this is kinda like a wide open ? like what type of riding will you be doing ? are you a clyde guy ,etc.?
For just riding street, some trails CC you can't go wrong with Trek , Gary Fisher, Kona, Jamis. I myself ride a gary fisher paragon 2009 that I bought off a local dude on craigslist. mainly due to the setup was what I wanted. Now on the flip side, I come from being a flatland, dirt jumper bmx'r. I like pump tracks, going to the local ski places ,and doing slope style riding. more less DH kinda sorta. My ride is set up single speed ,but I have bought and purchased a few things to make it my own. if you get what I am saying.. I just turned 40 ,and I still like to shred, and push that freaking envelope. lol
I didn't like the handlebar setup even though the last guy had high end goods. but I wanted to make it my own. yes I sold his easton monkey bar carbon lite, and stem for a rental duo stem, and fat bar lite carbon bar. clip pedals to platform, etc. But that is me, and may not be you.