For the price you are willing to pay, I suggest you find a shop that has demo bikes. Generally the bikes are rented out at about $50/day. The price can be used towards purchase.

I also suggest you do some research on bikes and materials. If weight is a real issue to you, consider a hardtail v. full suspension but I would also think about the trails you plan on riding and what function the bike will serve. Having not ridden in MI, I assume trails are very different than what you will encounter in the West, especially places like Leadville. East of the Mississippi trails tend to be flowy, rooty and wet. West it's all rocks, sand and steep descents.

Where I live the 29er is KING, even among shorter people. Not every 29er is built the same. I can't get on my buddies 29er hardtail (with a large frame) but having ridden Specialized and Santa Cruz 29ers the large frames fit me just fine. Just keep in mind if you want long travel, most likely a 26er is your best bet, if you are looking for cross-country, there probably is a 29er that fits you.

Carbon is a light weight material but it is prone to "injury" from crashes. There are other ways to lighten up a bike other than carbon fiber. For instance sticking with a hardtail, light wheels etc.

As to wheels and tires, different schools of thought... the direction is towards tubeless and using Stans but that has its own problems. I still like old school tires with tubes. Quick and easy to fix if you have a flat. Stans are great for goat head thorns but I suspect in MI that's not a problem. Stans will not help with a blown out sidewall...

Anyway look for a shop in your area that supports the MTB community and go pick their brains on bikes, sizes, material and tires/wheels. Don't be in a hurry to buy. Also, no offense, no matter how fit you are, it will be awhile before you are qualified to do Leadville. I would look for a more entry level bike, gain skills than move up...I see alot of newbies on bikes that are for better skilled riders... those newbies tend to get seriously injuried...

bikes to look at - 29ers that will fit shorter people:

Santa Cruz Tallboy, 501 or Bronson (29 and 650B) and the Superlight when it comes out.

Also Specialized Epic or Stumpy FSR, Trek Fuel etc
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