re: Mtn Bike Suggestions Needed-$1k Budget

Check out craigslist. I got a Giant XTC Advanced 29r for $1000. That's a full carbon frame hard tail. That's like a $3000+ bike brand new. Owned by a bike shop mechanic. He built the bike up with a replacement frame he got, so it was a brand new frame. Can easily find bikes in the sub $1k range, and if you really want quality stuff, do your research and just wait. Good deals pop up (I've bought and sold several).