New MTB

vb4evr

So I think I'm going to be replacing my old MTB (K2 Attack 2.0 that is at least 10 years old and costs me more in maintenance than it is worth. lol).

I am thinking my budget is going to be around 1000 (give or take a couple hundred)

I am fairly new into the cycling world and learning more everyday about all the differing levels of components and what nots.

I will primarily be road biking to work, but will be using my MTB for family rides, and with my brother who does trail riding and some single track so want it to be fairly rugged. My thoughts are on a 29'r hardtail, and have been scoping out some Ghost mountain bikes but just wanted to perhaps get some feedback/opinions.

http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Cycling/GhostBikes/HardTailMountain/PRD~5031-123/ghost-se-2920-bicycle-unisex.jsp
http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Cycling/GhostBikes/HardTailMountain/PRD~5031-125/ghost-se-2970-bicycle-unisex.jsp

Thanks in advance.