Thanks for the feedback so far, great insight.

For purpose of illustration, and not necessarily a "what bike to buy" question, where would you place the Rockhopper Comp in the above discussion? Is it a strict "XC" bike? Certainly not a freerider (a new term for me) nor a downhill?

It's fairly affordable at $650 actual sale price.

I think the "best" drivetrain component on it is an LX rear-der, which is cutting it close, at least from my 1997-98 view. The rear der has to be pretty good lest you fight skipping chains all day.

The bars have an upward U-bend - is that sissy, or common?