New bike time! ;)
 

I've been riding my trusty Barracuda hardail for 7 years now - on road, off road, commuting 3000+ miles per year.

I want a new cross-country oriented full suspension bike. I want tight, light, flickable, efficient, firm-ish suspension, and not too much of it. maybe 80-100mm front and back, no more. "big-hit" ability is unnecessary, I have been getting by with my Bomber z2's short but incredibly sweet travel with no complaints.

I have no desire or ability to dh, this bike will spend it's time on tight Texas singletrack hardpack. I want 25lb range. I'm 6'3", weight about 190 (trying to loose some, aren't we all?).

Researching on my own is fun but takes a lot of time, which is sparse. So you with experience: Any suggestions?

I'm willing to spend up to $2000 for the right ride.

Thanks in advance!!

For a large or XL frame, because you are 6'3'' , 25# is going to be tough to come by for $2,000.

However, here is a short list

Specialized Epic base model

Rocky Mountain Element Base Model

Kona King Kikapu


Many others of course

the kona mentioned above is an excellent ride, and quite burly. only problem i have seen was the seat-tube cracking at the top, but the guy was about 220, running a thomson layback with the nose of his seat down alot.


peace
harris

Should i consider buying a used full suspension?
The Epic looks like a nice ride from what i've seen - any comments?

I love my epic and I think it is perfect for the type of riding you describe. Great frame and geometry designed for going fast on tight swoopy singletrack.

At that size I wouldn't be. I would be hitting the gym trying to get a little bigger :)...

However you are about the size of my uncle in law who rides the king. Great frame and solid bike, he rides the crap out of it on any trail in whistler valley. Well worth looking at.

I really like the look at the Specialized Epic alot it looks really nice for what you would be using for but i dont know much about the Kona King Kikpapu

Anytime you buy used, just make sure you go over the bike with a fine-toothed comb. But yah, used FS should be okay, particularly if it's a recent model. The Epic does sound appropriate for what you want to do, or you could put together a sweet HT for $2000 that would be well under 25 pounds. The Epic has a hardtail feel, and handles very well. Depending on the model, it can be a little heavy - up to 27 lbs, I think. I'm 190 and ride an Al HT on everything from singletrack to semi-tech steeps. I have no problem keeping up with my friends, who are ALL on FS bikes.

Same here, my ht is right at about 25#, and i've kept it fairly current and very durable with upgrades and replacements alog the way. No issue keeping up with friends and random riding buddies - at least those i keep up with ;) The limiting factor is not the bike! it's a fast sweet little sucker.

But the trails i ride have a lot of smallish but sharp impacts, most of the time i'm out of the saddle, and it gets wearing. Get pretty beat up on the trails! i'm wanting to give fs a try...

from looking around it seems like I'd need to spend the $2k on a used bike or up the budget for a new one, to get the caliber bike i'm after.

I only spent about half of what you're considering. I looked at used on ebay and walked away from it. All I can say is, be careful out there! Looking back, I'm glad I lossed every bike I bid on. I finally landed up with a 05 leftover at 25% off, but no headaches. If you can ride the used bike or inspect it before buying, that's different.