my vote goes to the Specialized FSR-XC. MSRP is about 1100, but your LBS should be able to sell it for under that, probably close to your $1000 price limit. It has an LX drivetrain, rear air shock, front Manitou Axel fork, disc hubs so you can upgrade to discs later.. it does have V-brakes, however. Seems like a decent FS bike for the money.