MTB recommendations?

[bcipam]

Up until 2 weekends ago I would have told you to look at a Gary Fisher or Santa Cruz but I just bought myself a 2006 Spec. Stumpjumper FSR and just love the bike. I got the most basic (and thus cheapest) model - but it comes with great components and I can't imagine what I woudl upgrade (other than the seat which I've replaced). The basic bike comes with Avid mechanical disc brakes, a Fox Triad Shock (with lockout and ProPedal), a Fox RLC 120mm fork, XT/LX drivechain and good Mavic wheels - all for a good price. The bike lists for something between $1800 - 2000 and I got it for $1650. Someday I'll probably upgrade to full XT (which I'll pull off my Fisher) and better wheels, and brakes but that's in the future.

The bike is designed for quick all mountain/XC and handles well. The 120mm fork makes downhills a breeze and the Triad shock with lockout makes climbing easy - like I'm riding a hardtail. I bought a "man's" bike - the color is a gorgeous dark red. I did covet the WSD FSR Expert which comes in a beautiful silver and torquoise but couldn't see spending the money to get a color.

PS: If you are set on a lightweight racing bike - then consider the Spec. Stumpjumper Hardtail (which I also own) without disc brakes. For about a $1,000 you get an extremely fast, light, quick handling, capable machine.