I approve this statement. Go to a shop and get fitted then start looking for a used bike. There are some pretty good deals to be had out there. I would look on cragslist, OMBA, CAMBA, or Pinkbike and see what you can find.
There is no ride like the ride of a 29er. I am soo stoked for a full suspension 29er. I have had 2 fishers, i still own 1 of them, sold the HT 29er to get the F/S the other I still have is a freeride bike.
Did it last year. What a ride!! Very tough and mentally challenging.
Here is the bike I have on order for this season. Should see it in early April.
2010 Gary Fisher HiFi Deluxe.
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa72/mckinney16/HiFiDeluxe29.jpg
Stock they were Avid V-brakes. The disk brake and non-disk bikes were exactly the same minus the brakes so it's hard to say which it actually is. Either way the brakes and wheels have been upgraded. The stock wheels were Bontrager Superstocks.
Nice! What is that late 90's early 00's? Somebody obviously did a nice upgrade on the brakes. I can't wait for my new bike in April!
EDIT- Looked it up and its a 2005 which is the first year for the carbon stays. Nice pick up for sure.