Thanks to everyone for their replies! I've got some updates below.

----Sherpa, the difference in the prices I've been quoted is actually more like $230 than $150 (Crosstrail $700 - Rockhopper $470). You make a good point about being able to change things on the Rockhopper and given a larger cost savings than you estimated, I guess I'd be able to afford even more than you mentioned.

So I had the opportunity to take the 21" Rockhopper on a longer, 20 minute, test ride today (previously I had only done a few laps around an indoor track) and to my surprise, I felt the same weight distribution problem on the Rockhopper as I did with the Crosstrail (mentioned in my OP). I even test rode a 21" $1200 Gary Fisher true 29'er mtb (X-Caliber) and I felt most of my weight up front on that bike too.

The LBS and I came to the conclusion that it's probably something I have to get used to if I'm feeling it on every bike. Maybe this is due to the fact that I haven't ridden in years, but it could also be that, mentally, I am paying so much attention to it. My guess now, is that once I strengthen my arms a bit and maybe even wear some gloves, this will alleviate the problem.

Details (thanks for appreciating my details):

• My test ride began with the 21" Rockhopper (base) which was a pretty good fit for me, except I did feel that weight distribution problem. I rode for 20 minutes in the rain and played around on some gravel a bit too. Overall, it felt ok, but nothing that got me too excited.

• I then took the Gary Fisher X-Caliber out for 20 minutes because I felt like I lost a lot of momentum and speed with the Rockhopper by dropping to a smaller wheel size. Well, the Gary Fisher had me leaning forward more than the Rockhopper and it also had wider tires with thicker tread. It felt really harsh on the pavement and overall, I was not too crazy with this bike (especially given its price). It was extremely poised on the gravel and grass though. I also felt the weight distribution problem on this bike more than any other bike (so much that my triceps were doing a lot of work to keep me up - man, maybe I just have really weak arms).

• I then took the 19.5" Crosstrail I had ridden the other day for a scoot around the parking lot so that the LBS (different sales rep) could tell me what they thought of my positioning. He told me he'd really like me to try a larger 21" Crosstrail because he thinks it would spread me out more, and give me a better center of gravity. They didn't have a 21" model available for me, but they will have one built by tomorrow. I was about to leave the shop, but decided to take the 19.5" Crosstrail (that I had enjoyed riding the other day) out for another good test ride, since I had just been on other bikes and would be able to better compare. Right away I felt like this bike rolled easily, went fast, and was extremely comfortable to ride. The weight distribution problem was still present, but after riding the other two bikes, I'd say it was equal or less of a "problem" on this than it was on the other ones (maybe there is really no problem at all then). I only rode it for 10 minutes, but overall, it felt much better than the other two bikes (and man, those high gears are really awesome for speed). The front shock (RST Vogue Comp) felt ok and probably just as good, if not better than the Rockhopper's Dart 3, but not nearly as good as the X-Caliber's REBA.

Unfortunately, that particular bike shop doesn't carry the entry model (Expert) Crosstrail in a 21". They are building me a 21" Pro model which is the mid-level Crosstrail ($1000 I believe). The major differences I was able to notice are Avid Juicy 3 hydros (up from BB5 mechs), XT rear der, LX front der, LX shifters (up from LX rear der, and Deore front der/shifters), Rockshox TORA (up from RST Vogue Comp), and it also adds a carbon seatpost and handlebars (to absorb some road noise I think?). I think the hubs and cranksets are different too.

So even if I go in there tomorrow and the 21" Pro fits me better than the 19.5" Expert, I would have to spring an extra $300 for the Pro model or try to find another LBS that sells the Expert in a 21".

On my walk home... had to walk since I left empty handed ...I began assigning a "fun factor" to all three bikes I rode.

• The Rockhopper (as it was) probably had a fun factor of 7.5.
• The X-Caliber had a fun factor of 7.
• The Crosstrail (in possibly the wrong size) had a fun factor of over 9.

After coming back from the Crosstrail test ride, I said to myself, "Wow, this is my favorite one." The bike put a smile on my face. As much as I wanted to avoid a hybrid at first and originally wanted to stick to a strict mountain bike, I have to admit that I like the Crosstrail better.

Now as Sherpa said, there are changes I could make to the Rockhopper to possibly boost this "fun factor" for me, but will it get me all the way there?

Those of you who are familiar with bike part prices:

1. How much would good, light, semi-slicks cost?
2. How much would a larger (and preferably lighter/stronger) outter chain ring cost?
3. I think I might be able to come close to matching the speed of the Crosstrail with good semi-slicks on the Rockhopper, but a stronger & lighter wheelset might also help out in this department. How much would a stronger & lighter wheelset cost? Since the Rockhopper is the base model, I think I'd eventually want to go with disc brakes down the road, so if I upgraded my wheelset, I think I'd want it to be disc ready.

Well there's a lot of details in this one and also a lot of questions. I appreciate all of you who have a passion for bikes and for helping others get into the sport by assisting them in making the right decision. I apologize if I sound like I'm going overboard on everything here, or being too anal. I just want something that I will enjoy riding everyday. I want it to put a smile on my face everytime I'm out there.