Originally Posted by
stapfam
Start with a Hardtail. Cheaper in the first place- better than a "Cheap" full suspension bike and is a quicker learning curve on MTB Skills. Plenty about but if you like Specialised- the Hardrock is a good starter bike. Let your wallet tell you the quality to buy.
I'm sorry stapfam, but you really should stick to your UK bike paths and quit trying to dispense mountain bike "advice."
To the OP: Sounds like you've got a solid line on a very good bike; if you like the full suspension and can swing it, the FSR XC is a fine choice. Only you can answer whether or not it's worth it to go the extra for the Stumpy; but JG makes an excellent case above. Just don't buy into the nonsense that one should start out on a hardtail and "graduate" to FS - -that's utter BS that I'm bound and determined to kill dead-dead-dead on this forum.