Decisions!

[limewave]

My dream bike would probably be building up a Gunnar Rock Hound 29er. I like the ride of a steel frame, especially on a HT, but it is still quite responsive.

I honestly don't know a lot about bike components, but I do know that the bikes I've ridden at the shop in my price range don't have an aggressive, racing set up. They "feel" like they are for fitness mountain biking or leisurely riding.

I want a bike with an aggressive geometry. And I want something that has a bit of a custom feel to it and not out-of-the box. But I'm an artist by nature, so I like uniqueness and flare

[Becky]

My dream bike would probably be building up a Gunnar Rock Hound 29er. I like the ride of a steel frame, especially on a HT, but it is still quite responsive.

I honestly don't know a lot about bike components, but I do know that the bikes I've ridden at the shop in my price range don't have an aggressive, racing set up. They "feel" like they are for fitness mountain biking or leisurely riding.

I want a bike with an aggressive geometry. And I want something that has a bit of a custom feel to it and not out-of-the box. But I'm an artist by nature, so I like uniqueness and flare

Ooooo....Rockhound! I like! That would be a bike worth saving for, like Tulip suggested..... You may want to look at Salsa too.

Maybe the thing to do is study the geometry charts of the bikes whose handling you like. From there, you might be able to identify some less expensive options that still have the handling characteristics you prefer.

Is building a frame up an option? Sometimes there's deals to be had on closeout frames, and it allows you to spread the cost out a little.