A lot of info here, I really appreciate the input from everyone. Now let me throw you a curve. If I can swing it somehow, is this bike an ok bike?

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/gravity/fsx_1.htm

Or should I go hardtail with something similar to this?

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/gravity/fsx_1.htm

Or are these bikes not very "reputable"