In that price range you have many choices, check out Kona, Santa Cruz, Giant, Brodie, Cortina, and ... the list goes on. Best thing is to hit up as many shops as you can and ride as many different bikes to find which one feels right for you. I personaly would say the Stinky Supreme or Coiler Primo from Kona. My second choice would be the Foes trail Inferno, this is one sweet rig. You can check its specs out here Inferno . Not only is it stylish it has a sweet ride as well. The frame w/shock will run ya $2k but you can get some good components with the extra 2k you have left.