This one is easy ...seriously...it is...especially cause you are a small guy.

http://www.supergo.com/itemdisplay.a...any=Iron+Horse

That would be my top pic in that price range. I think that beats out everything I know of including Norco's and Kona's...however I agree you might want to stick with a ht...but this is a question you have to ask yourself. Do you believe it will help you go bigger? Do you go big enough to warrant it (dually)? Do you really want one?

As for the shiver, one of the best sc's on the market (some would say better than the Z1) but it definately feels different. It is also more race oriented so it isn't the best for single hits. It is super strong so at that price I would go for it.

oooo a frame for a 1000$...wow thats a lot to work with. Ironhorse SGS pro is a top frame and I believe it is in that range. Just about any Norco would do (you won't break one). If you ever feel like running a dual crown I would avoid Giant. Heck I think the Bighit comp is in that range too. You have a lot of choices. Find out what you can test ride in your area