What is a good mid level Mountain Bike?

Whats the best entry to mid level full suspension mountain bike for around 1500 bucks?

• I am looking at getting back into mountain biking after 3-4 years of being off. First bike was a gary fisher sugar 4. 2nd bike was a Giant nrs xtc. Right now I am looking at 3 bikes a used gary fisher hifi, a new Santa Cruz Superlight (entry level 1500) and I got a deal on a Trek Fuel ex 8 that was a left over 2010. Its new and the owner of the bike shop said he can sell it to me for 1800.. Thats alittle over what I want to spend and the trek is only 1lb lighter than the santa cruz. I know there are other bikes out there and want to get some opinions on what I should get. My goal is to get a bike where I can build over time and end up with something that has all xtr on it. So I guess the Frame is the most important thing that I need to look at. The most important thing to me is the weight of the bike, I am looking to get something that I can make into a 23-24 lb bike in the end if not lighter..

• Answer:

  $1500 is quite a bit big to waste MIKE- you have to check the full suspension bikes at adrenalinebikes.com-brands like KHS,BMC,Mongoose,Haro have gnarly dualies you may find eye candies! Also find time to read the reviews in mbaction.com,declinemagazine.com and bikemag.com---