na na na...na na...SHOPPING...repeat...shopping...shopping!
WOO!

I recommend test riding. Bikes handle differently. Make sure they don't have to do TOO much drastic things to make the bike fit (like put in a super long seat post - that happened to a friend of mine)

...make sure you have clothes to match (hahaha!)

I have the Trek Fuel WSD from 2001, although now it is "pimped up" thanks to hubby

I bought the Big Sur GS (Gary Fisher) a year or so back.

I like the hard tail for its simplicity, i find i ride better on hard tail. I tend to get a little "lazy" with the full suspension. that's just me. I like the full for long rides though, it does spare the back.

When you choose your bike, think about the type of riding you plan on doing - lots of climbing? technical? so you want to think about suspension travel and weight as well.

Then there are wheel options - ie regular or tubeless. I like the concept of tubeless - BUT if you do have to put a tube in, its SO HARD to get the tires off the rim. And the likely hood of damaging a tubeless rim increases with the level of technical terrain it seems. I know some people have had really good luck with it. So i guess its a matter of choice.

Have fun shopping!

Hannah