Try as many bikes as you can get your hands on. Jamis, Giant, and Santa Cruz also have some bikes worth looking at--just to name a few. Santa Cruz has just partnered with the woman behind their "Juliana" model (the bike that I have) for a new line of bikes called Juliana.

You guys might consider riding the White Rim Trail in Utah's Canyonlands National Park. There are some tour companies that offer 3 and 4 days supported tours.