I've bought nothing but Specialized my whole life. Why? My dad sells them and I never had a problem with them until last month when I broke a frame (wrecked hard). $2000 will get you a pretty badass cross-country bike. I have a Specialized Stumpjumper FSR XC Comp from 1999. Best bike EVER (IMO)! XTR/XT components, Avid V-brakes that have the best feel ever, suspension has come a long ways since then but still great for climbing.

My advice for you, put whatever you can into a bike..... and use it strictly for playing. Keep it in your house at all times and never lock it up outside around town. College towns or wherever you're thinking about going, will have cheap bikes floating around. Those are for commuting, searching craigslist for a few days will find you a good deal. And honestly, I've commuted on my Dual suspension and it sucks for street riding. Road bikes are key.... single speed road bikes are perfect IMO. Cheap, effective, and it rarely breaks down.