pitty his headtube will probably snap because of the triple clamps... although the p3 is a fkn awesome frame. infact anything made by Specialized is awesome.

For our newbie on hardtails.... Incase you get currupted by such images there is a minimal times you want to put a triple clamp fork on a hardtail. Because of there stiffness it puts extreme presure on a hardtails headtube as the rear has no movement. It can cause stress fractures under the lower guessets and ultimatly snap.

As for what your actaully after I would definitly go for either Norco, Giant or Specialized. The problem is you want a bike to thrash but not want to spend much money. In the bike world there is so much crap to make prices lower that to buy componants that can take punishment you basically have to spend the money... or comprimise, but remember your going to be spending money to no end in replacement.