look at giants, they are a really good deal and usually have really good component sets, cannondales are nice but pricey, treks are a pretty good deal, gary fishers are nice but can be kinda pricey, gt's are going downhill fast, konas are nice but often a little heavy, haro's can be a little heavy component and frame wise but are a good deal...i dunno i'd say just go test ride a bunch of bike and ride whats comfortable...comfort really matters, but i'd say value wise go with giant or trek...but just go to your local shops cuz you really want to get something that a local shop carries