This post is going to be a little off topic because I don't have experience with many of these bikes. However, I just bought the v-brake stumpjumper ($1150). I love it! I actually wasn't sold on the stumpjumper when I first took it for a test ride on pavement, but took it out again and when I got on the dirt I fell in love, that Fox fork kicks ass! Now that I'm used to the lock-out the bike does great on pavement too. I guess that first test ride it just didn't click. Anyway, I just wanted to add my $.02 the stumpjumper is definately worth a try.
