Lot has changed in bikes since your last one. Lots of major players that used to have good bikes have sold out and gone main stream, like Mongoose. They sale those now at like target and wall-mart and places. And they went way down in quality to meet the lower price needs.

Giant is still really good though. I would go to the book store and look though a couple of bike mags. like Mountain Biker, or look on their web site, for review of some of the bikes in your $$$ range. And then ride them before buying.

Before I bought mine, I was all about Cannondale, cause they are supposed to be really good bikes, get good reviews etc. But I rode a few, and it just felt weird and didn't fit right. Tried a Gary Fisher, and it felt better, and finally tried a Mongoose (this was when they still had good bikes) and it felt much better. Don't know what it was. But a good bike shop will let you ride as much as you want on a test bike before you buy.

Also, since you say you are going mostly on hard pack, you might want to check out tires like these:
http://www.biketiresdirect.com/produ...&tn=0&ssn=5160


Lot of different ones like that, just showing that it is like a hybrid, so you have kind of slick for street, but knobby on the side when you need it. Supposed to help cut down on friction or something and make street riding much better/easier.
I have always meant to try some, but had a friend that loved them and was all he used. And he used his bike more than his car, riding to work, the store, etc., so he knew his tires.

Also, try to buy from a place that offers free tune-ups. That way, you can keep you bike in shape till you learn all the fine tuning stuff.
And if your bike doesn't come with it, buy some bar ends. I love mine once I started using them. When riding on street, it lets you sit up straiter and more comfortable.