Frame sizing
 

I'm in the market for a new MTB, most likely going to be a 29'er. I test rode a 17" Trek/Gary Fisher Paragon 29'er and loved it. I felt like I was riding a giant BMX bike. I have an 09 Rockhopper 26'er that is a 19" frame. I'm 6'0" so that is the recommended size for me. It feels like the Trek is more nimble and more responsive to my input than the Rockhopper. Is that just b/c the Paragon is a $1800 bike vs an $800 Rockhopper? What is the general consensus on riding a bike that is a size smaller than recommended? I ride a 58cm road bike fwiw.