I have a giant xtc 29er hardtail and love it. you could also look at some entry level Niners. in my experience trek always seem liked you paid a little more for the name. but ride as many as you can and buy the one your comfortable on.

 

I have a yeti 575 and love it. The thing rides like a bmx and climbs like a goat.

 

I have bought 3 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR'S on EBAY in the past 3 years. All mint condition and paid $3400 total for $8,300 worth at bike shop prices.

 

I have a Trek Fuel EX 8 and love it!

 

I love my Specialized bikes. I have a All mountain 2010 Enduro comp, and a 2012 Demo 8 1 downhill

 

Yep, Specialized gets me going too

 

I love my Turner 5 Spot I have been mountain biking for 25 years and its the best all mountain bike I have ridden and its made here in Southern California. You can sometimes pick up a used one on EBay or try MTBreview.com
Hope this helps ....

 

My recomendation of a scott spark. Not to expensive but still with good components. ie: hudrallic disc brakes, shimano components, alex wheels. Its also a 29er which is the greatest thing ever

 

There are so many great bike companies out there...I would recommend checking into some of the not as popular companies...a lot of times you get more of the bike for the price because your not paying for a bigger name (ie specialized, trek something like that). Like I as there are a lot of smaller company's who make bikes that are popular with the bike culture but are very mainstream that are bad ass..check out the airborne goblin for example

 

I love my Scott spark comp 29er