The Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc is the lightest mountain bike in the price range. Comes with a lock-out fork, Avid BB5 disc brakes, double-wall wheels, & a SRAM X5 rear derailleur. Best value IMO. Gary Fisher Wahoo is also a nice buy, but you don't get disc brakes within your price range. I don't know if a bikesdirect shop means just like any other bike shop, but with bikesdirect bikes, but if it does I would definitely go that route. You can find a Motobecane in that price range with much nicer components than any other brand & an equally strong/light frame. That only thing that's deterred me from getting a bike from BD is that I don't have a BD shop near me, so I would have to pay to have someone assemble & tune the bike after they shipped it only 90% assembled. But having one of their shops near by would solve that problem.