I have the Gary Fisher Genesisters Tassajara - a 2004 model - and I love it. It's a great bike, and has truly met my needs for the past few years as I've learned to mountain bike. I ride it every day to commute on (a less than 2 mile commute) and ride it several times a week on all kinds of terrain, inc. very rocky, and it has held up great. I will probably ride it for a couple more years at least before thinking about a different bike. Every once in a while I wish I had a full suspension, but I have so many great rides on this bike that I can't help but love it. A family member pointed out that in last winter's consumer reports, it was rated the best value xc mtn bike. It's nimble, light enough and responsive, but also quite tough.

Hope this helps!