I also am a dedicated roadie for many many years. I got the MTB urge a bit back for winter riding and a different riding style.
So I went out and bought a BMC TE-01 hardtail with full SRAM XO, easton EA90 XC wheels, one of 9 bikes I own. While I won't make the complete transition to trail riding, this rig is the most awesome machine I have ever ridden. I have a 1990 Schwinn KOM S9 w/ 1st generation shimano XT I use to ride when I got the urge.................but BMC is like riding a BMW X5 w/ an M package.