Good point, I'll definitaly be stopping by some LBS's this week to do some research. I doubt they'll have any of those bikes (the hardtail all mountain market seems slim). But I can at least get some in person advice, get sized better, and possibly try some similar styles.

Just for kicks, is this even a decent build? http://www.jensonusa.com/store/build...ize.aspx?bk=58