Sounds like you and I ride alike and are both on a pretty limited budget. I recently bought a Trek 7000 and am very pleased. Alot of bike for $259.

The last bike I bought new was a $400 Trek MTB in the early 90's and I am struck by how much more bike you can now get for less money. Anyone agree? The technology that was top dollar and coveted is now on the entry level bikes. Wish everything was like that.