Dude, for that much $$$, you can buy 2 StumpJumpers. Look at Litespeed if you're willing to drop that much & you want a lightweight/strong (TI) frame just for XC. There's NOTHING out there that's stronger than Titanium, period, and LightSpeed makes damn good bikes if you can, or I should say, are willing to spend the money for one. Carbon frames are also pretty strong, but if you happen to crack the frame, you've just wasted a grand or more for the frame alone.