If you're looking at U.S.A. products, at that price range, Cannondales about it. You can usually get a good deal on last years Jeykll for about $1500. If you just want front suspension, you can get a F700 in that price range. The other option since you have a C400 is to upgrade the components. You could put an aftermarket suspension fork on that bike and put a different stem and handlebar to get you in a more "forward" position. I'd also switch out the seat to a smaller saddle. (Believe me it'll actually be more comfy on longer rides). Change the slick tires to knobbies. The rest of the bike should hold up fine.
Depending on which fork you choose, these modifications will cost between $300 and $700.
Fork: $150 - 450, you can get a close-out great fork for $300.
Stem: $30 - 80 any 1-1/8" will work.
Handlebar: $30 - 100 depending on either a flat bar or short riser, aluminum or carbon
Seat: $30 - 90 Heck, you can find some for $5-10.
Tires: $40 - 100 If you want basic ones, they're $20 each. If you want Kevlar beaded, they can run $50 ea.
plus labor to install. figure another $30.00, or sometimes free if you buy all the parts from your LBS.
L8R
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