"will prob do a lot of XC and prob push myself to do things I prob shouldn't at this level, but thats just how I am."


How about finding yourself a very good condition second hand bike lets say a year or two old. If you thoroughly inspect it and all ok then maybe it's a good choice. This way you will be buying a better bike (with better parts on it) and it will probably last longer. If you purchase a new sub-$1,000 bike, at some point you'll want/need to upgrade! You could probably find a two year old $2,000 bike (v.good cond) for that amount.... just another idea....