14 yrs old, a 2100, a madone 5.5, and now a 2000+ dollar XC bike.
Two out of three you're buying with your own money? Can you even legally work?
And where do I trade in my parents?
In your price range, any bike you buy will be awesome. Buy the one you love when you ride it.
Biking is the only thing I have in my life, excluding friends, I guess. I don't play video games, etc. All my money goes to bikes, and equipment.
Yes, I can legally work, and I work full-time during the summer. =)
As for expanding my horizons, the only LBS I have within 50 miles is a Trek dealer. Of course, I could ride my bike there, but getting back would be a problem if I have to get another bike.