well, not really..... Replace those heavy tires with skinnies, and a few other things, and the weight comes down real quick. my personal ride cost about $1500 built from parts (the expensive way) and is about 25lb. Another few hundred for a lighter frame, wheels, & convert to rigid fork, and it would be at 20lb.

Premium low-20's hardtails are very available at around $1500 and might break the 20 barrier with slicks & carbon fork.

anywayze, just sayin, mtb's have a rep for being heavy & clunky, but they don't have to be.

cheers