bike advice

[urban.one]

Im at the start of a search for a new mountain bike and looking for some input.
Background... used to mountain bike a lot up until 5 or 6 years ago when I got back into road biking. When I mountain bikes, i had mostly fs cross country rigs. Id like to get back into mountain biking. Stuff has changed a lot in the years Ive been away from the sport.

I guess Im looking for an all mountain bike. Dont want a full out DH and dont want a cross country.

Any advice on specific bikes you like? Stuff thats a "must have" and things that are "must avoid"?

I think Im looking for something likes: http://www.bikes.com/main+en+01_102+...TID=1&SCATID=4
Ive seen it on sale for about $2400 locally in Calgary and a shop in BC has an online ad for $1999.

Bow Cycle also has 09 Norco Six Twos for $2300 or so.
http://www.norco.com/archives/2009/?id=48a31c9500c1b

Id appreciate specific comments on components, suspension, wheels, etc.

[98type_r]

The slayer sxc is a great choice, i've had one for 3 years now and I love it.
My one and only complaint is that it's a tad heavy for long climbs, but it's truly an all purpose bike. I've ridden my for epic 5 hour xc rides, 24 hours of adrenaline, and even downhill at COP.

[Mitsu3000gt]

If you're looking for a free ride bike that can handle anything, including the really big hits, Giant Reign X1 or X2, I don't think there is a better value bike in that category. Giant has pretty much the best rear suspension design in the business as well.

If you want something very capable but with a little more XC capability, look into the Reign 1 or 2 or Trance X1 or X2. The Trance is considered all mountain, but is geared towards XC. I ride a Trance X1 for my XC bike and it will stand up to anything except hard core DH.

I think a Reign 1 or Reign 2 would suit you best based on your description and that you don't need it to handle DH. It would be great on the XC trails but wouldn't let you down on the bigger stuff.

All the above bikes are spec'd out incredibly well for the price.

[bjstare]

You could consider the Trek Fuel EX series. My neighbour just picked up the Fuel EX 9.9, but they're double to triple your budget (depending on where you buy and the deals you can get). If you don't need the carbon frame you can get an aluminum Fuel EX 8 for around what you're looking to spend i think. My uncle has the 8. Either way, the Fuel EX series is pretty decent and sounds like another option for you.

[89coupe]

Best Freeride Bike out there IMO, and its Canadian made!

http://www.devinci.com/bikes/browse#3_4_53

I own one as well, and love it!

or the option of an all mountain light free ride.

http://www.devinci.com/bikes/browse#3_19_50