Currently building up a Pivot Firebird myself. That frame is sweet because you can make it a sub 30lb goat or you can throw a 180mm fork on the front and basically have a freeride bike that can still climb(the route im taking). Also have a buddy working on a Knolly Chilcotin which is another pretty awesome bike in that category. Trek Slash or Remedy would be others to consider. But like previously stated, there are a lot of bikes that will fit that mold for that price. Ide take Dminors advice and go demo a bunch and see what you like.