The new for 2012 Focus Black Forrest 1.0 29er is a great racing bike at a slightly more recreational price. It's spec'd out with a Shimano XT 2x10 drivetrain to provide great performance and weight savings a half the cost of the one-step-up XTR. The Magura brakes do a good job of stopping the bike when the terrain prevents you from going fast (because the rest of the bike isn't going to hold you back) and the Fox fork has all the requisite adjustments in a lightweight cross country package.
Aesthetically there are many thoughtful touches like reed highlights that include cable housing and grip ends to tie in with the frame's paint job. All in all this bike affirms the German stereotype of attention to detail, and if you're looking for a bike brand that's just a little different than most of what's out there on the trails you'd do well with the German Focus. At $2500 this bike compares very favourably with similar cross country racing bikes that easily cost $500 more.