Really think about how much you'll be riding. Back in 05' I was in the exact same position you're in now. I ended up gettin a Rockhopper & 6 months into it I was totally addicted. I was (and still am) putting in 10 plus miles a day 3 or 4 days a week. Pretty soon I upgraded the wheels. Just last week after I shredded my second bottom bracket I decided to upgrade the cranks to Shimano LX. Well... Turns out the Rockhopper's frame was bent & the LX cranks did not jive at all. So w/ mixed feelings, I accepted Specialized's offer to upgrade me to the Stumpjumper frame for $400. (That's practically what I paid for the Rockhopper in the first place). That's not all... Had to upgrade to a 9sp transmission as well which meant new brake & shifter levers and a new front derailer. So in the end; Rockhopper complete @ 450, upgraded wheels @ 200, upgraded cranks @ 150, Stumpy frame @ 400, shifters @ 35, brake levers @ 30, I've ended up with a Stumpjumper HT w/ nicer wheels & cranks, but I'm stuck w/ the 05' Rockhopper fork (Manitou Axel Comp) for roughly around $1265.00. I probably ...No definitly should have just sprung for the Stumpjumper in the first place. I'd have that nice Fox rp3. Oh well. My ride is MUCH improved so I can't complain too much. I'm just saying, really think about how much you'll be riding.