will be done downhill, as there's a lot of places around to do it. The heaviness is a major factor though..a 40 lbs bike would be a pain to bike totally uphill. Luckly I have a seconary bike I can use if I actually want to go for distance rides, which is nice.

Thanks again for the tips, and I'll still be sure to check out that StumpJumper. =)