Looking for first MTB in a while
 

I'm a road cyclist who just moved to Revelstoke, BC where summers are all about X-country riding and hot springs. The terrain here is a bit more technical than other X-country from what I know. I used to race when I was 12 in Ontario but haven't done much mountain biking since (after a few busted bones).

I need to find a good lightweight dual-sus bike that can handle everything here in Revy and can also manage a weekly trip to Silverstar for some downhill riding. My sister-in-law rides a Trek Fuel 8 and it seems to fit the bill for the most part, but is maybe not tough enough for a lot of downhill. I know how annoying newbs can be but I'm hoping someone will be happy to offer their $0.02.

Price range is under $2000, I'd like to find used, but I really want to know what I should be looking for.

Thanks!

Something like a Santa Cruz Nomad would fill the bill well; but, unfortunately is well over your budget. A used Specialized Enduro, especially if it's had some of the weenier parts swapped out, could be a solid option. Hmmm . . . help her out here folks. And please, we can do this without the usual "get a hardtail" crap . . . we're talking Revy here. Big mountains, big sky, big gnar . . . just not a big budget.

Thanks, bud. I appreciate the help and the backup :) Seems like a good starting point. Keep me posted if anything else comes to mind.

Start with a hard tail with rim brakes - it will make you a better rider.......JK

+1 on the older enduro. 2005 to 2007 I think is the best - I had one and regret getting rid of it. Not the best XC machine, but can handle about anything.
http://images.google.com/url?source=...S26kDgTbjLKz5g

^^ That's an SX trail - but they look identical to the enduro.

Seeing C_Heath's thread reminded me of another choice: Felt Compulsion 3. List price is just under 2 clicks; and with a 67.5° head angle, it's a pretty stable decender. I demo'd a Compulsion (can't remember which model) last year and came away impressed.

Silver Star is fairly smooth overall (except for Dag's and Downtown) so you can get away with a steeper, shorter travel bike (a girl we go with rides a Giant Trance and does quite well) but if you also plan on hitting resorts like Kickinghorse, you'll want something more slack with more travel.

BTW, haven't ridden Revy yet (will this year though) but Martha's Creek is supposed to be an amazing shuttle run.