I just bought a Giant Trance 3 (full suspension) after looking around for six weeks and riding several XC/trail bikes. See what feels best to you. When I started I was looking for a hardtail, but after test riding a few bikes I preferred a FS bike. The Trance 3 just felt "better" by far to me than anything else, stable and geometry to my liking.
You CAN get a good hardtail for substantially less money if you are on a budget. If you want a good sturdy bike with good components and only have $1000 then I would advise you to get a hardtail. I set a budget of $1500 when I started. I did find a great hardtail priced at $1000 and that is the GT Avalanche 0.5. It was light and responsive and 'felt good'.
I got my Giant Trance 3 for $1550 from Performance Bicycle at a local store but they are a national online outfit.
Last edited by Desert Rider; 05-12-05 at 03:52 PM.