visiting from the ss/fixed forum. i'm shopping for a mtn bike for the fiance, who's a beginner/intermediate. after a considerable hiatus from mountain biking (currently have mid-90's Kona cindercone w/o suspension-- the way i like it) and having recently bought a bianchi pista fix, i am shocked by how heavy mountain bikes are today. seems like the manufacturers have adopted the SUV "just in case" mentality and insist on frame materials, thickness, and components that most non-racing types will never need (barring front suspension)-- making these bikes 30+ lb tanks. suspension makes sense on the descents when it takes such extra work to haul the tank up the ascents. anyway, enough of the ranting . . . .

looking at the 18" Specialized Rockhopper, Trek 4500 (maybe wsd), Gary Fisher Marlin, and an 04 Kona Blast-- i'd like to get at least a Deore R/D. any other suggestions for a lighter bike? many tia