old newbie

Ventana X5 should be considered in that all mountain line up. I plan to move into a 29er in early 2006, but I've been very happy with it and the quality and support from Sherwood.

I know a guy in your weight range who races a X5. I know from his records that the X5 can be fast with the right pair of legs (ie - not mine).

[QUOTE='size]Long story short, I've been riding off and on since the late '80's and been on and (mostly) off these boards for the last 6 or 7 yrs., lurking again for the last few months.
Recently got back into riding as much as possible and am looking to upgrade from my 7 yr. old bike.
I'm looking for opinions on travel and suspension design for all the local and out of town stuff as well as the occasional urban trek and out of state jaunt.
South mountain, T100, Pima & Dynamite, Hawes, McDowell, Sedona, Flag, Big Bear, etc.
I'm currently on a 4" faux-bar design and looking to increase travel an inch or two (I like the cush) as well as get some input on the current suspension trends with regard toward climbing and descending our rocky trails (VPP anyone?). This will be my main or only ride and will most likely stay with me for a long while.
Riding style: don't mind the climbs, love the downhills and look for the drops, rocks, etc. Since I have the suspension I want to use it.
Weight: 160ish geared up.
Eyeballing: all mountain types - turner 5 spot & 6 pack, intense 5.5 & 6.6, specialized enduro, santa cruz nomad, maybe throw in the kona coiler.

Any input is appreciated!

Thanks![/QUOTE]
Take a look at Tidus born and bread in AZ. Call scott at South Mountian cycles they can
get Tidus bikes and a 5 spot for you to demo.

The enduro is a time-tested design. Look at the Giant Reign - 6" travel. Trance at 4" and Faith at 8". SMC can hook you up, head over to their shop and they have lots of Reign 3s and Trance 4s to choose from. (3s and 4s are the low end models)