I started way back in 93 with a Giant Cadex, great hardtail bike with pretty decent specs for the time. Still have it as a frame, but went to a Mongoose (when they were still a bike shop bike) in 96, think it was the Hill Topper, respeced it to all XT components with a Rockshock Judy, loved that bike and rode it into the dirt, put a new Marzocci (sp) fork on it and sold it to invest in my first FS bike, a 1999 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Pro, respeced to all XTR and still have it to this day. Last year as a gift to myself I bought a 2010 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp, fun bike but haven’t put to many miles on it yet. So I guess what I am saying is buy what you like, they are all good!!! I love my Specialized’s but would consider any of the manufactures listed, though I still dream about owing a Ellsworth Truth, just can’t pony up that much money! 😆