Is there a reliable website or magazine or other source that provides coverage on the low to mid-range mountain bike? Any reviews of low-to-midrange stuff tend to come from models that are much older and differently specced.

I've been looking for previews/reviews of various 2011 lines and bikes, but all I can seem to find is coverage on the high-end stuff. I would love a two (three? six?) thousand dollar bike, but I cannot afford one. It's not a thing I can have.

Can anyone offer me some tips?

If you want a 2011 bike, you're either gonna have to be a guinea pig and buy one without reading reviews, or wait until others have had time to ride theirs and post reviews on mtbr.com. A lot of 2011 bikes aren't even available yet. My 2011 Rig isn't supposed to be in until November.