Thinking about a new bike...

[bouncybouncy]

I love my Gunnar Roadie!!! I have been wanting a Rockhound like nothin' else (but I wanted a full suspension that FIT a wee bit more!) BEGGED them to make a custom Rock Tour with 29r wheels but they said I was too short (so I kept my Surly Karate Monkey) I understand their reason but I have my reasons for wanting big wheels.

Gunnar is an awesome ride!!!

[SalsaMTB]

While I know you like the nice lugged steel frames for your road and commuter, I think a FS bike would be best for your off-road bike. You're in CA, right? The riding out there can be pretty crazy, I would def. go FS. It smooths out the trail and will definitely help to build your confidence. A FS bike can have a lot of character. I'm currently riding fully rigid and trust me, the bike knocks you around everywhere....it would be terrible to try and build your confidence off something like that. A hardtail is good, I love mine, but I honestly think a FS bike even in MI is nice, it just beats you up less. Unless you want to build a light racing bike, you should consider FS.

So, MY dream bikes for full suspension are....

Moots Zirkel http://www.moots.com/#/product/bicycles/mtb/zirkel/

Turner Flux http://www.turnerbikes.com/08flux.html (the candy blue color is SWEET!! We've had a couple in our store and people's mouths drop at the beauty of this frame in this color)

[sundial]

Veronica, sorry to hear about your spill and subsequent reluctance to return to your old steed.

The Giant Trance XO has received many favorable reviews. I didn't have the opportunity to test ride on of these babies but I've heard nothing but good things from bike mechanics.