bathedinshadow

... but I don't really have the technical knowledge and was hoping for some ideas. I'm looking to get another mountain bike. Not to replace, but just as an additional bike. I currently have a 2008 Nomad and I do love it. It's great when speed is involved. But I find if I'm not really moving, it takes all my effort to pop that front wheel up and I'd like a bike that has a bit more "pop" and maybe a slightly higher pedal clearance. I'm not crazy about XC rides, but I ultimately end up on them at some point. So in order to make them more interesting, I would like to be able to jump and whatnot at a slower speed. I'm not sure if I'm conveying what I want well, but like I said, I lack in the technical area. I just like to ride!

So I'm looking for something with a bit more "pop" than my nomad, a little more clearance, and as light as possible.

I'm 5'6" and 115 lbs. I am female, but I typically do not like women specific bikes and I think most bikes can be modified for a female rider anyway. If it has pink on it, forget it, I can't do it.

Any suggestions? While price is always a consideration, I'm willing to pay what I need to in order to get what I'd be the most happy with.

Thanks in advance.