I whined in a thread recently about how my closest LBS was about 2 hours drive...

Not true anymore, I tripped over one about 25 minutes drive!!! YAY!

Its a real hole in the wall kinda place.. He sells only Raleigh & Diamondback brands... and throws in a lifetime tuneup along with it.

I admit I know nothing about the two brands.. I have been drooling over full suspension bikes for some time now, and am presently saving up for one.

I am a XC rider, who loves to occasionally huck and drop off stuff. I ride fairly technical stuff. I am also a Clydesdale rider @ 6 foot 2 inches and 215 lean pounds. I'm still relatively new to XC, and have injuries to prove that. (Fell on my tailbone on a simple roll-down)

I am hoping to stay nearish $1,000 budget.

Bikes I have been drooling over include Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, Kona Coil dual's.... The Kona Hoss looks nice for a hardtail too

What I'm basically asking I guess, is if Raleigh and Diamondback's have similar quality for the buck, and what models might you suggest?

I noticed that they do use nice component sets on those in the shop tho.

Anyway, I am so glad to find a LBS!!!